I just got a new 2x4 Mason XL this season. My shutdown plan (tentatively) is going to be to flood down the pan maybe an extra 1-2" and let that boil. Then once the boiling has pretty much stopped ill drain and immidately fill my preheater with water. The next time i start up, first step will be to establish the proper level in the evaporator (by draining sap side of pan), add the drain off back to the preheater, top off the preheater with raw sap and start the fire.

Well see how it goes i guess but thats the direction im headed in.