Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

[theteacher]

Right, I have a 2009 Mercury 9.9 and of course it's a 4-stroke? Do I need to winterize it? As in, run anti-freeze thru it on the muffs? It'll be stored on it's stand, in my garage. I'm in Smithfield, NC and we do get a couple weeks of nights under 32 degrees. I thought I'd read elsewhere that outboards don't need winterized like that, but is that true?
I thought one of the many benefits to an outboard was the ability to run it for fishing and such in cold weather, then put it away, that the water would drain out before freezing ???
I hate being the guy asking what might be a stupid question.
Thanks !

 

[Don S]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

Running on antifreeze is an IO thing (and a bad idea for them too) has nothing to do with outboards.
As long as the motor is down, it will automatically drain the water out.

 

[woody66912]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

The most important thing with 4 stk carb engines is to treat the fuel system, run it long enough, like five min so the stabil can get into the carb. Then drain the carb, I like to use compressed air and blow into the drain, full boar with the air. This will help blow any fuel that is left in the jets out.

 

[theteacher]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

The most important thing with 4 stk carb engines is to treat the fuel system, run it long enough, like five min so the stabil can get into the carb. Then drain the carb, I like to use compressed air and blow into the drain, full boar with the air. This will help blow any fuel that is left in the jets out.

Why treat the fuel system and then drain the carb? If it's treated, what will it hurt to leave it in there?

 

[woody66912]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

No, treating the fuel system will help keep all the fuel in the lines/pump ready for next spring.

 

[theteacher]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

No, treating the fuel system will help keep all the fuel in the lines/pump ready for next spring.

I'm trying to learn, not be argumentative, but why drain it from the carbs, wouldn't that same gas "be ready for next spring" also? I'm not seeing any explainable reasoning here? Sounds like something that some one has always done, but doesn't know why. If there's a legit reason, I sure would like to know it.
Thanks !

 

[slate1234]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

sorry to but in but why dont you just start the engine for 20 mins once a week or is that a no no ??

 

[woody66912]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

When gas is exposed to air the octane rating of the fuel will evaporate, then the fuel starts to turn to a varnish it then gets gummy and thick, when this happens it can no longer be passed thought the jets. Do a test put two Oz of fuel in a open to air container let sit you see what I mean.

P.S Fuel stabil will make a seal between the air and fuel this slows the evaporation rate down.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

Here is what we have been doing with outboards for years in Wisconsin. take it with the grain of salt that you should take any advise.

My family, friends and I run non-ethanol fuel (not going to debate it)
smaller outboards we pull the engine off the back of the boat and put on a stand in late October / early November.
Larger outboards we put a cover on them.
we then cover the boat with either a tarp or a boat cover (depending on who's boat we are winterizing)
Come April, the motor is back on the boat and the boat is in the water shortly after ice-out

never used any fuel stabilizer because pure gas takes at least 6 months to break down.
never had any problem with fuel varnish on a 2-stroke (the oil seams to help this)
now on the 4-strokes, we run a half gallon of high octane av gas in it and then run the carb(s) dry.

for what its worth. the smell of engines with stabil in the fuel is just awful. and if you let it sit for more than 12 months, it doesnt matter which stabilizer you have used.

 

[Star]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

Hey Teach,
I guess I am strange, but I always drain and replace the oil and filter in the block and the oil in lower unit. The guy that I bought my motor from never did his from the look of it. $20. is low cost insurance for sure on a $2500. motor.

 

[oldman570]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

Hey Teach,
I guess I am strange, but I always drain and replace the oil and filter in the block and the oil in lower unit. The guy that I bought my motor from never did his from the look of it. $20. is low cost insurance for sure on a $2500. motor.

^1 If any water is in the LU housing when draining it the off seasion is the best time to get it fixed before one wants to use it come warm weather again. Also saves it from damage if water is in the LU and fresses. If you want to run any anti fresse thru the motor, save yourself $$ and use RV antifresse ,as it will do the same job cheaper. As others have stated, all the water should drain out of the motor as long as it is left in a upright position for a period of time.
Oldman570

 

[theteacher]

Re: Winterize a 2009 Mercury 9.9 ?

Lots of advice/opinion/good stuff !!! Thanks.
I think I'll change the oil/filter and LU oil, run on muffs long enough to run it out of gas, store it upright in my garage.
Then rest assured !
Thanks again !