Winterizing 3pt sprayer

[CharlieS]

After reading this thread I went out and did both my sprayers. When I got thru my older brother called and when I told him what I'd been doing he laughed and said that pure antifreeze would also freeze if not mixed with water. He is a ASE certified mechanic. I just don't believe him. I called my other brother who is a deisel mechanic he don't believe it will freeze either. I know pure AF will not transfer heat as well as mixed but don't think it will freeze. I got $20 buck coming my way if I can prove him wrong. I asked him if he'd ever picked up a jug of frozen antifreeze he said he couldn't remember. It doesn't get that cold in Mississippi so I'd thought I'd ask you guys.

Many years ago an old gentleman I knew told me the same thing, I had my doubts until he proved it. He poured maybe a half inch of pure anti freeze in a small can, and about the same amount of 50/50 mix in another small can and put them in the kitchen freezer. The pure anti freeze froze solid.

 

[plowindeeper]

Now I just hope he don't prove me wrong. I'll owe him $20. Guess i better go redo my sprayers.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Regular antifreeze needs to be mixed with water for ideal freeze protection but the RV antifreeze needs to be straight, if you dilute it it will lose its freeze protection and will just cause you problems with a hard freeze.

 

[scollins]

The Fimco brand sprayers recommend running "RV grade" antifreeze through the sprayer. Not sure how that is different from the regular stuff.

I would say try and pump it dry then do the antifreeze and you should be good.

That is what I do with my Fimco 25 GL sprayer is run the "pink" non-toxic RV anti-freeze through it, after emptying it. I open each valve, recirculating valve, spray bar, and 15' hose. I winterize my fire fighting unit on the 1/2 ton truck, that way, for years. Even with compressed air, one little spot where water settles can bust something. I had to replace a plastic valve and a gauge 2 years ago when an early October freeze busted it up a bit. Hope you have it winterized by now.

SC