Please give opinion on winterizing decision

[Epitome]

My boat has a 1998 Mercury efi 2 stroke outboard. The lower unit had water leaking into it so back in September I brought it to the dealer and had it fixed. I have taken it out for 2 different half days since then and the leak is fixed (ie just oil comes out if I crack the bottom plug on the lower unit). The question is, I am about to put it away for the winter, so should I bother to change the lower unit oil again? Or am I fine skipping this ritual this year? Money is tight and I don't want to do it if it would just be a waste of money for a yearly ritual that has already been fulfilled. Thanks

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Please give opinion on winterizing decision

By cracking the seal you have compromised the integrity of the gasket. Get new gaskets (for both fill and level screws), a bottle of gear oil and do it up right. Then you can relax knowing it's all good. Going to cost you about fifteen bucks total if that...

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Please give opinion on winterizing decision

You could likely skip it, but as stated, it's so easy to drain and refill that it's worth it for the sole fact that you won't have to wonder if it's ok in the spring.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Please give opinion on winterizing decision

Moneys tight, but is it really too tight to spend less than twenty deer to eliminate all doubt? Do it right, and worry about nothing.

Safe and happy boating always!!!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Please give opinion on winterizing decision

By cracking the seal you have compromised the integrity of the gasket. Get new gaskets (for both fill and level screws), a bottle of gear oil and do it up right. Then you can relax knowing it's all good. Going to cost you about fifteen bucks total if that...

Yeah, change the oil for sure. But do you mean that you need to change the gaskets every year too?

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Please give opinion on winterizing decision

The small O-ring/gaskets on the drain/fill and vent plugs should be changed EVERY time they are removed, loosened, etc. They are very cheap and good ins to eliminate water intrusion at those points. Alot of times that is where water is getting in but it takes alot of money and time to figure out its a .50 cent gasket. I ran outboards for quite a while and I always had a half dozen of those gaskets in the tool box. Even if you just crack it open for a few seconds that little gasket should be replaced with new, especially the drain/fill one on the lower foot as its under water alot further and under much more water pressure trying to force its way in to your gearcase. I also would agree that at this point it may be worth just doing a drain and refill with new plug gaskets then all is ready come spring.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Please give opinion on winterizing decision

The small O-ring/gaskets on the drain/fill and vent plugs should be changed EVERY time they are removed, loosened, etc. They are very cheap and good ins to eliminate water intrusion at those points. Alot of times that is where water is getting in but it takes alot of money and time to figure out its a .50 cent gasket. I ran outboards for quite a while and I always had a half dozen of those gaskets in the tool box. Even if you just crack it open for a few seconds that little gasket should be replaced with new, especially the drain/fill one on the lower foot as its under water alot further and under much more water pressure trying to force its way in to your gearcase. I also would agree that at this point it may be worth just doing a drain and refill with new plug gaskets then all is ready come spring.

Well you learn something every day. I just replaced the plugs on my 1984 Mercruiser this year...only because the screw slots were geting a bit burred after 26 years. The new plugs came with new gaskets. It hasn't leaked up to now.

My old 1964 Evinrude outboard has the original plugs and gaskets. Fuuny too that it hasn't leaked after 46 years!