AC Antifreeze

[SgtAlf]

What's the best way to flush out the antifreeze from the AC unit? I was thinking to just wait until I'm in the water and running the AC. Any harm in doing this?
Thanks

 

[KennyMarrs]

You're exactly right. You can simply run the unit and that will flush out the system without harming the environment.

 

[SgtAlf]

Thanks Ken.

 

[BB marine]

This is a question that is asked at many marinas and the answer is avoided. Many department of natural resources have requirements. This is from dnr.illinios.gov.

Spring Start-Up: Antifreeze Collection & Disposal
Antifreeze can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life, especially when multiple boats flush their engines and holding tanks close to fish spawning grounds. Even the less toxic propylene glycol can cause fish kills. Waste antifreeze can also contain heavy metals or fuel from engines that classify it as hazardous waste.

This label is on most bottles of Non toxic propylene glycol or manufactures web sites.

Even though Pure Oceans propylene glycol antifreeze is non-toxic, best practice dictates that you not discharge it on to land, into storm drains or directly into the water. After use, dispose of used antifreeze in a manner consistent with federal, state and local regulations.

As Kenny Marrs states,

You're exactly right. You can simply run the unit and that will flush out the system without harming the environment.

This question most marine facilities do not answer honestly.(do as I say but not as I do) Most do exactly what Kenny stated.

30 years ago ethylene glycol was used to winterize boats and marine facilities ran that into our waterways. 40 years ago marine facilities dumped waste oil in their parking lots to keep the dust down. We have become much smarter in recent years in regard to our environment. There are some areas in the country that discharge of grey water is prohibited. I realize the little bit of non toxic-antifreeze in your air unit is not going to hurt but add that to all the air units, engines, freshwater systems. I'm being a hypocrite because I'm guilty of all but getting wiser in my younger years :shock: .

 

[SgtAlf]

This takes us back to my original question, what’s the best way to flush it out??

 

[BB marine]

Remove the hose from discharge of the pump. Place a bucket to catch antifreeze at discharge thru hull side of the boat. Use air pressure to blow hoses, coil clear of antifreeze. Place the bucket under the thru hull( bottom), and a rag under pump discharge fitting, open seacock, remove the lid off the sea stainer, pour fresh water into the sea strainer, this should flush antifreeze. Water and residual antifreeze will drain out of thru hull and some may drain from pump discharge fitting. Close seacock, reinstall hose on to pump fitting. Fill strainer with water. This will help prime the pump when you put the boat in the water. Open seacock before turning air unit on in the water, confirm pumping, inspect all hose connections.