[616474]

What do you outboard owners do to "de winterize" your engines?

(This post edited by iningolob on 04/15/2003)

 

[MeanBean]

PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! start it up run all the smoke out for a while change plugs, if you have a water separator after about 8-10 hrs change it then check it again after about 20 hrs water impeller should be changed at least once every 2 yrs, i like to do it every year also same for thermostats.

 

[616787]

There is a series of tasks to properly de-winterize your outboard engine, ININGOLOB. Each is important, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you can't find a checklist online, I'm sure one of our outboard members has one to direct you to.

 

[614048]

I disagree that there is a standard series of tasks to be done. I think that if you asked 5 different people you would get 6 different lists.

This is similar to the issue of premium gas. Some people insist that its mandatory to use premium for good performance. Others think that the gas (usually regular 87) recommended by the manufacturer is best.

Who knows for sure.

 

[616787]

SEAJAY YOU DARE DISAGREE WITH ME????

LOL....In one respect, you are right. You can get 6 different opinions from the same amount of people.

I should have said to get that checklist - and there is a definitive one for outboard engines - from a source that is knowledeable on that subject.

There are many websites that would have this - Westmarine.com comes to mind, as one source. I have a comprehensive one for my inboard, from argueably the leaders in the industry.

 

[613973]

Here's My list!

1-Change the lower unit oil
2-Grease all fittings on the motor
3-Check the zincs on the motor (replace is bad) Most outboards have two
4-Run the boat for a day and replace the plugs
5-Catch Fish

Good luck!

Capt.Jay

 

[jamesa]

Tripleplay, how often do you change the impeller on your OB? Mine is starting its 5th season, has to have 250 hrs or so, but is spitting out water like brand new!

 

[617110]

jamesa

your impeller may be perfectly fine, but it is recommeded to change it often for piece of mind.

 

[614212]

Tripleplay,
Why do you need to change the lower unit oil? Shouldn't that have been changed back in the fall when you winterized the boat? I would want to do it then to get the oil and contaminants out before the winter. If done in the fall, it should be okay in the spring, or am I missing something?
Be safe.
Capt Tom

 

[leakyrivot]

Capt. Tom: I'm not sure what his reasons are, but I change mine bothe in fall and spring. It's cheap and easy piece of mind. I actually change mine about 5-10 times a season, but it's because I know a bit of water finds it's way into the lower unit. Some lower units have small leaks around the propshaft, or even fill plug, that could theoreticly drip all winter.. Underneath my outboard there is a nice black spot of carbon/fuel/winterizing oil.. this is pretty common, it's hard to tell whether or not any of that is gear lube. The gear lube can, and should, be checked if you aren't going to change it - by sticking a zip-tie into the vent hole. But, for me, it's just as easy to change it.

SeaJay - Never run anything other than 87 octane in any marine engine (yes, other than deisel). The reason for it is that to boost octane, additives are put into the fuel. These additives are mostly alcohol; this tends to absorb condensation, increase wear of fuel lines, engine components, clog carbs and is just generally bad - the same reasons are why you never use dry gas in a marine engine.

MeanBean: I disagree on changing the plugs - you may have to clean them... if they are a few seasons old or corroded, change them. If they are stainless & $8.00 a pop - that's a waste of money to replace every season, some of those are good for a lifetime.

My .02,

Jon

 

[613973]

Jamesa, I like to change me water pumps after 3 seasons, over kill maybe but thats me.

Capt.Tom, I pull my boat out Dec.15 each year and with the weather at that time of year I'm just not into it, I wait until the spring. Fresh season Fresh oil.

P.S. I change my lower oil twice a season!

Capt.Jay

 

[leakyrivot]

Jay-

That will work fine, unless your lower unit has water in it. That's why they say to change it before winterizing, to protect the lube from freezing and cracking.

Jon

 

[614212]

Capt Jay,
Yes, that's one of the reasons I would change it. Also to get the acids out to prevent corrosion. It's worth the cold hands to replace and not let it sit.
Capt Tom

 

[614690]

I agree w/ Capt. Tom. You should change the lower unit oil in the fall, you need to get the water out if any. Grease all fittings in the fall because this is when the pivot tube on the OB's rust up.(one cause of hard steering)
If your lower unit is taking in water you should replace your prop seal and/or fill and drain screw seals. When the prop seal is replaced the lower unit is vacuum and pressure tested. This checks for potential water in and oil out.
As far as the de-winterizing goes... just run it on the hose and then replace the plugs. The plugs get oil soaked from fogging the motor in the fall. Inspect and/or replace the sacrificial anodes and go fishing.

F/V
Moodyblues