winter weather storage

[iggyw1]

Hey guys,

I am on a fishing forum in Michigan and I asked this question, and I got a bunch of different opinions on that forum, so I thought I would check with the guys that deal more with motors than the guys here in Michigan on Lake St Clair. We mostly just fish here and get our motors worked on in the shops between seasons. We get really cold weather here (sub-zero) in the winter, so keep this in mind. The boats are layed up for about 3-4 months at least.

I would like to know if I should fill my gas tank for my outboard motor or run it dry before winter storage? Some say run it dry becuase of the ethanol in the gas and some say fill it and add a fuel stabilizer to it before storage. Also, if I need to run the tank dry, I would assume to run the carb dry as well and the glass bowl below it too?? Maybe spray some fogging oil into the carb after I run it dry? Or leave the tank and carb full of gas with stabilizer in it? (I always spray fogging oil into the holes where the spark plugs go).
I have a 1962 40 H.P. Evinrude with a carburator and remote gas tank with a hose connected to the motor.
Thanks!

 

[kodibass]

Re: winter weather storage

I think either method is fine on the fuel, stabil makes a marine grade stabilizer intended just for outboards/marine use, fogging cylinders is very important as well, also shoot some into the carb intake. Store engine upright, drain the lower unit oil and replace with fresh oil and new seal washers prior to storing. If you have a recoil start pull rope all the way out and use a pump spray bottle and spray the rope with anti freeze as it retracts. wipe entire engine down with a good silicon lubricant, Also go to the top secret file at the top of this form and look at the winterizing thread. as well as the maintainance thread.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: winter weather storage

Everyone has a different 'pinion for 3-4 months IMHO I don't think it makes much difference. If it was over 6 months then I might do something special. Just do the normal stuff as advised, change lower lube, Use a little marine stabil, etc. I don't fog for short term, never had a prob. in over 50 years with either 2 or 4 stroke. Gets cold in WI too.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: winter weather storage

I have had 2 and 4 stroke motors for 30 years that still start right up in the spring and are running like new after 30 years of use and CARE. I run ALL the fuel out of them..... remove or disconnect the fuel tank and drain IT completely. Moisture WILL accumulate in the cold weather. If possible, I open the bowl in the carb(s) and drain it (clean it at the same time with carb cleaner) then fog it to prevent rust during storage. The cylinders are either fogged or with plugs removed, I put in a table spoon worth of marvel Mystery oil and turn the engine over a dozen times WITH PLUGS OUT! to coat the cylinders. The replace the plugs to keep the moisture out.

In the spring, I rince the tank with fresh fuel to get rid of any moisture, then I just add FRESH gas (not last season's gas) and they start right up, often on the first turn.

 

[danoutbard]

Re: winter weather storage

Thank you for sharing that out,its precise & well explained

I have had 2 and 4 stroke motors for 30 years that still start right up in the spring and are running like new after 30 years of use and CARE. I run ALL the fuel out of them..... remove or disconnect the fuel tank and drain IT completely. Moisture WILL accumulate in the cold weather. If possible, I open the bowl in the carb(s) and drain it (clean it at the same time with carb cleaner) then fog it to prevent rust during storage. The cylinders are either fogged or with plugs removed, I put in a table spoon worth of marvel Mystery oil and turn the engine over a dozen times WITH PLUGS OUT! to coat the cylinders. The replace the plugs to keep the moisture out.

In the spring, I rince the tank with fresh fuel to get rid of any moisture, then I just add FRESH gas (not last season's gas) and they start right up, often on the first turn.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: winter weather storage

Last, but not least, make sure all the water is out of that gear foot. The cavity in the gearfoot has a drain hole which often times plugs up. If it plugs up, water can sit in there and pop open your lower unit, should it freeze. If the motor is on a boat, tilt it forward. If it's off the boat, the set the motor on it's back to drain all the water out. It's also a good idea to give the flywheel a slow turn CW to get all the water out of the impeller area.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: winter weather storage

Fogging is good, putting oil in the spark plug holes doesn't do much. You need the oil to also be in the crankcase, plus completely covering the cylinder walls. Putting it in the sparkplug holes will coat the down side of the cylinders only above the rings, and that's it.

The reason there are so many opinions on how to store them for the winter is because most people have no problems no matter what method they use. This results in everyone thinking they have the right ritual.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: winter weather storage

It also depends on where you're at too. Typically, I don't have any issues starting my motors up again in the spring and I don't mess with stabile, or fogging up the engine block. I rarely ever drain my carbs. As long as my ignition systems are up to snuff, then my motors fire right up, even with 8 month old gas in the carb. If they sit one more year after that, then I may have an issue. I do however, make sure all the water is out of them, so nothing freezes up.