Winterizing a 1987? 9.9hp / 210cc question

I have a 1987? S#0B203140 Sail drive that I got this year, runs pretty well. What I'd like to know is on winterizing this motor...

1: Can I remove the prop and run it in a tank (garbage can) of water since there is no way (that I know of) to hook muffs to it?

2: Is it best to change the lower unit oil now or wait till spring?

3a: When running fuel with sta-bil in it. How much / long do you need to run to get the treated fuel into and through the carb?

3b: Is it better to run the engine out of fuel or leave some treated in the carb / bowl?

I plan on fogging it as well. This will be stored outside in Indiana winters on the boat. Any other tips are also appreciated.

Thanks,
Nik

Re: Winterizing a 1987? 9.9hp / 210cc question

Let me try to clear these up for you.


1: Can I remove the prop and run it in a tank (garbage can) of water since there is no way (that I know of) to hook muffs to it?

Absolutely, a steel barrel if available, works well, and you can leave the prop ON, just don't throttle it in gear, you WILL get wet. I prefer the barrel as spring starting, I want to be SURE that the motor will idle IN GEAR with the prop on, before the motor heads to the water.

2: Is it best to change the lower unit oil now or wait till spring?

ALWAYS change oil in the fall to be sure that no water can be in the gearcase before freezing weather.

3a: When running fuel with sta-bil in it. How much / long do you need to run to get the treated fuel into and through the carb?

5 to 10 minutes is usually plenty of time, a couple minutes less with the prop in gear in a barrel, a couple more just idling without.
DO NOT REV THE MOTOR, either without a prop or in neutral, overspeed can/will damage your motor.

3b: Is it better to run the engine out of fuel or leave some treated in the carb / bowl?

Not all mechanics agree on this one. Personally, I believe you want as much of the fuel and oil out as possible, that leaves less to dry and leave deposits. If there is a fuel drain, use it.

Other believe stabilized fuel is OK for up to 3 months in a carb.

I've clean a LOT of carbs every spring on motors that I didn't winterize.

I plan on fogging it as well. This will be stored outside in Indiana winters on the boat. Any other tips are also appreciated.

How old is that impeller? Change it in the spring if it is over 2 years old. I wouldn't change it now and leave it sit and age before launching it.

New spark plugs never hurts, they are cheap insurance that it starts and runs well.

Re: Winterizing a 1987? 9.9hp / 210cc question

Charlie,

Thans for the info. I was asking about pulling the prop since my motor is a tiller shift and I have no throttle control in neutral, only idle. I was also planning on doing an impeller change. I know the PO's hadn't done one and I am on borrowed time. Also a plug change every spring.... Thanks for the input....

Regards,
Nik