Re: what to do & how do I?
First buy a service manuel. They will cost from $30 to $45, but it will be money well spent.<br />The basics of winterizing, from my book, drain oil out of lower unit and replace with new. Be sure to fill oil in gearboxes from the lower drain plug until it flows free of air bubbles from the upper vent plug. Grease everything well and check for wear. The engine, start and run it until it reaches normal operating temp. Shut it off and drain the oil. Replace oil and filter and start engine. While it is running, shut off fuel at the tank if it has a shutoff. Before it runs out of gas in the lines, slowly dump light weight or fogging oil in the carb until the engine smokes and eventually dies. This will coat the inner cylinder walls with oil to preserve them. Then drain the block and manifolds of water. There should be one drain plug on the side for an inline engine, and one on each side for a V engine. There should be one drain plug on the bottom of the manifold, and one near the exhaust riser I think. (If I am wrong on these locations someone will surely correct me I hope). My manuels say to then, with the engine drain plugs open, take off the upper radiator hose and add antifreeze until it comes out of the drain valves. Shut the valves and replace the hose. <br />My owners manuel that came with my boat says to remove the outdrive and grease the U-joints and shafts. While you have the outdrive off, it is a great time to check the bellows, hoses and everything there. You can then cover the housing and store the outdrive inside if you want, or put it back onto the boat. <br />A good site that has helped me a lot is
www.mercstuff.com <br />Good luck.
