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Water freezing ?

Discussion in 'Engines' started by SplashFl, Feb 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM.

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  1. SplashFl, Feb 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM
    #1
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Location:
    S. Florida _ Bertram 46
    Sure is cold out. Should there be concern for engine or fresh water freezing damage here in South Florida or will the higher temperature canal water keep the ER from getting too cold this evening ? Recently had main engines flushed and filled but no antifreeze.
  2. Pascal, Feb 1, 2026 at 2:40 PM
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It’s not going to be cold enough long enough to worry about it.
    SplashFl likes this.
  3. Capt Ralph, Feb 1, 2026 at 5:38 PM
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Just finished checking everything out around our home and dock.
    Just one casualty, the wet bar faucet on out Bertram froze and launched.
    Thank goodness for the HeadHunter water pump and built in tachometer that shut itself off.

    Less wind but just as cold (& long) as last night.

    IMO, your engines will be fine.
  4. Capt Ralph, Feb 1, 2026 at 5:45 PM
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Antifreeze does much more that freeze and boil over protection.
    Rust prevention, seal-gasket preservative, cavitation reducer and water pump lubricant.

    It is still water that transfers heat better, so I mix 30-40% PowerCool to 60-70% water when I re-charge my cooling systems.
    Rinse your system and get some PowerCool in there soon.
  5. SplashFl, Feb 1, 2026 at 8:30 PM
    #5
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    The mechanic used some expensive MTU stuff. The label on the jugs talked about rust prevention etc. but nothing about freeze prevention. Appears you've got it colder up your way.
  6. Capt Ralph, Feb 1, 2026 at 9:39 PM
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Per some MTU notes;

    MTU Coolant CS100 is a high-performance coolant specifically engineered for MTU engines. It
    is suitable for industrial engines, generator sets, marine power systems, etc. It prevents
    engine overheating in cooling systems while offering multiple protections against corrosion, scaling,
    and freezing. Part number X00057233 is its official standard identification code, ensuring
    product compatibility and authenticity traceability
  7. Norseman, Feb 2, 2026 at 4:12 AM
    #7
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Location:
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    We were down to 23 F (-5 C) here in Palm Coast.
    Boat is stored inside with a full water tank, I left it alone and expect no damage.
    The well pump at my house however got the royal treatment with plumbing wrapped in towels and a heating blanket over the metal pump. (It has a check valve, water does not drain back in the well.)
    Great idea, then we lost power when it was at the coldest and blowing 26 knots from NW, right at the pump and the plumbing.
    Fortunately the emergency generator was in a good mood and cranked up then powered the house.
    No damage but had to throw some towels over the pool pump before the generator took over.
    Coldest temps in 10 years here in Palm Coast, hoping for another 10 years until next time.:confused: