Winterizing a superjet

[DCRocks]

Ok, so I read through the endless winterizing threads, and now am more confused than when I started.

Have an old squarenose, and need to get it ready for the winter. It will be stored outside in the back yard.

It is a stock 701 w/ a Factory B pipe

I know to fog the carb and cylinder, ensure I dry out the inside of the hull, plug the vents so the critters cant get in and such.

So, here is the problem. The gas tanks is cracked, so there is no gas in the ski.

Is it essentual I run antifreeze (50/50 alum safe) through the engine?

Do I need to find a way to get it running, so I can get the antifreeze through the system?

It has been sitting for several months, so any fuel in the lines/carbs probably has gone bad, but I have no issue with a carb rebuild come spring.

I am just concerned about the engine itself. Will fogging be enough?

[Super Dee]

If the temperature drops below freezing where you live, I would pour some antifreeze through your motor. With my Square nose I pulled the hose exiting the head going to the pipe off. Then I funnelled some antifreeze back through the motor until it came out of the pump. I've never had a problem with the exhaust being damaged from freezing. I've just always blipped the throttle while the engine is running (prior to fogging) to blast as much water out of the exhaust system as possible.

The proper way to do it would be to start the motor and funnel antifreeze into the motor through your flush kit or through the water intake line coming from the pump into the exhaust manifold. This would push the antifreeze through the exhaust better and through the motor at the same time. I don't have a flush kit on mine so I've just always funnelled it backwards from the hose on the head.

After everything is done I prop the hood open a crack to let it breathe easier and also spray the motor down with a silicone lubricant to protect it from moisture over the winter.

As for what type of antifreeze to use, I would use RV antifreeze that is safe for aluminum. It's just a little more environmentally friendly than the typical automotive type.

[SJKny]

fogging is enough really.... a splash of RV antifreeze won't hurt down a couple of cooling lines either. i.e. a top the head and waterbox.... but most likely there isn't enough water in the motor to do damage b/c it's been sitting long enough to evaporate.

If you drain the carb it be good also, but shouldn't be that big of a deal.

[Mike W]

Good reading on winterization:
http://server1.sbtontheweb.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13977

[Frosty]

i've never put antifreeze in my superjet. i just make sure to blow the water out by revving it several time after my last ride.

this is what i do:

fuel stabilizer in the tank in my last ride to ensure it makes it into the carbs

fog the carbs and cylinder

drain the tank

spray a good rust inhibitor throughout the motor compartment

dielectric grease on all wire connections

remove battery

leave hood open a little to allow things to air out well so no condensation occurs over the winter

put my cover on it, and a nice moving blanket over that

never had a problem...