Winterize an outboard?

[Hukeedo]

I do not have a garage, but I have a 12x12 heated building in which I store my musical equipment in the winter and Ac in the summer. I have heard people say you can just leave an outbaord on the boat all winter long, and I know people do it, but I can't see leaving it on while it gets to -10! Should I take it off and store it in the heated building or leave it on? I would think the extreme cold would hurt it, but maybe i'm wrong?
Also, how can you make sure the water is completely drained from the motor?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Winterize an outboard?

how big a motor are we talking about here? The cold won't hurt it. Outboards stored upright completely drain of water. Make sure you change your lower unit oil prior to winter. That way if there was any water intrusion you can get that out before it freezes.

 

[david_r]

Re: Winterize an outboard?

dont forget now winterizing isnt just for cold.......... its also for when your engine is stored for long periods of time.

see here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158078 if you click on the links listed as page one and page two...... they will explain about fogging your eng