Antifreeze or drain oilfields

[RHudson]

Wondering what to do with the oilfield engines as winter approaches. drain and put up dry or add a bunch of antifeeeze. South Virginia, sometimes a week of weather in the teens. i just wonder about all the rusting that takes place when an engine system is drained and exposed to oxygen then refilled with oxygen rich water again in the spring....or am i just looking for something to worry about? Thanks Fellows.

[Elden DuRand]

Originally Posted by RHudson

Wondering what to do with the oilfield engines as winter approaches. drain and put up dry or add a bunch of antifeeeze. South Virginia, sometimes a week of weather in the teens. i just wonder about all the rusting that takes place when an engine system is drained and exposed to oxygen then refilled with oxygen rich water again in the spring....or am i just looking for something to worry about? Thanks Fellows.

I've always used about a 50% mixture of water and anti-freeze in my engines at all times. Just make sure that there are no leaks into the cylinder or crankcase. Even with a small leak, changing the oil more often is preferable to a freeze cracked engine.

Take care - Elden

[ListerDiesel]

Originally Posted by RHudson

Wondering what to do with the oilfield engines as winter approaches. drain and put up dry or add a bunch of antifeeeze. South Virginia, sometimes a week of weather in the teens. i just wonder about all the rusting that takes place when an engine system is drained and exposed to oxygen then refilled with oxygen rich water again in the spring....or am i just looking for something to worry about? Thanks Fellows.

We drained the Ruston & Hornsby last winter, but on balance I'd as soon leave it with an inhibiting antifreeze than drain again. Might want to pop out in the winter and fire it up!

Don't forget that antifreeze finds the smallest cracks to leak through as it has a lower surface tension than plain water, so make sure you haven't any leaks, and check the levels during the winter.

I have all the trolley wheels off at present to sort out something on the roller bearings, so I can't move it yet.

Peter

[Andrew Mackey]

Drain water, install 50-50 mix and run engine until hot. then shut down and let cool. If you want to drain dry, do so, if there are any water pockets, they now will be protected. Some engines have pockets that will not drain, and the water will freeze there. Although not oil feild engines, the 1 1/2,3, and 6 HP F-M engines are prime examples. Water remains under the cylender when the engine is drained, and the water jacket often cracks thru to the crankcase sump under the piston and rod assembly
Andrew

[JBoogie]

i drain my engines after EVERY running, so i prefer to let them sit dry over the winter. anti-freeze in an old engine is to much mess and expense, and since most cooling systems arent totally sealed, the higher boiling of anti-freeze is of little advantage. my 2 c