F225 Antifreeze?

[MealsOnReels]

Re: 2003 Yamaha F225TXRB

I have read the winterization / storage preparation threads. I have a question regarding antifreeze which is not mentioned.

Must I feed antifreeze through the cooling system using muffs until I am sure the engine has reached operating temperature (thermostat open)? If so, how do I know when the engine has reached operating temp? If no antifreeze is required - how can I be assured that NO water remains in the system with the thermostat closed?

Also I would appreciate any comments on the professional preparation I received last year.

Last year was my first year with my Yamaha F225. To prepare for winter I changed the engine oil, gear case oil, and fuel filters, and I added lots of fuel conditioner to my fuel tank. I greased all fittings and prop shaft. I then had a local authorized dealer complete the winterization, and I watched while he performed his procedure.

First he pulled the fuel line off the engine filter and he attached a 2 gallon fuel tank with what he described as “special” treatment. By “ special” he said his treatment obviates the need for fogging AND treats the fuel. Second he wheeled a big tray under the motor and he attached muffs. The hose attached to the muffs led to a 50 gallon drum of antifreeze positioned above the boat. There was a bilge pump in the tray that pumped the Yamaha-discharged antifreeze back into the 50 gallon drum.

He started the motor and left it at idle for I would guess 15 minutes while the motor circulated antifreeze and “special” fuel treatment. At that point the Yamaha overheat alarm went off and he promptly shut the engine off. He re-attached the fuel line and called it “done”.

I am very uncomfortable with this procedure. I am skeptical re: the “special” fuel treatment. I don’t like running the motor until it overheats. And it is now apparent to me from the forum thread that there is much more to be done (e.g. fogging, draining VST, etc.) to properly prepare for months of winter storage. Your thoughts please.

Thanks in advance.
Robin

[panasonic]

The reason antifreeze is not mentioned in the winterizing of your motor is because it is not required...

When you shut off your engine in the water... all the water in the engine drains out down to the level of the water on the leg. When you haul the boat out and the engine is all the way down the rest of the water will just flow out.

It is a open.. self draining system. I don't know what antifreeze is supposed to be doing.

I know many people over here on the east coast of Canada who use their engines all year long in the coldest conditions...keeping yourself from freezing is the problem...

[rodbolt17]

so far the only engines I winterize with A/F is the V8. they have very small cyl head drains that can and do clog and wont allow the cyl head to drain. when the head cracks it makes a serious expensive mess.

[MealsOnReels]

F225 Antifreeze

Thanks very much for your guidance. I am surprised that no antifreeze is required but I now trust that is the caee. This makes things simpler for me to follow the recommended steps outlined on this Forum to complete my winter prep. I'll need to pickup some muffs for the F225 (brand recommendations)?
Robin

[pstephens46]

Can't help with muff brands. Not sure what I have.
If you have issues with getting water to flow properly with muffs use a second hose on flush port at the same time.

[fairdeal]

The contours at the water pickup area of my F225txrd is impressively engineered -

and nearly impossible for muffs to seal against.

I bought a double-feed rectangular model:

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Flush.../dp/B000MT95RI

nonetheless, I still had to engineer a bungee-and-spacer solution to force the muffs tighter against the LU:



and then I typically put a splitter on the garden hose to simultaneously feed the "on-board flush attachment"

[MealsOnReels]

F225 Antifreeze

Thanks! Your pictures are very helpful - just what I need to select the best muffs and customize.

I recall watching the last service I referenced above using muffs - with antifreeze spraying randomly around the Yammy. Explains why the technician's antifreeze capture sled was at least 6 feet by 6 feet.

I will definitely split the water feed and use both the flush port and the muffs.

Robin