Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

[jackstar]

Everyone,

I live in central Michigan and still haven't put the boat away as I still fish some local rivers into December if the weather permits. I will have the boat out again as soon as the water opens up, so likely about a four moth layoff over winter.

Last season I winterized the motor and it took a bit to get it to fire up this spring but then worked great. I have been running the Mercury fuel additive at high levels in my fuel all season and it is still in the tank. The boat is garage-stored but not in a heated garage. It does get cold in there when it's really cold outside.

My question is: do I need to fully winterize the motor as long as a water is drained from lower unit. It's a 1996 motor that ruins like a top, but winterizing is truly a pain and I wonder if it's necessary in my case. Thanks in advance for any insight!

JS

 

[gwukena]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

Yes, you still need to winterize. Fogging coats all internal surfaces with lubricant.

Here's what i do

I have a couple set of plugs, one set is used for everyday running, the other set for fogging. I fog with one set. Drain all old fuel from tank,. When time to start in spring, I remove the plugs I fogged with, crank engine over with starter (make sure ignition disabled) to blow out any residual fogging oil. Install plugs I intend to run with, fill with fresh fuel and fire it up. Makes starting a lot easier after sitting all winter.

I assume it is a two stroke, if it's a four stroke, the above fogging may not apply, not sure, I'm not familiar with four stroke storage.

Hope this helps
Gary

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

Stored inside for four months does not require fogging an engine. Draining the lower unit to ensure there is no water in it is all that's necessary. Use of a fuel additive is fine. Fogging is way overdone and totally unnecessary for short term storage (yes - four months is short term storage). If that was a requirement, up here in the tundra there would be a gosh awful number of engines (collector car, boat, snowmobile, weed whacker, chain saw and a host of others that would be siezed up).

 

[gwukena]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

The only collector car i ever saw living in the "tundra" had "Hot Wheels" stamped on the bottom, and the garage was a tarp. Humidity level 15% at best in the winter. Tend to disagree with your suggestions

 

[Laddies]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

If the engine is not fogged you risk damage to the bores and crankshaft, anytime someone tells you it does not need to be winterized ask if the engine is damaged will they pay for the repairs.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

You are in Canada -- your layup period is likely much longer than 4-months. Fogging is ok -- it won't hurt. At four months this is not an issue -- especially inside storage. You suggest folks in Canada are not classic and vintage car collectors? I think you are very wrong as many collectors from Canada show up with some very fine vehicles at the Back to Fifties gathering at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds each summer. I would also bet that those Canadian collectors like us Yanks do not fog their engines during winter layup. If it makes one feel better then do it for your outboard. But I suggest you check the service manual for your EFI/DFI engine to see if it is recommended to avoid damage to injectors and sensors.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

Fogging a motor is not that difficult, cost is low enough, and does not take that much time.

Humidity in an indoor climate, especially a heated space, will be far higher than frigid air, the possibility of moisture attacking cyl walls may be well worth the little time and trouble to go ahead and fog any motor left unused for even a couple of months.

 

[gwukena]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

You are in Canada -- your layup period is likely much longer than 4-months. Fogging is ok -- it won't hurt. At four months this is not an issue -- especially inside storage. You suggest folks in Canada are not classic and vintage car collectors? I think you are very wrong as many collectors from Canada show up with some very fine vehicles at the Back to Fifties gathering at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds each summer. I would also bet that those Canadian collectors like us Yanks do not fog their engines during winter layup. If it makes one feel better then do it for your outboard. But I suggest you check the service manual for your EFI/DFI engine to see if it is recommended to avoid damage to injectors and sensors.

LMFAO at response. We can agree to disagree. Seems to be getting off topic from original answer. Charlie B seems to be the best advice in this post. I'll go back to my igloo and get the dog sled ready for the kids to go to school tomorrow LOL.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Do I need to Winterize--40 horse Merc elpto?

Here's the issue.....Condensation. If the temp and dew point rise occasionally faster than a cold metal engine warms up, moisture will condense on all surfaces. Those that are critical (cylinders, bearings) had better have a pretty good coat on to protect them. That's what fogging is for.

Here in the Southern Tundra (MN) that occurs, so I fog it.