How to tell if FWC system?

[DonnieSC]

Last year I took my '98 210 to a local mechanic for winterization. My next door neighbor offered to add antifreeze this year since he already has the kit. He has a big twin engine baja and does his every year. We added the pink stuff through the outdrive (he mixed with water, first mistake I think?). But now I'm wondering if I have a closed cooling system that needs antifreeze as well? How can I tell? Very rookie I know. Thanks for the help.

 

[SeaHarley]

I had a 2001, 215EC with a 5.0 L
It was not FWC.
You would look for a heat exchanger.
Follow the Raw water intake line thru the engine.

Normally, you do not mix water with antifreeze (-50) unless it was -100 degrees.

 

[DonnieSC]

Thanks for the info. Looks like mine is not FWC either. Don't see a heat exchanger. I was about to run 5 gals of pink stuff in but found the two blue plugs on the block and drained the water. Now I have a kit and 5 gals of pink stuff. Oh well...could be worse for sure. Thanks again.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

If you don't see a similar round cylinder tank on top, you don't have FWC

 

[DonnieSC]

Great pic illustration. I definitely don't have one. Thanks!

 

[SeaHarley]

........ but found the two blue plugs on the block and drained the water. Now I have a kit and 5 gals of pink stuff. Oh well...could be worse for sure. Thanks again.

Even when you open the blue drain plugs, you should crank it a second or two (but don't start it!) to get the trapped water out of the raw water pump impellar.

 

[SeaHarley]

If you don't see a similar round cylinder tank on top, you don't have FWC

Doug, what is the blue looking hand pump thingie on top of the heat exchanger?
Lee

 

[DonnieSC]

Ok, thanks for the info. The drive is up and it got down to about 25 degrees last night but don't think a hard freeze. Thanks again.

 

[Weave]

Doug, what is the blue looking hand pump thingie on top of the heat exchanger?
Lee

I believe the hand pump is for the draining the cooling system. There is a fitting that allows you to hook up the hand pump and essentially blow out any trapped water once the drains are opened.