Fogging vs. Running once a month

[brianwhart]

I've got a 4.3 Mercruiser that I'm getting ready to store for the winter. I'm debating about whether to fog it or just run it once a month. I'm going to change my fluids this fall and I'm going to drain the block and mainfolds. I'm in Atlanta, so it will definitely freeze but we don't have long hard freezes that last for months. I might just hook it to a hose and run it for 20 minutes once a month or run it up the lake and back on a warm day and then drain the water before I cover it up. Does anyone do this instead of fogging? Or should I just fog it and leave it be until spring?

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

That sounds like quite a bit more work than just fogging the engine.<br /><br />But if you enjoy boating and do not want to stop <br /><br />Keep in mind though..it does not take a huge amount of freezing to crack a block or manifold.<br /><br />TMD

 

[brianwhart]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

I'm talking about not fogging it at all. I would change my fluids this fall, then just run it on occasion through out the winter months instead of fogging. My understanding of fogging is that it keeps your cylinder walls from rusting when condensation forms in the block. Since I'm in a warmer climate and it's an option, I'm wondering if running my motor once a month throughout the winter will accomplish the same thing. Is this better than fogging it and letting it sit up for 5 or 6 months? The only thing I would do after running it during the winter is drain the water from the block and mainfolds.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

Personally I think of those kind of alternatives all the time and they usually dont pan out.You cant predict if this will be an exceptionally cold winter,if you will have the time to do all the extra effort of running the motor,charging the batteries,draining the block etc.It sounds good,but will it get done that way.Usually not.I would fog it because it is the maximum protection you can give your motor during layup.Corrosion and condensation can happen within days,the cost of a motor is too much to risk.Fog it and use the time you save running it all winter for a project you have been meaning to do on the boat.We all have at least a few things we were meaning to do all season but did not get to it. Charlie

 

[TooTired]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

I'day fog it and foget about it till spring. Nothing beat a complete winterizing, that way you can put your mind at rest.

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

We hae all heard the horror stories of the dry period when you first start your engine is the worst. So why would you want to do more of this. You would also have to consider a 10w-30 oil weight to improve cold starts only to have to change it in the spring. (Wasteful)<br /><br />Fog It, remove plugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders, drain-it, prep it, and forget it till warmer weather.<br /><br />If you really wanted the option of running the boat during the warmer months, then I would use AMSOIL 20-50 Total Synthetic.<br /><br />Also, not to debate it here, but look for previous posts about this following technique.<br /><br />My new process, Warm up the motor using HOSE and muffs, then switch to using a small childs plastic swimming pool under the OD area, with about 4 gallons of 50/50 mix automotive anti-freeze. I have a portable submersible (30 gallons per minute) sump pump hooked to a 3 foot hose hooked to my muffs. These allows me to pump real antifreeze with rust inhibitors through the engine. The swimming pool captures all of the fluids. I can run the engine for quite some time using this technique and I am 100% gauranteed the engine will not freeze. I still drained the block, the hoses, fog and oil, but I'm sure going to sleep well this winter. PS. I pumped the AF back into my gallon jugs for next year and boat #2.<br /><br />This technique would give you assurance of not freezing and give you the easy option of boating when the weather allowed. (simply repeat after each boating) Still drain the block since you really don't want AUTO AF in the local lake.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

Different motor, but the same concept: the HOG Tails magazine had an article that recommended Harley Davidson owners to fog the motor instead of running it once a month. The opinion was that occasional running actually did more harm because the oil settles to the pan in between starts. The most harm is done when first starting the motor, so do it one time in the spring instead of repeatedly during the winter.<br /><br />I think this logic holds for boats as well and that's what I do.

 

[kev_alaska]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

Juan is correct. The starting once a month not only creates cold start problems with the oil, but starting creates condensation in the motor that you never fully get burned off. You are much better off fogging and letteing her be until spring.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fogging vs. Running once a month

I Really don't see Anything Wrong with your Plan... Down your way, it Might Go below Freezeing, But you have Open Water All year......<br />I live up here in the Frozen North on the North Coast.... I go fishing till I Can't back thru the Ice to Launch.....<br />From Now till Mid-December, I'll drain my motor every time out... I've added a drain for the P/S cooler, so 5 drains,+ there's NO Water in my unit Anywhere.... No Water, No Frost Damage....<br />I change the oil with Mobil 1 15/50 every 50hrs, so a Fall Change, Is just another Service Period....<br />As to the Fogging everybody does.... <br />Yes, It dosen't hurt a thing..... The Best point I see is, You Sometimes Never Know When the boat is going to be used Again... Then I think it Helps... Is it Nessesary, No I don't think so... My boat is layed up for 4 or 5 months, Tops...