"De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

[NFA]

Hey everyone, I have a '99 150 Optimax, runs like a dream. Last summer was my first year with it and it performed flawlessly. I have no issues with it, and here's hoping for another hassle-free season.

My question is this. I currently have it winterized. All I did/do is fill up the tank with gas and put a stabilizer in it. I leave the leg all the way down to drain out any excess water.

I need to make a quick run to our cabin to check on a few things but am worried that I may hurt, or damage the engine if I take it for a run, and then have it sit for another few months before the season gets under way.

Would I be doing the engine any harm by taking it for a rip, and then sitting it again, or would it be better to wait a while longer until I'm ready to take it out on a regular basis...ie - when the season gets under way?

Anything else I should consider before doing this?

Thanks everyone, appreciate any and all feedback.



Scott

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

Where are you and what are the temps at your location?

If the water isn't of the hard variety then you should be just fine.

Did you spray any fogging oil into the cylinders when you winterized it? If all you did was put stabilizer in the fuel then it is probably a good idea to run it a few times before the season anyways.

 

[waju]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

I assume you have an inboard/outboard engine. Is your engine fresh water or raw water cooled. If you live in a freezing climate and you did not drain the engine in a raw water system, you could have some engine damage. When the boat is put away, the cylinders should have been fogged to prevent corrosion. We need a bit more info such as where you live and what kind of power setup you have.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

its a mercury outboard.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

My question is this. I currently have it winterized. All I did/do is fill up the tank with gas and put a stabilizer in it. I leave the leg all the way down to drain out any excess water.

Scott

Sounds like what goes on everytime a boat gets taken out of the water on a trailer during the regular season to me.
Do you have concerns about freezing? Where ya from?

 

[waju]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

'99 150 Optimax, runs like a dream.

Ooo yeah....been a long day at work. Have you ever looked at your password change when you have to type it again.... I started typing the star symbols for the password confirmation....:redface:

You just need a flush and engine fog when your done.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

There will be no problem running the boat even in freezing temps. The outboards are self-draining when you pull them out. The fuel stabilizer running through the engine can only help things if you didn't run it much after you put the fuel stabilizer in. After you're finished with the boat, go ahead and fog the cylinders, then run it for a short stint to get the cylinders coated well. You can even pull the plugs and crank for 5-7 seconds without the muffs on so that it blows out the last of the water.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: "De-winterizing, if only for a short while."

I was told when I bought my OB (4 stroke) to run the motor once a month if possible. If the weather is nice (or even OK), I take a trip up and get on the water. One the advantages of the OB, IMHO.