Do I need to do more for winterizing?

[nokiddin]

I have a 1985 Mercury 90 hp outboard. This is my first time winterizing an outboard, so need some advice.

I ran the engine with stabilized fuel (long enough to get the fuel throughout the engine) and then disconnected the lines and ran it until the engine stalled.

I put the engine vertical and drained the gearcase.

Is there anything else I need to do? Especially concerning draining any other water from the outboard? Or will it all drain out in vertical?

The boat will be stored for about 4-5 months in freezing temps.

Thanks

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Do I need to do more for winterizing?

Remove the drain screw on the carb bowl and reinstall when the bowl is empty. Remove the plugs and shoot a little fogging oil into each cylinder and re-install the plugs, also a little into the carb. Put some fresh grease into all the zerk fittings (steering etc.) DON'T FORGET THE TRAILER. There's probably some water in those bearings. Check them and re-grease.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Do I need to do more for winterizing?

I'm from a different school of thought on the fuel issue. I have ALWAYS treated the fuel with stabilizer then ran the engine for an extended time to get the mix into the carbs and then spray fogging oil into the carb(s) at a fast idle until the engine dies. I leave the fuel IN the carbs all winter, typically 6-7 months and have never had a problem come spring time.

You'll get arguments both ways.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Do I need to do more for winterizing?

Stabilize the fuel.

I fogg 'em with 2 cans at once, heavy enough that it bogs and dies, then I KNOW the bearings and cyl's are well coated with oil.

Drain carbs just in case the owner doesn't get it out early next year.

Change plugs so I know they won't have any problems next year.

Change gearcase oil, grease fittings and steering cable, clean and grease prop shaft.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Do I need to do more for winterizing?

I am with Moody and Charlie. Run her with the stabilized fuel. Fog her thru the carbs until she stalls. I never drain the carbs, but it won't hurt. New gearoil, grease the fittings and clean and lube steering rod. Maybe spray block with corrosion inhibitor. Disconnect and charge battery.

I do not run multi cylinder motors out of fuel.