How do I winterise the engine on an Albin Vega 27?
I've just bought a 1974 Albin Vega 27 and this will be my first winter with her on the hard. She has an inboard diesel, and I want to make sure I don't end up with a cracked block or fuel issues by spring. What is the exact process for putting the engine to bed for the winter?
Answer
The best way to winterise the engine on an Albin Vega 27 is to change the oil while warm, stabilise the fuel, and flush the raw water cooling circuit with a 50/50 mix of marine antifreeze. Because Vegas often still have the original raw water cooled Volvo Penta MD6A or a modern Beta replacement, you must tailor the cooling flush to your specific setup to prevent cracked blocks.
Identify the Cooling System
Albin Vegas originally shipped with Albin petrol engines, but most now run either the factory upgraded Volvo Penta MD6A or MD7A diesels, or a modern repower like a Beta 14 or Yanmar 1GM10. You need to know if your engine is raw water cooled (sea water cools the engine block directly) or fresh water cooled (it has a heat exchanger and internal coolant).
- Raw water cooled: The entire engine block must be flushed with antifreeze.
- Fresh water cooled: You only flush the raw water side (the heat exchanger and exhaust), but you must test the internal coolant mixture with a hydrometer to ensure it protects down to at least minus 20°C.
Change the Engine Oil
Old oil contains acidic combustion by-products that will pit your engine bearings over winter. Start the engine and run it under load or at a fast idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. Always ventilate the cabin when running the engine to warm up the oil. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up below decks.
Use a vacuum extractor, like a Pela pump (around £45), down the dipstick tube to suck out the warm oil. Remove the old oil filter. Wipe the mating surface clean and smear a little fresh oil on the rubber O-ring of the new filter. Tighten it by hand until it seats, then give it another half turn. Refill the sump with a quality marine mineral oil. Older Volvos and Betas typically take 15W40, requiring between 2.5 and 3.5 litres depending on the exact model.
Protect the Fuel System
Condensation forms on the inside of partially empty fuel tanks during temperature swings. This drops water into the diesel and breeds diesel bug.
- Fill the diesel tank to about 95% capacity to minimise the air gap.
- Add a proven biocide treatment like Marine 16 or Grotamar 71 at the recommended maintenance dose.
- Drain the water trap on your primary filter. If your Vega uses a standard CAV Delphi 296 element (about £5), replace it now and bleed the fuel system so the engine is ready to fire immediately in the spring. When tightening the 11mm top bolt on a CAV filter, do not overtighten it or you will warp the alloy housing and cause an air leak.