Question about year-long storage...

[Jeff Quigley]

I won't be putting my boat in the water this summer and leaving it in storage. I've had the engine winterized last fall (Merc Alpha One 5.7) and she's well covered. However, this is the first summer that we won't be using her, is there any suggestions on how to make her long sleep a safe one? Should I hook up the ear-muffs and start her up? The fuel tank is full-full-full and I added the recommended fuel preservative. It's on a trailer, should I put the trailer on jacks?<br /><br />Any suggestions are welcomed

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

from what i've read i would say: drain the fuel and use it in the car, before it goes bad, economics. you can probably plan on replacing the impeller and cleaning the carb before you revive her. check outdrive oil for water now, to be sure there is no water in it. make sure the outdrive is in the down position. i'm sure the experts will add more to this.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

If it was fogged properly last fall,dont start it up!!!!.If you want to take a few extra minutes and remove the plastic bag that should be around your carb and spray a little fogging oil in the carb and bump the ignition twice.Put the bag back on the carb and put her back to sleep.Put more stabilizer in the fuel.Putting the trailer on blocks is always a good idea.It will be very important to vent the cover for the summer .There must be ventilation when it gets warm out.A fan in the boat is a great idea.Make sure the vent for the gas tank is not covered.Fumes must be able to escape and escape outside of the cover.For this long of a storage period I would highly recommend removing the drive so you can sevice it and the ujoints at your leisure.

 

[Don S]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

remove the plastic bag that should be around your carb

I sure wouldn't recommend using a plastic bag over the carb, you want air circulation to prevent condensation. The plastic bag will prevent any air movement and promote condensation. Exactly what you don't want.<br />If the engine was properly winterized and all the fluids changed, then it's good for extended storage. You might want to spray another coat of corrosion guard on it this fall, but no need to start it.<br />Spaying fogging oil in the carb will also do nothing for the engine since it won't be running.<br /><br />After that long in storage and before starting, following this bulletin is also a good idea.<br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Bullet/91/91_13.pdf

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

[/quote]I sure wouldn't recommend using a plastic bag over the carb, you want air circulation to prevent condensation. The plastic bag will prevent any air movement and promote condensation.<br />Spaying fogging oil in the carb will also do nothing for the engine since it won't be running.<br /><br /> [/QB][end QUOTE]<br />I didnt make up the plastic bag over the carb idea.I read it in more than one publication for winterizing an i/o.Me and everyone I know also seal the carb.Also I dont see how spraying fogging oil in the carb and bumping the ignition a few times will do nothing??The oil has to go somewhere???Wont it be coating the surfaces it comes in contact with???Especially with an motor that is sitting a season and will be sitting another season.I would have to assume that you know better than me Don,but it just seems like what I am saying makes sense..??

 

[Don S]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

It might be different in different parts of the country depending on the humidity. I have seen a lot of carbs (And complete engines) come in all wrapped in plastic to protect them only problem was that the inside of the bag was like a rain forrest. Just dripping water and everything under wet and rusty.<br />As far as the fogging oil, the only thing it will cover is the bottom of the intake manifold and the throttle plates of the carb were it touched.<br />When the engine is running, it coats everything because it is atomized somewhat while going down the carb and goes into all the cylinders that way. This coats all the surfaces and is going to leave an oily film that doesn't evaporate or slide off.<br /><br />NOTE TO ALL: <br />This is a debate NOT a heated argument. Does anyone else have an opinion?<br />It is also not meant to hi-jack this thread, but to add different opinions for the OP to choose from.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

I think if it was really winterized well, it should be OK for extended storage. The bigger concern, is the fuel, will the stablizer keep it good that long, and very important, to allow air circulation to keep mold and mildew from ruining the interior and causing rot in any wood.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

Originally posted by Don S:<br /> <br /><br />NOTE TO ALL: <br />This is a debate NOT a heated argument. [end/QUOTE]<br />No debate -No heat.Just my opinion.Don does this for a living,I do it because I want to take the best possible care of my motor and drive and I would prefer go overkill on the maintenance rather than under doing it.I should clarify that my opinion on spraying fogging oil and bumping the ignition was because he had the drive on still.On my own motors,The drives are in my heated garage all winter and I spray some fogging oil in my carbs and crank the motor a bit .I also leave the oil a quart low after changing the oil for winterizing.When I do this midwinter fogoil crank I also pour a quarter of a quart of oil in each valve cover prior to cranking.I do the same prior to firing it up in the spring.I winterize the first week in Nov and do the mid winter maintenance in Jan/Feb.Probably not necessary but it is the only way I have ever done things.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

So far so good on the advise guys. Thank you so much, however some of these suggestions seem to be a bit out of my comfort level to attempt on my own. Engines are not my forte, so I'll take all your suggestions and talk to a marine mechanic. I'd rather spend money on preventative maintenance rather then spending a butt-load more to replace a mistreated Merc.<br /><br />Keep the thread alive. I'm interested in all views!<br /><br />Thank,<br />Jeff

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

Dont underestimate yourself Jeff.This IS stuff that you can do and you should be doing yourself.Mostly to familiarize yourself with doing the basics.If unsure about anything....Post it here first!!There is always someone to walk you through it.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

JeffQ,<br /> If your going to lay your boat up for the summer Then be sure not to wrap the boat air tight, since we tend to have such warm days and cooler nights here in Ontario over the boating months, condensation is a problem with morning and evening dew. If possible remove the seat cushions and store them at home place several trays of charcol throughout the interior of the boat including the bilge, charcol can absorb a large amount of moisture leave drain plug out just stuff some brass brillo in the hole this will allow water to drain out and prevent rodents from entering, use some mothballs inside also ( the cedar scented ones )Add more stabil to the fuel if draining is not a option. If your going to leave fuel in the tank just remember the gas will expand once the hot days begin therefore you may not want the tank totally full and be sure the vent is not blocked. Visit the boat if you can and toss a battery in just so you can cycle the trim/tilt a few times over the summer and turn the steering just to keep things free.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Question about year-long storage...

NOTE TO ALL: <br />This is a debate NOT a heated argument. Does anyone else have an opinion?<br />It is also not meant to hi-jack this thread, but to add different opinions for the OP to choose from.

IMHO,......<br /><br />I believe in the Free Air Flow theory Myself,........Tarped maybe,.. But Not Bagged.......<br />And,..... Once a year or so,... I wander around thru My Junk,+ Waste a few cans of Spray Oil,.... <br />Just Squrting things that could Use it.......