Almost all winterization instructions begin with draining the block. Installing anti freeze into the cooling system results in an unknown concentration of anti freeze. This method also leaves debris in the cooling system that drains out when starting the winterization by draining.

Core plugs are for removing casting sand during manufacturing. Freeze plugs isn't really the proper name or purpose. Small block Chevys haven't had them for a while.

I know a guy who thought all he had to do to winterize his new boat was put fuel stabilizer in. He replaced his engine with 6 hours on it.

Dealer says needs a new engine and new exhaust manifolds. They said that the manifold had internal freeze damage, but they didn't really comment or elaborate on the cylinder head. It's not a cheap fix. There are a couple of other local mechanics that can do the job. One who I probably trust more than the dealer, but he is so in demand that he can literally pick and choose what he wants to work on. Once I get the written quote in hand, I'll do some shopping.

The dealer provides a Warranty so that will have to factor in as well.

So much for any "fun" money for a while.

The boat is back on the water and running great. I've got about 15 hours on the new engine so far.

It took 6 weeks for the dealer to complete the job and about an $8700 repair bill. They were able to re-use the old exhaust risers so that saved a bit of money, although they had to replace the fuel pump which cancelled out any savings (they showed me the old pump and insulation had melted off wires inside the fuel tank, so they caught a huge issue that I never would have found).

During the process, communication was poor and I had been given completion dates that were wrong twice. When I finally got the boat home and spent some time going over things, I found several small issues that should never have been (wires not reconnected, relays not mounted, a few extra screws/bolts laying around). They sent someone out the next day to correct all the issues i found.

The cherry on all this is that i decided to address an issue I've had with the throttle controls for a while. That cost me an additional $860 in parts. And I've got three locked up/dragging calipers on the trailer which I haven't even begun to diagnose apart from making sure the brake actuator isn't engaged.

Damn these things are expensive. At least we've got a long season in NC to enjoy boating.

Bust
Out
Another
Thousand

$8700?!?! That seems really high! Is it a whole new motor?

quote:

Originally posted by sasquatch28:
$8700?!?! That seems really high! Is it a whole new motor?

Whole new motor, new fuel pump, tune up kit, came out to about 6800 with taxes, the rest was labor. The fuel pump was a big part of that since they have to disassemble the entire back of the boat to get to it.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
Flies, Floats, or Fucks —> Rent it.

Tits, Tires, Transistors and Transoms = Troubles.

.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
Flies, Floats, or Fucks —> Rent it.

OR

Bring
Out
Another
Thousands

If it flies, make someone else rent it pay you to drive it.

Hopefully it will last you without repair for a while.
We went through the boat thing for a while.
We really loved the peaceful feeling boating can give you.
It was work keeping the boat in good shape, not to mention the cost.
We have been boat free for a while now.

Boat=a hole in the water you fill with money.

Yesterday I grounded my prop at speed. Yeah!

Monday its off to the prop shop. At least it didn't ruin the weekend. I didn't have a spare, but I'm going to order one next week. $500 to Delta Prop seems like a bargain against what you've gone through this year. Glad your back up and running.