Freezing water in motor?

[robsd]

Living in Texas(Houston) I don't give the cold weather much thought since we don't get that much. A since this is my first winter with a little boat I gave it even less thought. It hit me this weekend where I keep the boat the temp got in the teens(east Texas). The motor is a Mercury 110 (9.8hp). It looks as if the water will drain back out of the bottom once out of the water. Even past the impeller because I haven't had it in the water for over a month. The hot water discharge comes out of the top of the powerhead so I assume the inlet is in the bottom. I pulled the cover and didn't see any problems.<br /><br />Is this anything to worry about or will the water drain from the powerhead?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Rob

 

[plywoody]

Re: Freezing water in motor?

As long as the motor is in the down position sitting on the back of the boat, you should have no problems

 

[Brew]

Re: Freezing water in motor?

Rob,<br /><br />Really the only issue with freezing temperatures and water in your motor is the lower unit lube. If any water has seeped into the lower unit (ususally via the lube drain/fill holes) and mixed with the lube, it can freeze, expand and create quite a mess.<br /><br />If storing it where freezing temperatures can be expected, change the lower unit lube prior to storage to ensure no water is present.<br /><br />P.S. Your temperature in the "teens" sounds kinda nice. It was about -13 fahrenheit in Calgary this past Saturday.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Brew