Winterizing an Outboard with Carbs

[lexus423]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2002 150hp Johnson with carburators. I was wondering how I should go about winterizing the engine for the winter. How exactly do I spray the fogger into the carbs, and how do I know that I am doing this properly?

Also, is it absolutely essential that I drain and refill my lower unit oil right now? Is this something that can wait until the spring?

Please let me know if I left anything out. I am trying to do this myself this year because I have a bad case of MYFUNDSRLOW. Pretty bad disease to have this time of year. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Winterizing an Outboard with Carbs

Where are you located? Climate plays a HUGE role in this. I am in South GA so we just make sure our boats are safe in the backyard for winterizing...

However, yes, you want to change your LU oil to ensure all of the water is out and there is fresh out in there. If water sits in the LU over the winter, a freeze can cause the LU to crack ot bust seals. Also, the water sitting can cause rust on your gears.

As for Fogging, be sure to add fuel stabilizer to the tank, run it up to operating temp them spray the fogger directly into the carbs while running. Do this until the engine stalls out. Then pull the plugs and spray the fogger into the cylinders. Replace plugs and you are done.

 

[Duckhunter3]

Re: Winterizing an Outboard with Carbs

If motor does not stall. You may want to disconnect fuel and then begin spraying the oil.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Winterizing an Outboard with Carbs

Lexus, Your primer (like a choke) is located under the airbox. It should have a schrader valve (like an auto tire) on it. The high tech way is to connect a can of fogging oil to the schrader valve and spray while the engine is running on the flush device. Of couse the low tech way is to take two cans of fogging oil and with one in each hand, spray the carb bores directly.

In either case try to stall the motor with the fogger, if possible. It is not necessary to remove the spark plugs to spray the cylinders. Also, change the gear oil for the reasons specified, pump fresh grease into the zercs, grease the steering rod and spray the powerhead with corrosion control stuff.

Make sure the motor is vertical so all the water will drain out.