Engine is in garage, do I need to winterize? 1986 Mercruiser 140

[Jimmy H.]

I've been thinking about this lately... I bought this boat in May and it is getting a total restoration. The motor was winterized 3-4 years ago and was never used until this summer. I ran it twice in my driveway to make sure it worked good. http://youtu.be/ObV5_hrJWnY
After I drained all the water from all three drains and that's it. I wont be running it again until March and then plan on a tune up, plugs, fluids, hoses, filters, etc...
Do you think it is fine leaving it like that? We have a gas furnace in the garage so it wont go below freezing in there.

Thanks,

Jimmy

 

[generator12]

Re: Engine is in garage, do I need to winterize? 1986 Mercruiser 140

As far as "winterizing" goes, you should be fine if the garage doesn't reach freezing temps.

But for a long layup it's good practice to either fog the engine or remove plugs and squirt oil into the cylinders. Prevents rust formation, and that can happen even in a warm garage. Also, charge the battery once every couple of months.

Otherwise, you should be good.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Engine is in garage, do I need to winterize? 1986 Mercruiser 140

If you drained the water from the engine and related hoses, etc . . . then it is winterized. Maybe a little fogging oil would be good for the internals.

 

[Jimmy H.]

Re: Engine is in garage, do I need to winterize? 1986 Mercruiser 140

Thanks guys.
Tpenfield, I wont be running it again so fogging it through the carb while running is out. Should I remove the plugs, spray a bunch down each cylinder and crank it over by hand a few times?
Also would the carb be full of fuel from when I ran it, is there an easy way to drain it out or should I bother?
Thanks again,
James

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Engine is in garage, do I need to winterize? 1986 Mercruiser 140

Should I remove the plugs, spray a bunch down each cylinder and crank it over by hand a few times?

If it make you feel better...but for such short term "storage" it's not necessary. If it were being left out in the elements then I might...never fogged an engine before, and they've all started and ran with no problems after 6-7 months.

Also would the carb be full of fuel from when I ran it, is there an easy way to drain it out or should I bother?
Thanks again,

Yes...unless you starved it.
No...I wouldn't bother draining it.

 

[Jimmy H.]

Re: Engine is in garage, do I need to winterize? 1986 Mercruiser 140

You guys are the best. Thanks so much. Iboats kicks you know what!
James