How long to let 6CTA sit before running it?

[dnord2]

I usually go check on my boat every 2 weeks in the winter, sometimes 3 or more. Is it better for the motors to run them idle them up to temp every month, or just let them sit for extended periods.

Thanks.

I’m in Seattle, so its from 30-50 degrees in the winter.

Topic

[firehoser75]

Steve,
I have a Wolverine pan heater on my engine and just leave it on all the time with the ER vents closed over with foam. This keeps the engine and entire ER quite warm and dry. It uses so little power and works better on all the time so no timer is needed.
Works for me.
Tom

[stevenagodfrey]

I recently installed wolverine 250 watt on a pair of 6cta’s. Boat is in water in myrtle beach. Temps in winter have lows in high 30’s. Should I just run the heater all the time or try and target an engine room by putting block heaters on a timer ?

[Rob Schepis]

If she’s in the water and you have the opportunity to get her out of the slip monthly I would recommend that. And not letting her sit in the slip for extended periods can avoid the issues of stagnant oxygen depleted water corroding the underwater stainless hardware. But even if you get her out of the slip once a month, what about the other 29 days, are you doing anything to keep the engine room environment better than ambient?

[dnord2]

Thanks Rob… I guess what I mean is, is it worth it to leave the dock once a month to run some heat through it. Or does it not really matter if it sits for 1 month or 3 months.

[Rob Schepis]

dnord2 wrote:

….idle them up to temp

Is that even possible? I’ve never seen a diesel engine temp gauge move at idle in the slip but I have seen gassers overheat in the slip!

Only two options:
1) Take the boat out for a ride under load periodically
or
2) Use something to keep the engine room warm and dry such as pan heaters or a low wattage space heater / air mover.

[Author]

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