Many owners rely on their boat yards to winterize their engines or generators
for them, while some owners prefer to accomplish this task themselves. Below is
a checklist of items to be performed on your engine or your generator for winter
lay-up.
Fresh Water Cooling System
The use of a 50-50 solution of antifreeze and fresh water is recommended for
use in the fresh water cooling system year round. This solution may require
a higher concentration of antifreeze, depending on the area's winter climate.
This solution should be checked to insure proper freeze protection.
Should more antifreeze be needed, drain an appropriate amount from the engine
block and add a more concentrated mixture. Operate the engine to insure complete
circulation throughout the system. Recheck.
Lubrication System
With the engine warm, drain ALL the lubricating oil from the oil sump. Remove
and replace the oil filter; place some paper towels and a plastic bag around
the filter to catch the oil while removing it.
When installing the new oil filter, be sure to apply a small amount of oil
on the sealing "O" ring at the base of the filter. Fill the sump with
the correct amount of oil for your engine model (Ref: Operator's Manual or Technical
Manual). Use an oil with an A.P.I. Spec. CC. Run the engine and check for proper
oil pressure and insure that there are no leaks.
Do not leave old engine lubricating oil in the sump over the winter lay-up
period. Lubricating oil and combustion deposits combine to produce harmful chemicals
which can reduce the life of internal engine parts.
Transmission
Drain the lubricant from your transmission and/or V-Drive. Refill with the proper
lubricant to the full mark on the transmission dipstick. Run the engine and
shift the transmission into forward and reverse one/two times. Stop the engine
and check the transmission oil level; add lubricant as needed. Check for leaks.
Fuel System
Top off your fuel tanks with #2 diesel fuel. Fuel additives should be added
at this time to control algae and condition the fuel. Care should be taken that
additives used are compatible with primary filter/separator used in the system.
Change the element in your primary fuel filter/separator if it contains one,
and/or clean the separator sediment bowl.
Change the fuel filter elements on the engine and bleed the fuel system, as
needed. Start the engine and allow it to run for 5 - 10 minutes to insure that
no air is left in the fuel system and check for any leaks that may have been
created in the fuel system during this servicing, and correct as needed.
Sea Water Circuit
Close the thru hull seacock. Remove the raw water intake hose from the sea cock.
Place the end of this hose into a 5-gallon bucket of clean fresh water. Before
starting the engine, check the zinc pencil found in the primary heat exchanger
on the engine and clean or replace it, if required. Clean your sea strainer,
if one is installed in the inside of the hull.
Start the engine and allow the raw water pump to draw the fresh water through
the system. When the bucket empties, stop the engine and refill the bucket with
an antifreeze solution slightly stronger than needed for winter freeze protection
in your area.
Start the engine and allow all of this mixture to be drawn through the raw
water system. Once the bucket empties, stop the engine. This anti-freeze mixture
should protect your raw water circuit from freezing during winter lay-up, as
well as providing corrosion protection.
Remove the impeller from your raw water pump (some antifreeze mixture will
accompany it, so catch it in a bucket). Examine the impeller. Acquire a replacement
if needed and a cover gasket. Do not replace the impeller back into the pump
until the Spring commissioning.
Intake Manifold
With a clean cloth lightly soaked in oil, place it in the opening of the intake
manifold so as to block it closed. DO NOT shove the cloth out of sight into
the intake manifold. If you cannot see it next Spring, and you attempt to start
your engine, you may need the assistance of a servicing dealer. Take a note
to remove this cloth prior to start-up. The exhaust through hull can be closed
in this same manner.
Propeller Shaft Coupling
Disconnect the propeller shaft coupling from the transmission. (If the boat
remains in the water during winter storage, this need not be done).
This is a good time to check the security of the coupling to the propeller shaft.
Insure also that the coupling set screws are tight and wired so as not to loosen.
The engine alignment to the propeller shaft should be checked in the Spring
when the boat is placed back in the water, and the mast stepped, and the rigging
tuned.
Controls and Linkage
Check the security of control connections to the engine and transmission. Lubricate
these controls and insure that they move freely. Engines with pull-type shut-off
levers should be left in the "RUN" position during winter storage.
Starter Motor
Lubrication and cleaning of the starter drive pinion is advisable ii access
to the starter permits its easy removal. Insure that the battery connections
are shut off before attempting to remove the starter. Take care to properly
replace any electrical connections removed from the starter.
Injectors
You may have noticed in your Westerbeke Technical manuals, that they call for
removing the injectors from the cylinder head and squirting some light lube
oil down the injector hole into the cylinders.
This is not necessary for the few months the engine is laid up for the winter.
However, if you anticipate a longer lay- up period (12 months +), please follow
through with this procedure. It will prevent the adhering of the piston rings
to the cylinder walls. Insure that you have the proper hardware to replace the
sealing washers for the injectors and return line connections.
Spares
This is a good time to look over your engine and see if external items such
as belts or hoses may need replacing, come Spring commissioning. Check over
your basic spares kit and order items not on hand, or replace those items used
during the winter lay-up, such as filters and zincs.
Batteries
If batteries are to be left on board during the winter storage period, insure
that they are in a state of full charge and will remain that way, to prevent
them from freezing. If not, it would be wise to remove them.
By following these few steps, you should afford your engine protection over
the winter lay-up. This will also help familiarize you with the maintenance
needs of your engine.
If you have any questions regarding winter lay-up, call your local servicing
dealer; he will be more than willing to try and answer any of your questions.