"Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

[smbrule]

I have a 2008 sixty hp Mercury fourstorke, EFI. It has only 15 hours on it so just going to have the engine fogged for winter storage (four months in a garage above freezing temps).

Two Merc dealers in my area. Both "fog" differently.

The first dealer disconnects the fuel line and connects in a mixture of gas, oil and Stabil and runs the motor. States emphatically that they have been fogging four stroke EFI engines this way for years. And they do winterize a lot of four strokes.

The second dealer removes the plugs and sprays fogging oil into the cylinders. Looking at what needs to be done to get to the plugs the first way would certainly be easier.

If the first way is effective I prefer it as the last thing I want to discover is a cross threaded plug down the road.

Does anyone have experience in the first dealers method? Engine has a five year merc warranty so would of course keep receipts no matter who "fogs" the engine.

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

does a 4 stroke have to be fogged, cars don't.

 

[smbrule]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

"does a 4 stroke have to be fogged, cars don't."

That was my initial thought also. However this is lifted from the Merc manual:

Protecting Internal Engine Components
? Remove the spark plugs and add approximately 30 ml (1 oz.)
of engine oil or inject a five second spray of storage seal into
each spark plug hole.
? Rotate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the oil
in the cylinders. Reinstall spark plugs.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

I'd follow option #2 or the manual if you plan to fog.

I do both on my 2 stroke but for a fuel injected engine I've heard comments that the fogging oil gums up the injectors sitting for months. Again, I have nothing to substantial, but pulling the plugs and doing it that way will accomplish both.

 

[twostroke87]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

Definetley do the first option, mix gas, stabil, 2 stroke oil, and mercury stabil or CRC engine store into a small gas tank. Make sure it mixes well and hook it into your fuel line after the engine is fully warmed up at operating temperature. Then when you are done spray down the engine block with marine CRC.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

For a four month layup fogging is really not necessary. Especially if the engine is stored inside at above freezing temps. Don't waste your time. Fogging is done on two strokes to get the crankcase components coated with this sticky lube and is not needed on those engines either for short layups. You can't get this stuff into the crankcase on a four stroke and besides, the bearings are totally different and don't need that protection.

 

[just_crsn]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

I have a four stroke 25 hp efi and i remove the plugs and spray oil. I would not spray fogging oil through the intake .....there is some danger in fouling your injectors. I mix my gas with a stablizer and take it out for a run before i winterize it. I have been doing this four a couple years and have not had any problems. I motor stays on the boat out in -25 C weather.

 

[smbrule]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

The Merc. manual defines storage as two months or longer. That seems very conservative.

It does seem that there is a divided opinion on doing nothing for short term storage, to spraying oil into the cylinders via removing the spark plugs, to for or against running the engine using a mixture of gas, oil and stabil.

I think at this point I will most likely hook up a hose to my motor and run it for five minutes ( gas only) on an above freezing December day and then do it again in February or March if possible.

Thanks much for everyone's comments!

 

[octane]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

On my 2008 merc, I have a fogging port (schradder valve), but I wasn't able to find a can of fogging oil with a valve at my local dealer, so I just removed the plug and put a big of oil in each cylinder.

as most say, fogging a 4 stroke is not as important, but I would still do it even for 2 months!

 

[ED21]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

While I admit to no experience with EFI, it seems to me that a 4 stoke with no oil in the gas would benefit from fogging more than a 2 stroke.
I've always fogged my outboards and even my lawn tractor and snow blower. I still wonder if any of them are likely to rust internally especially when stored inside.
The larger outboards are outside and subject to a lot of moisture, so I've always fogged them through the carb.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: "Fogging" Four Stroke--Two Options?

Forgive me for interjecting this dumb but related question...
I've always run all my carburated outboards/small engines out of fuel with each use in order to keep the carb(s) from fouling during storage. Is this good practice with an injected outbaord motor (with option 1 ) or can it cause damage??