Re: How to winterize 50 HP mercury four stroke
Jake, I did not read the entire post by Eric (too long). Outboards are self-draining, so I recommend the following.
Fill the tank with gas and the appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer. Remove the propeller, and either store separately, or grease the prop shaft and reinstall at the end of the winterization process.
Start the motor on the muffs, and run it for 5 minutes or so to flush it. Spray fogging oil into the carb intakes until it smokes a lot or stalls. Turn off the ignition
Remove the muffs and let it drain in a vertical position for 10 minutes.
Drain and refill the engine oil and filter. Drain and refill the gearcase oil.
Spray powerhead with corrosion protection. Pump marine grease into all the grease fittings you can find.
Leave the motor in a vertical position if at all possible Disconnect battery.
I do not belive in putting plastic bags on the LU or powerhead. I think it traps moisture. A canvas or duck cover on the powerhead is good to keep the sun off of it.