SailNet Community

SailNet Community (
-   Gear & Maintenance (
-   -   Winterizing (

drynoc 11-18-2005 04:17 AM

Is there any reason why I couldn''t use windshield washer fluid to winterize the raw water side of my fresh water cooled Yanmar? It is a lot cheaper, and protects to very low temperatures. I''m in Virginia, where winter temperatures are normally moderate.

TrueBlue 11-18-2005 08:52 AM

Windsheild washer fluid, although cheaper than non-toxic engine antifreeze and having anti-freeze characteristics, will not protect the iron components of the raw water section of your engine from corrosion.

Sailormon6 11-19-2005 08:26 AM

This is my first year owning a diesel, so I used the good stuff to winterize my engine, but a lot of people use RV antifreeze. Is it any better than windshield washer fluid, or does it have the same deficiency?

TrueBlue 11-19-2005 01:35 PM

Good question . . . I would suspect RV/Marine antifreeze to have a lower freeze point than washer fluid and is non-toxic, since it''s developed for use in pressurized onboard water systems . . . not that that matters any with a boat engine. However, all boaters should ensure that whatever is added to fill the engine block over the winter, is non-toxic. Good for the environment &amp; safe for the critters &amp; pets that may consume it.

Aside from that, there dosen''t appear to be any other advantages over washer fluid.

I only use marine engine, non-toxic stuff in my diesel''s raw water section, since it possesses anti-corrosion ingredients. The cost is only a couple dollars more per gallon . . . substitutes are false economy. Using anything else misses the point of adding anything at all. Just completely drain all the sea water if you''re that cheap.


BeneteauMark 11-24-2005 03:35 PM

Besides the other reasons mentioned (corrosion protection, et al), I wouldn''t use windshield washer fluid for another reason. Washer fluid typically contains methanol as its anti-freeze, and methanol deteriorates rubber. I see the potential for problems in hoses, impellers, etc.

Lake St. Clair, MI


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2014, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.1
(c) LLC 2000-2012