How Much Antifreeze

[msballin]

Good Afternoon:

Finally received my bill for winterization (first timer) and was curious if anyone it the community could advise as to how many gallons of antifreeze on average are utilized in winterizing 7.4 horizons. Thanks

Mike

 

[Alex F]

I don't know about 7.4 horizons, but my 5.7 RWC take about 6-7gal (each) until I clearly see pink coming out of the exhaust. But, I put 8 to make sure. Totally I use about 24-26 between all systems including mains, genny, a/c and fresh water.

 

[berth control]

That sounds like quite a bit Alex - but one thing is for sure - antifreze is cheaper than cracked blocks, burst hoses, ruptured heat exchangers....... I would not complain about how much antifreze the yard used unless it us over 25 or 30 gallons.


On my old boat that was raw water cooled I used about 5 gallons on the motor and two for the fresh water (no hot water), on the closed cooling motors I just drain the heat exchangers raw water jacket. I know on some that is not possible though - they need to be flushed.

 

[Alex F]

Eric,

You're right, I don't mind spending extra $4 for a galong of antifreeze to allow myself sleep well over the winter. I'm positive that most places don't do such detailed work as I do, as well as many other knowledgeble boaters. I use pink for everything. Just fresh water (hot/cold) and head winterizing would take around 7-8 galons. Small things like shower pumps, bildge pumps, stern washdown, etc. will use quite a bit of pink. So, in the end it runs to a big number. I'm sure I'm saving tons of $$$ for doing it myself, plus I know exactly that it's done to my satisfaction (no guessing here).

I had good example when very close friend of mine purchased a boat last fall and had the yard winterize it. When we inspecte dthe boat there was only drop or two left when we opened galley faucet. That would be unacceptable to me. I want to make sure I see pink and there's some left in the water tank and holding tank. I understand that a shop has to go throught hundreds of boats and they're trying to do things fast and save some bucks. But, I have only one boat and want 1st class service on it.

 

[Alex F]

Why would you want pink in the water tank? I just drain mine, and undo the outlet hose on the tank. There is nothing in the tank that can be damaged if it is drained, and you don't have to taste anti-freeze in your fresh water.

I like to keep simple things simple. I drain the tank, including heater, put few galons in the tank and winterize all the plumbing without disconnecting a single tube. This is risk free approach on leaving anywater pockets anywhere. Sanitation of the fresh water is very simple and takes almost no time. So, I don't mind to spend extra $15 or so for antifreeze that goes in the tank.

I'm not saying that your method is not good or mine is better. When I had 240DA I hated those plastic quick connect fittings, which will leak if you just touch them. So, using this method worked very nice for 4 years. On 320DA plumbing is much better and connectors at least have threads, but I prefer to do fresh water sanitation than fixing potential leaks. It's just a matter of preference.

 

[berth control]

gotcha, to each his own then.

Well said. I do things a little different than both of you guys, but everyone has their own way. Whatever works and "helps you sleep on the cold nights"

 

[skolbe]

I usually buy 20 gallons.