Tis the season for winterizing questions

[Evinrookie]

I remeber reading a thread a little while back about winterization in which someone suggested adding something to the lower unit lube. I can't remember what it was or find the thread that mentioned it. I think it may have been either antifreeze or fuel stabilizer. Does any of this makes sense and what would be the benefit?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Tis the season for winterizing questions

Dont do either, fresh lower unit oil in the fall with new gaskets is all you need. There is a good thread in the FAQ about winterization.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: Tis the season for winterizing questions

When you drian the lower unit oil let it drain vertical then tilt it up and more oil will drain out. Alternate a few times between tilted and down to get as much old oil out. If you had water in the oil this will help to get rid of the water as well. When sitting, oil and water will separate and the water will drop to the bottom and freeze in cold climates.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: Tis the season for winterizing questions

I think I remember now somebody mentioning putting diesel fuel in the LU for winter storage. I'm going to try to winterize this weekend and unless someone gives me a really good reason to do otherwize, I'm going with just normal gear lube.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tis the season for winterizing questions

diesel or kerosene is used to rinse the unit, if you have water intrusion, and the milk shake from the mixing of water and oil. it thins the milk shake so you can get it all out.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: Tis the season for winterizing questions

So I would put the kerosene or diesel in and then drain it before refilling with gear lube? I'm guess it is probably not safe to run the engine with fuel in the LU. Would turning the prop by hand do well enough to move the fuel around and rinse the lower unit. I've had water intrusion and won't have a chance to pull the LU to replace gaskets before I need to winterize. Thanks for the help TD. I knew I wasn't crazy.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tis the season for winterizing questions

If you rinse then replace with the correct lube for the winter.