Winterizing the outboard

[zippy83]

When should I wintireze my outboard? I keep it stored in my garage all the time and sometimes take it out in winter for some trolling. Any advice?

Thanks
Zipp

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Winterizing the outboard

Outboards don't require much winterizing at all so as long as you keep the fuel stabilized at all times, just keep storing it, so the water drains after every use. I really don't think you need to do a darn thing to an outboard. That's why I own so many of them, I/O's are not winter use friendly.

 

[boobie]

Re: Winterizing the outboard

Just use plenty of fuel stabilizer all the time.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Winterizing the outboard

I'd add that I always do my yearly gear lube change before the weather gets too cold so if by chance I have a bad lower unit seal I'll catch it before there's a chance of water inside the gearcase freezing.

The other big thing is either storing the boat with the engine down or else covering the prop so water can't get in there and freeze. Since your boat lives in a garage that's not going to be much of an issue, but just throwing that out there.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Winterizing the outboard

when people talk about "winterizing" a boat or motor they are generally talking about three different and independent purposes:
1. protection from freezing weather (not an issue with outboards; may be an issue with the hull or througgh-hull pumps)
2. Care due to long-term storage (nothing to do with weather; includes covering the boat and maybe fogging the motor or removing/disconnecting the battery)
3. Annual or semi-annual maintenance (like changing the L/U which can be done any time but this puts you on an annual schedule)

 

[zippy83]

Re: Winterizing the outboard

Sounds good guys,

Thank you for the tips. Where I live the fishing dosent stop year round so having some water trapped in the outboard was always a fear of mine going home (2-3hrs drive) that it will freeze and ruin the motor. I will keep in mind to let it drain for a few minutes before tilting the outboard upwards.

Thanks
Zipp