Re: Winterizing question
The reason you service the LU in the fall is that if there's any water in the lube, it would freeze and could break the LU casting. Personally, I just crack the drain plug and sample the lube in the fall. If it's clear lube, no water or "milk", then I let it go. If it isn't, I pull the LU for service over the winter. (My mechanic gives me a deep discount for allowing him to work on it during slow times.) I do the annual in the spring, so the water pump is fresh and hasn't been held with some vanes curled up all winter. Entire engine gets a once over, starting with compression check at that time.
Fogging oil needs to get into the fuel intake, be it carbs or air manifold on a 2 cycle to protect the crank and bearing parts.
If it's stored outdoors, or in a cold place, it's best left uncovered (not wrapped or tarped) so condensation can evaporate on a daily basis. It should be vertical, not tilted up so water doesn't collect in the prop area, freeze, and cause damage.
Some folks take the cowl off and spray WD40 all over everything to limit corrosion from said condensation. Doesn't hurt, but it's messy.
hope it helps
John
