Didn't winterize boat, but drained the block..how do i tell if the boat is ok?

Question

the block was drained and that's it...it's a 4.3 mercruiser...i started it up today and it fired right up and ran smooth...i changed the oil and the gear lube after i warmed it up...how will i know if i damaged the motor by not properly winterizing it?

Answer 1

by using it,that's the only way you,ll know unless you want to start tearing it down and checking things ,id try it,because there's no real way of knowing until its been ran in the water,it should be alright though,i did mine this way and i was sweating bullets until i found out it was ok,i though for sure it would bust the block in it,but it turned out ok,you can have someone look at it for you,but they will probably tell you the same thing,check the oil after you ran it and make sure its not milky,if not is should be alright,be sure and add some fresh gas also,good luck with it.

Answer 2

Just run her and keep an eye on the oil. If it's milky, there is a problem.

If you also drained the exhaust manifolds, you should be good to go. If you didn't, they probably cracked. Internal cracks will let water into the engine through the exhaust valves. External cracks will leak water into the bildge. If they cracked they need replaced.

Answer 3

To make things simple for you, as long as you drained the water from the block there will be NO damage. You changed the oil for which I assume was not milky because you didnt say anything to that effect. So everything is fine. Do not sweat it. Engines will not "ruin" by sitting there unles they sit for very long extended periods then they tend to "dry" up.

Answer 4

Any water in the oil?

Any water coming out of the block or exhaust manifolds?

Did it heat up beyond about 150-160?

Answer yes to any of those and you might, I say might, have a problem.

Answer 5

As long as there is absolutely no water in the block or head during temperatures below zero - if will NOT be damaged.  The expansion that occurs when water freezes is what is causing the damage - not the cold.  If you are sure there was no water left in the engine or anywhere else, odds are you got a way with it.  

Oil will not freeze and thus will not cause any damage - it os when the coolant freezes.  With all the coolant gone - no chance for damage.

Answer 6

check water in oil. Run engine and check for water leaks at block and gskts!