Winterizing Johnson Outboards

[hertel11]

Hey guys,

Sorry if this info is already posted somewhere which I'm sure it is but I didn't find it. I need to winterize 2 Johnson outboard motors. One is a 2005 40hp 2 stroke and the other a 2007 9.9hp 4 stroke. This is my first winter with a boat and it and both motors will be stored outside all winter in Ohio (it was in the single digits last night). What all do I need to do for each motor? Is there a reliable checklist of what needs done somewhere? I'm pretty much a novice but from what I've gathered there isn't much to the process. Thanks for your help!

 

[ezmobee]

Change the lower unit oil and run some stabil through the last tank of gas. That's all I've done for many years.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

Yep, what ezmobee said. Some also like to fog engines, but that's not really necessary IMO unless there is an extended layup. One thing I also do is bring my batteries inside and put them on a trickle charge that will float the batteries. I consider this part of the winterization process as well.

 

[wrench 3]

The four stroke should have the engine oil and filter changed. Fogging the engine or oiling up the cylinders is more important on the four stroke because it hasn't had oil going through with the gas.
You should be able to find a grease fitting or two on both engines.

 

[Mohawkmtrs]

...and store the outboards in the down (vertical) position as well as throwing a tarp over the boat.

 

[wrench 3]

...and store the outboards in the down (vertical) position.

I was thinking of that when I started my last post but lost it somewhere along the way. Thanks
The water won't drain out properly if they're not vertical.

 

[Watermann]

In the single digits there... it's a bit late to worry about winterizing that should've been done a month or 2 ago if you lay up and don't use the boat. If you use the boat through the winter then there's nothing to worry about winterizing other than allowing the water to drain out at the ramp before trailering.

 

[hertel11]

Yeah its in the single digits and I haven't done it yet. What do you mean late to worry about it? Will nothing happen if it remains cold and they are outside? Regardless I still need to have lower unit oil changed and also the 4 stroke engine oil. I will not use the boat again until March at least

 

[ezmobee]

Means if there was an issue to deal with before the cold hits, you're too late. Fortunately with an outboard there's probably no issues.

 

[Don Hansen]

You're going to have trouble getting the lower unit lube to drain in the cold. Fortunately you can take the 9.9 hp indoors. You could take the lower unit off the 40 hp. Good time to change the water pump if it needs it.

DLH