Winterizing my Johnson 90hp outboard

[firefighter615]

I live in Indiana and it is getting time of year to think about winterizing my Johnson 90hp outboard. I have never done this my self but I wouldn?t think that it would be that hard. The dealer charges $90.00 to do this every year. Is there anything special that I need or need to keep an eye out for? Can someone provide step by step instructions on how this is done and what materials that are needed.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bgbass.1]

Re: Winterizing my Johnson 90hp outboard

look in faq section ther is a good post in there on how to do it. its not hard

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Winterizing my Johnson 90hp outboard

Tony, In years past we never did anything to winterize an outboard. Now we are encourged to add fuel stabilizer and fog the motor. Is this stuff really necessary or just a scam to sell product?

You should change the gear oil on because it likely needs it, and on the off chance that water got into the gearcase, you do not want the resultant rust or freeze crack. Hit the grease fittings so the motor will steer and tilt next year. Flush it with fresh water and assure all water drains out of the motor by leaving it in the verticle position for several minutes.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Winterizing my Johnson 90hp outboard

The main things IMO, are to add stabilizer to the fuel and run it until it gets through the carbs. Gummed up carbs in the spring are a big deal nowdays. Also. change the lower unit lube. A gearcase that has any water in it can freeze over the winter and crack. Plus, if you do have any water in there, then it's a good time to fix the problem (Seals). Fogging the engine is a good idea. All that said, years ago I never did much of anything except change the lower unit fluid and fill the fuel tank. Never had a problem in the spring. But fuel changes and more awareness on how to maintain our engines has altered my fall ritual..