Winterizing a 175 - can't drain heat exchanger

[mow2000]

I'm winterizing a Bayliner 175 with closed circuit cooling. The Mercruiser manual says to drain the heat exchanger but I can't access the drain without completely removing it. I'm thinking I'll need to fill the raw water portion with RV antifreeze via one of the hoses. Sorry if this topic has been covered. I couldn't find it via the search and quite a bit of google searching. Thanks.

[6104696]

I have never seen nor heard of a Bayliner 175 with fresh water cooling. Aftermarket? What year? Can you post a pic?

[mow2000]

That's interesting. It's a 2008. I think the heat exchanger, etc. is standard Mercruiser components. Maybe it was added by the dealer. The heat exchanger is beneath the rear starboard seat and I can't get to the drain or lift it out far enough to get to the drain.

[Nauti_Mike]

What engine do you have? Merc 3.0?

Definitely not standard nor OEM as it would be mounted on the engine if OEM.

[mow2000]

It's a mercruiser 3.0. I thought this would be a common problem but guess not if I've got the only one! Will try to flush it with rv antifreeze.

[Chief_Alen]

Never saw a 3.0l engine with a heat exchanger, except for a power steering cooler.

That being said you can try to ( Backwash it ) .

[Mocoondo]

Photo needed. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a 175 with closed cooling.

[mow2000]

Turns out to be a non-event. I removed the hose from the exhaust manifold and poured marine antifreeze through the exchanger until it dripped out the outdrive intake. Should be good to go. Thanks for the insight. It didn't occur to me that this might not be a standard setup.