Operating in below freezing conditions

[newfiez]

Hey guys,
I'm just wondering if any of you have run outboards in the winter? I have been for years on my 1982 60, but this year I'm running a 1993 70 with no cold start experience. So far today has been the coldest day (-8C) and its getting colder in the next couple of days. I'm running Amsoil full synthetic 2-stroke oil (VRO disabled). My question is, has anyone run snowmobile blend oil for the winter, or am I better running what I'm using now?

 

[aspeck]

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

I never changed oil when running in the winter ... Never had any problems. Don't know the correct answer to your question, never thought about it before. I have been out in slightly colder weather than you will be experiencing today. Just after initial dunk, never let the motor off long enough for it to cool down enough to freeze ... A couple hours off was the longest.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

i doubt the specific oil used to mix with your gas, matters that much for cold winter use...I just use a little extra, and make the mixture a higher percentage...like maybe 40:1, instead of 50:1.

the bigger issue is priming, and choke....

bob

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

won't make any difference. leave it down to drain, even if that means leaving the lower unt in the water. Be mindful that gas lines can freeze

 

[boobie]

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

Home Cookin, What do you mean by " gas lines can freeze " ??

 

[nwcove]

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

there are a few guys around here that still fish lobster out of open boats with ob's. they run them when its much colder than -8c and the boats stay in the water. ( they actually have to wait, on occasion, for the bigger boats to break the ice so they can get to open water.) not sure why you would want to switch to snowmobile oil tho, stick with ob oil.

 

[altrocker1]

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

we run outboards all the time in 5 degree weather or less to duck hunt. never change the oil mixture at all. though my outboards might be harder to start, they run really well with the cold water and cold air.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Operating in below freezing conditions

If you pre-mix, should not be a problem. If you are running a VRO, make sure the oil you use will work (flow properly) down to that temp. The Bombardier XD100 and XD50 say they are formulated to work down to 0 degrees F (-17C)