winterizine a outboard engine?

[todd281]

I have a 1966 Johnson 33hp outboard that I need to leave on the boat this winter here in upstate NY.The temps get down in the single digits here sometimes and I don't want to cause any damage. I am wondering if I need to run it in a test tank with 50/50 antifreeze, or if outboards drain enough when removed from the water. I`ve never hear of anyone doing this, but most remove the engines and store them inside . thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Outboards are self-draining, so no need to add antifreeze, as all water will drain out, provided the motor is left in the running position (vertical). There is a sticky on this subject.

 

[Scott Danforth]

stand vertical, change gear oil, fog if you feel like it.

 

[oldboat1]

I don't run fogging oil through them, just spray some of the stuff in the cylinders before storage and turn it over a little. With the 33, think I would remove the plugs and spray it some, then just turn the flywheel a couple of times by hand (clockwise), then put the plugs back in. When firing it up in the spring, will want to run out the fogging oil a bit, then clean and regap plugs (or replace).

My first step is to run the gas out of the system, then spray the the linkages with WD-40. Change out gear oil. (mixed opinion on running carbs dry, but I routinely do it -- and particularly for winter storage.)

Lower units are sometimes wrapped in plastic bags, and I've never been sure why that is -- protection from rain and snow, I'm sure (maybe critters looking for a winter home or pantry). Has always seemed to me wrapping like that would invite thawing/condensation/refreezing -- sealing in moisture as much as sealing it out. Not sure. Like to keep snow and ice off the hood, particularly if detailed -- but think tightly wrapping has the same drawback there.

(And stick it in the garage somewhere, if you can....) Haven't read that sticky yet.

 

[Scott Danforth]

wrapping is to keep critters from stuffing crap up the leg and into the motor.

 

[Grub54891]

In all my years, I've never ran anti freeze through an outboard. However, I did see one that had froze the block, supposedly the owner said it was stored upright, but I have my doubts. He now insists that they should be winterized with anti freeze.

 

[Chris1956]

Since outboards are self-draining, I am not sure how one would fill the block with antifreeze, for the winter. Running AF thru the block and letting it drain makes no difference or sense.

 

[oldboat1]

think that's right. Head drains completely -- maybe possibility of some residual water in lower unit somwhere, maybe somewhere around the pump housing or down in the skeg. guess you could try to spray some of the antifreeze around those areas. I don't think the little bit of water in there would cause freezing/expansion issues. Probably could just pull off the lower unit and store it inside, covering the opening to the upper leg to keep out critters.

 

[redneck joe]

wrapping is to keep critters from stuffing crap up the leg and into the motor.

Yep do it om the strendrive on the Carver as well.

 

[82rude]

1/4 inch hole =mouse door.Thats all the little buggers need ,amazing.