Proper Winterization

[SSG D]

I have a 1987 Merc 80HP. Up here in NH it gets pretty darn cold. What is the proper way to winterize this engine????I know about draining the lower unit, Should I "fog"it? Is there a way to put antifreeze in the block????

 

[bgbass.1]

Re: Proper Winterization

I live in mass. cold here to drain lower end and refill,definitly use fogging oil after you fog remove plugs and spay some down each cyl.If you have gas in it make sure its full and add some fuel stabilizer run that throgh engine before you fog. make sure motor is down position. grease all yor fittings to make sure there is no water hideing.you should also take wheel barings out and clean as well as repack i put my trailer on blocks to keep tires off ground. you can also caver motor with a tarp make sure though motor is good and dry i usually spray wd40 on motor to help protect it from moisture.then i wrap the whole thing in a good tarp.have a good winter think spring.

 

[SSG D]

Re: Proper Winterization

Is there a way to put anti freeze in the block/water ports???? There is an unscrewable brass freeze plug on the top. should i fill that with Afreeze?

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Proper Winterization

Is there a way to put anti freeze in the block/water ports?

No, you don't need to do that. It would drain out anyways if you tried.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Proper Winterization

Is there a way to put anti freeze in the block/water ports???? There is an unscrewable brass freeze plug on the top. should i fill that with Afreeze?

The engine's cooling system is self draining, unlike a car. If the engine is vertical, the water drains out, there's nothing to freeze. The only time you'd have a problem is if you kept it tilted up.

The other place you have to worry about water is the lower unit gear box. Make sure you drain it and replace with fresh oil. That way, you'll know there's no water in there.

Look up the winterization FAQ here in the IBoats forum.