Winterizing a Gen V 525 SC
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Winterizing a Gen V 525 SC
This is my first time winterizing this boat and I'm puzzled. I had both engines warmed up using the garden hose with an adapter that ties into a Y pipe at the back of the freshwater pumps. No issues and water exiting the exhaust tips as expected. I disconnected the freshwater source and using a 6' section of garden hose attached to the same port tried to suck antifreeze from a 5 gallon bucket. I was working alone and unaware no fluid was passing out the exhaust tips and the temperature came up to about 170 and I fried the impeller before shutting it down. The impeller only had about three hours on it. Am I wrong in assuming that the water pump can create suction? Or does it require pressure in order to circulate?
EDIT: I think I figured it out but I'm interested in any comments except those telling me I'm a dumba$$. I need to close the raw water intake valves.
EDIT: I think I figured it out but I'm interested in any comments except those telling me I'm a dumba$$. I need to close the raw water intake valves.
Last edited by Thunderous; 12-02-2017 at 04:53 PM.
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Needs pressure to get to sea water pump. I use a bilge pump in a bucket to get water to the pump. Gravity feed will not work and distroy impeller.
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This is exactly why I edited my post after scratching my head about it. Reason it's working on the garden hose is because the water pressure is overpowering the volume of the impeller. Once I remove the pressure by using the hose in the bucket of antifreeze the impeller begins sucking air from the raw water inlet.
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bucket has to be higher than pump and it will absolutely suck a 5 faster than you'd believe
maybe you'll be lucky if there was no water / fluid in the pump the pieces won't be jammed upstream in the coolers
maybe you'll be lucky if there was no water / fluid in the pump the pieces won't be jammed upstream in the coolers
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Bucket was in the cockpit and was higher than the pump. I've changed the impeller and have accounted for all the pieces. Now I need for someone to confirm that the cause was not having the raw water inlet valves closed, letting them suck air.
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you are correct. I've done this many times. It don't take but a second to see your antifreeze level dropping. Sounds like you have this figured out. Good luck
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Apparently the raw water pickups are in my Bravo nose cones, so no raw water pickup or valve close. I am baffled at how the water pump will draw water at idle sitting in the lake but not draw water from the aux hose water port out of a bucket. The aux port is plumbed into a inlet "Y" at the back of the water pump. Boat is a Formula 353c any ideas?
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Any pump will draw air easier than water. The garden hose works because the pressure being fed. Use a bilge pump or freshwater pump to feed the antifreeze and you will be fine.