How to Winterize a Glastron 4.3-Liter Volvo Penta
- 1). Add a container of fuel stabilizer to your tank. Your last voyage of the year circulates the stabilizer through the motor and fuel system. Scrape any vegetation and wildlife from the bottom of the boat before you leave the boat ramp to avoid transplanting invasive species between bodies of water.
- 2). Start the winterization process by changing the oil, oil filters and fuel filters. Raise or lower the trailer on which the boat rests to ensure the boat is level so the drains for the oil and, eventually, water from the raw-water system, will drain properly.
- 3). Disconnect the seawater suction hose from the drive and place it in a large bucket full of a 50-50 mix of propylene glycol and water. Start the engine. Allow it to run a few minutes, then stop the engine. Reconnect the seawater suction hose to the drive.
- 4). Disconnect the longest hose from the thermostat housing on the front starboard side of the motor. Lower the hose and allow it to drain. Disconnect the largest hose from the water pump, directly below the thermostat housing, to drain water from the water pump. Allow these hoses to remain disconnected.
- 5). Disconnect the reservoir side of the water bypass between the thermostat housing and the fuel reservoir. Blow out the water. Check the check valve for debris that may hold it open and reconnect the water bypass hose.
- 6). Remove the manifold drain plug. On both sides of the engine, remove one of the cylinder block drains to break the vacuum, then unclamp and remove the manifold hoses. Loosen the water pump at its base and allow it to slide back. Remove the hoses from the back of the pump. Bump the motor—do not start it—to force any water out of the pump. Store the manifold plug and hoses.
- 7). Operate the water drain on the bottom of the fuel tank to drain any water from the tank. Fill the tank with fuel and add more fuel stabilizer—1 ounce of stabilizer for each gallon of fuel you add.
- 8). Clean off the batteries: a dusting of baking soda will remove acid buildup on cables, as will a splash of a cola soft drink. Remove the batteries from the boat and charge them—batteries with wet cells, lead acid batteries, should be charged to 14.4 volts and gel cells to 14.2 volts—outside of the boat.
- 9). Clean the outside of the engine: Volvo Penta dealers have original-color repair paint. Spray any visible electrical connection on the boat with a moisture-excluding spray lubricant. Spray the control cables with a rust inhibitor; lubricate the steering shaft bearing; lubricate the drive's u-joint and gimbal with white marine grease; lower the drive in the operating position.
- 10
Pull the cotter pin from the propeller nut with a pair of pliers. Remove the propeller nut, the tabbed washer, the spacer and the propeller. Grease the propeller shaft with white marine grease and store the propeller for the winter.
Source...