Fill block with Pink RV antifreeze?? MCX

[tommurtha]

My first time with my new to me 2003 MCX. On my very old boat I filled the block with the pink stuff. From what I'm reading that should not be done on the MCX. Just drain and leave the plugs out. The Indmar manual says nothing about filling and indicates plugs are left out. Correct? Comments ??? I'm in Connecticut and for sure there will be a very deep freeze

[Ski-me]

I just ran it through my LT1 on Sunday. Once I shut it off, I drained everything and then blew out what I could. I've done it now for 3 years without any issues.

[bturner2]

I don't see how the MCX would be any different than the RTP. On my RTP I drain the block and manifolds then use marine specific -100 marine antifreeze from West Marine that has a corrosion inhibitor. Been doing this on my boats for 20 plus years with no issues.

Everyone seems to have their own take on this. I live in Michigan and it gets cold here for long periods. This method has worked for me but others have other processes that seem to work for them.

[Skyskiguy]

Pink RV stuff won't hurt your MCX. I used to dry block the 351 in my ProStar. With the MCX in my X30 I drain all water (including heater core and shower) put everything back together then suck 3 gallons of the pink stuff into it, just to be sure. I also suck a gallon into each ballast tank. I'm not convinced that one way is better than the other. Some say filling with AF helps minimize corrosion that can more easily occur with dry a dry block. For a couple bucks per gallon it is the way I prefer to do it now.

[Ski-me]

I sucked in 6 gallons of Pink RV. I warmed the engine up to operating temp and then ran it through. When I drained, I still got some clear water from knock sensor and heater hose connector so just don't know....I guess the t-stat must of shut the moment I put the Pink in.....

[Wakerider16]

I run mine to warm up the block and then begin draining the oil. While oil is draining I disconnect all my connections and completely drain the block. Put fresh oil and oil filter on. I then suck up 5 gallons of the RV / Marine antifreeze from walmart (rated to -40 or so) and then have my wife make sure that I have pink liquid coming out of the baffles before I kill the engine.

2 Years I have done this never had a problem and this is what my mechanic friend (works on the luxury yachts) has been doing for years at his job. Get a spare gallon for the ballast pumps and anything else you want to use as a just in case.

[CantRepeat]

Green or pink, it doesn't really matter with an MCX. Those guys with the aluminum heads have to worry about it.

It's a very simple job.

Run the motor up to temp, if you are going to change the oil and filter then do so. Once you have done the oil change run it back up to temp. This will make sure the water is to temp and the thermostat is open. If you choose to drain the water that is up to you but I never do and do not think it is necessary. I fill an 8 gallon bucket with 50/50 green and suck it all up.

I use this method to run the boat and put AF in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgkFekf18uI

I do not open any drains after I put AF in the motor.

[tommurtha]

The manual does not indicate antifreeze is added as plugs remain out. In the old boat I just poured 2 gallons down the thermostat hole after removing the thermo of course.

[BAdair]

This is my first winter with our X9 Predator. Here's what I did...

Ran boat up to temp
Sucked up 2 gallons of pink antifreeze
Fogged through TBI and in plug holes
Changed Oil & Filter
Removed impeller
Removed hoses from pumps and transmission cooler
Removed drain plug and knock sensor on the block
Disconnected exhaust manifold connecting hose
Removed thermostat housing and poured pink antifreeze to flush any remaining water
Poured pink antifreeze in the ballast vents and pumped it out using the on-board pumps
Removed both batteries
Pulled the boat with all plugs out 90-minutes to our storage building

Obviously I've elected to go the dry-block route and unless I've missed something there should be no water left anywhere in the boat. My original plan did not include removal of the thermostat housing for winterization, but I wanted to replace the gasket. I was very surprised to find the amount of water present, so that's why I decided to pour the pink in with the plugs out to hopefully flush any remaining water out of the block.

My only real concern now is critters getting in where the cover has to go around the tower. I'm trying the dryer sheet thing. I will certainly take any suggestions if someone sees that I missed something.

[JohnE]

The way my old dealer told me to winterize with regard to antifreeze on an MCX was to drain the manifolds and block after it was up to temp then pour the RV antifreeze in through the J-Hose until it overfills. Takes just under 3 gallons. That's how I always did it.

[bturner2]

^^^^^
That's what I do. Old school but works every time!

[Dynamite Spike]

The way my old dealer told me to winterize with regard to antifreeze on an MCX was to drain the manifolds and block after it was up to temp then pour the RV antifreeze in through the J-Hose until it overfills. Takes just under 3 gallons. That's how I always did it.

Which hose is the J-Hose?

[Footin]

I use the J hose to fill it with anti freeze also.

The J hose runs from the engine water pump up to the thermostat housing.

[Footin]

Here is a picture, I do loosen it at the pump first to drain the water out of the hose. Then reattach to the pump and remove at the thermostat housing to fill the block with about 2 1/2 gallons of the pink stuff.

[CantRepeat]

Should call it the C hose. lol