Freezing temperatures at night, without use for 1 month?

Ki Ki

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
292
So, unfortunately we haven't been able to use our 50 hp outboard Johnson from the 70s the past month. We plan to use it this weekend. However, being in Michigan, we've already had a few nights with frost. Will this harm the engine that it's been so cold at night without being winterized yet?

It's a cold start to begin with, but do we need to do anything special to start it tomorrow? We're going to really let it warm up once started for a while.

We store it with a tarp and in the upright position.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Freezing temperatures at night, without use for 1 month?

You don't really NEED to winterize an outboard. As long as you leave it in the vertical position, all the water drains from it. Fogging it and what not has more to do with an extended layup period than anything to do with temps.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: Freezing temperatures at night, without use for 1 month?

If the lower unit seals have allowed water into the lower unit -- yes, feezing that water can crack the lower unit. If there is no water in the lower unit just leave the engine vertical and it will be fine.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Freezing temperatures at night, without use for 1 month?

You may need to choke it alittle more than normal but other than that nothing special, it will run fine no matter tha outside temp.

I have a top for my boat and go out till the temps are in the 30s with no problems.
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Freezing temperatures at night, without use for 1 month?

we duck hunters run them in below freezing weather with no problems. A little longer to start; the batteries are often the weak spot, and you have to be mindful of things like the lower unit and sometimes frozen gas lines when it gets real cold. Freezing to up to frost, no problem--just don't slip on a frosted deck!
 
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