www.iFourWinns.com

I am considering converting my 5.0 in the 248 to Fwc. Has anyone done this. I see there are many kits available. It seems to be better protection all around and the hassle of a total engine winterizeing would be gone.
Thanks
Brian

I don't think you will get away from winterizing with a FWC engine as the exhaust aminfolds, risers and the new heat exchanger still are raw water cooled. The only thing the kit you are considering does is replaces the raw water in the block and intake manifold with coolant.

There are some things to take into consideration. If you have used the boat in saltwater for more than 50 hrs you will need to etch the block if over 100 hrs, FWC will not help and probably harm the engine.

I installed a kit on my 2000 248 Vista after a repower (long block). It's not hard to do but you will need a buddy. It took me two afternoons to complete. The hardest part was the coolant line from the circlating pump to the heat exhanger. I need to find one in the auto parts store and shorten it a touch.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

The boat is a fresh water boat only. I was looking at the 1/2 system only to save time and money on the winterizing of the block. I am a certified auto tech so not to worried about the install part. I hate paying others for working her and I also do not want to have winterize the block every year. (Pain in the a**)
Tahnks for the input

I installed a FWC system (half system) on my boat earlier on this year as well as a heater. I run primarily in salt water so that is the only reason for the install. Check out the link below for more details.

http://www.boatingabc.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/2/1733.html

You will still have to winterize the "raw water" side of the cooling sytem.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Thanks for the input