Diesel Winterization for Galveston Bay Vessels: Essential Maintenance for Off-Season Reliability
In Kemah, Clear Lake, and the Galveston Bay region, our “winter” boating season means reduced use, not necessarily freezing temperatures. However, this period of low activity is precisely when your marine diesel engine is most vulnerable to costly internal damage from corrosion, acidic oil, and fuel contamination.
The winter service for diesel vessels at Yes Centers is a critical Preventative Maintenance ritual designed to protect the heart of your boat—the engine—so you can enjoy worry-free cruising into the spring.
Your 4-Point Diesel Winter Service Checklist
Our comprehensive winter diesel vessel service focuses on the four key areas that suffer the most damage during lay-up or long periods of rest:
1. Oil & Filter Change (Neutralize the Acids)
Used engine oil contains corrosive acids and contaminants that are by-products of combustion. Leaving this dirty oil in the crankcase over the winter will pit bearings and other vital metal surfaces.
Our Service: We run the engine to warm the oil (allowing contaminants to drain fully), then completely replace the engine oil and the oil filter with fresh, clean lubricants and a new filter element. We also recommend checking or changing the transmission fluid at this time.
2. Fuel System Treatment (The Galveston Bay Priority)
Since our temperatures don’t often drop below freezing, the primary risk is condensation and “Diesel Bug”—microbial growth that thrives in the water that collects in the tank.
Our Service: We ensure your fuel tank is topped off (95% full) to minimize air space and condensation. We then add a high-quality, dual-phased Biocide and Fuel Stabilizer to kill existing microbes and prevent the fuel from oxidizing. We run the engine to circulate this treated fuel through the entire system, protecting the lines and injection components.
3. Cooling System Service (Prevent Corrosion)
Water and salt are the enemies of internal metal components. While freezing is rare, corrosion is a constant threat.
Our Service: For raw water cooled systems, we close the seacock, remove the hose, and run the engine to circulate non-toxic Propylene Glycol Antifreeze (often pink) through the raw water circuit until it exits the exhaust. This displaces all raw water and coats the system with a corrosion inhibitor. We also inspect and remove the raw water pump impeller to prevent it from deforming during storage.
4. General Engine Protection & Inspection
We conclude the service with essential protective measures.
Our Service: We lightly coat the engine exterior, battery terminals, and electrical connections with a protective spray. We loosen drive belts to prevent them from becoming permanently deformed, and we carefully block the air intake and exhaust with treated rags to prevent moisture and pests from entering the engine’s combustion chambers.
Why Choose Yes Centers in Kemah for Your Winter Service?
Protecting your diesel investment requires experience and adherence to ABYC standards. At Yes Centers, we offer the expert Mechanical Repair and maintenance services needed for reliable performance.
