outboard engine/ boat winterization

[roypretty]

i have a 1989 120 vro johnson outboard engine and a 16 ft 1989 sun ray express boat. i will be storing my boat outside for the winter and was wondering what should i do to prevent any damage or problems with my boat and mainly my engine. Iam currently living in montreal and winters can be very cold. any info would be great.thanks

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

Welcome to iboats. I'm just a few hours West of you and know the disappointment of winterizing the boat.

What I typically do is put the muffs on it and give it a good flush.

Then, I change the oil in the lower unit (inspect to ensure its not full of water, if so you'll have a repair due in the spring) If you do, I run it again with the new oil in it, drain it, and change it again. I don't think it's necessary to change twice, but be sure you get all the water out of the lower unit

Then, ensuring you have added fuel stabilizer to your fuel and run it for a few minutes to get it into your engine.

Finally, fog the engine. Pull the engine cover and spray fogging oil into the carbs until it chokes itself out. Then, I pull each plug and give a spray of fogging oil in each cylinder.

Store the engine in its down position as if it was in the water.

If you're not comfortable, most shops do this betwene $80-$100 but the lower unit oil, stabilizer and fogging oil shouldn't cost you more than $20-$25 dollars at Canadian Tire.

 

[roypretty]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

great info. thanks. just wondering where you put the fogging oil into the carbs because my carbs are all covered up and i have very little access on my engine.can it be added to the fuel? thanks

 

[109jb]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

Fogging oil is sprayed into the air intake of the carburetor while the engine is running. Remove the air cleaner first. The most important step in winterizing an outboard is to stor the motor in the down position so that the water can run out and won't freeze.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

are both boats outboards?

 

[INJUN]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

You may have to remove the cover to expose the carb's intakes, because you have to get the fogger IN THERE.

 

[ohhenrygsr]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

hey guys well i was just wondering about shrink wrapping my boat for the winter if it is a good idea or not if it will be stored outdoors

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: outboard engine/ boat winterization

ohhenry, welcome to iboats.

First of all, your question should be started as a new thread and not 'hijacking' an existing one.

Secondly, shrink wrapping can be used, but isn't necessary. There are several ways to store your boat throughout the winter that don't require this. I believe its a personal choice. Here is a thread that will provide more info.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=277468

If you have further questions, open a new thread. Lots of great knowledge on these forums to help out.