Winterization AC

[Jfrano]

Do I need to run antifreeze through with the AC running and then reverse cycle or will either displace the all the water? I need to run both zones?

Thanks

 

[knotflying]

I have always pumped RV antifreeze through the hull outlet with the sea cock open. Once the fluid exits the intake you are golden. Never has an issue.

 

[Levitation]

On my boat I have cut the AC intake water line near the thru-hull valve (in the port cockpit locker on a 25). I installed a Tee fitting onto the cut ends of the hose (using the straight through section of Tee) then a shut off valve connected to the tee-side opening and a short piece of hose (3 or 4 feet so you can work in the cockpit as opposed to bending down in the hole) and a female hose end. The drill is:
1. Close thru-hull valve
2. Open the Tee fitting valve
3. Hook up water hose and flush out the seawater (AC off)
4. Two choices:
a. Blow the water out and call it good
b. Pour or pump antifreeze through the end of the Tee valve until it dribbles out of the hull discharge

I have done it both a and b at various times and immediately drove North into Zero F. temperatures. Both ways work.

 

[Jfrano]

I like the idea of pumping through the discharge. How many other systems that have a discharge port can be winterized in this manner?

 

[knotflying]

It depends. If the thru hull is for the bilge pump and it has a back flow preventer then pumping in won't work. For the sinks it is just as easy to pour it down the drain. For pumping in I use a hose that fits tightly into the thru hull outlet and have a connection for my antifreeze hand pump.

 

[SLyle01]

If the AC is run to winterize in cold weather, will it even cycle to discharge i.e. antifreeze? Does it discharge in HEAT mode?

 

[rpmerrill]

The water pump operation and water flow is the same for cooling and heating. Only change between heat and cool is the refrigerant circulation in the closed loop.

 

[Jfrano]

Great thanks

 

[Matty]

Good idea levitation...i have been thinking of doing something similar so i can flush saltwater out. I keep my boat on a lift but dont like the idea of saltwater sitting in the a/c or bending over to work seacocks.