Winterizing my mercury force 120

[richvr6]

I am in the process of winterizing my motor which is a force 120 and was looking for information on how to fog the carbs while the motor is running and changing the fuel water separator. This is my first time doing this myself and would like to know step by step if I am not asking to much. I know to first run some stabil and run the motor and then I should be fogging the carbs until the motor shuts off, but I don't know where to spray the fogging oil into the carbs.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Winterizing my mercury force 120

Your first step of treating the remaining fuel with stabil is a good move.
-Run the engine until the carbs are filled and engine running on treated fuel. You don't have to empty the carbs instead just leave them filled with stabil treated fuel.
-Stop engine and let cool. Remove all spark plugs and spray generous amount of fogging oil into plug holes. Place engine in full vertical so oil stays in cylinder rather than running down the crankcase.
-Rotate flywheel by hand to distribute fogging oil throughout the cylinder
-Replace spark plugs and you are basically done with the powerhead.
As for the LU, Depending how many hours you run the engine for the year, you might have to change the gear oil or at least check the condition of the gear oil. Personally, since I ran my engine only in the spring and summer, I only check the condition of the oil. If it is still clear and bright, then I'll just until the following year to replace it. I do replace it every other year at the same time with the impeller. However, if the oil is not clear you will need to replace it. If this continues to be a problem, you might want to investigate further where the contamination is coming from.
Of course, this is all my personal procedures for I have yet to see a real winterization procedure for force outboards.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Winterizing my mercury force 120

The way we did it at the shop.
Stabil in the fuel.Run the motor and get the mix up into the carb.
Then as the motors running spray the fogging oil direct into the throat of the carb.
Don't bother trying to kill the motor with the fog.You just waste the foging oil.
After 10-15 seconds of spraying into both cylinders.
Shut the motor off.
Remove the plugs,spray a bit more into each cylinder.
Rotate the cylinders and spray a bit more.
Then replace the plugs.
Change the lower unit oil.
Remove the prop and grease the shaft.
The water/fuel filter.Just remove it after running the motor and replace it.
Then spray WD or any silicone spray on the shift cable ends.
Unhook the battery.Some take it inside for the winter.I don't/didn't.
Make sure the motors left in the straight up and down position.
Remove the drain plug.
Cover the boat with a good canvas.The blue tarps can actuall scratch the gel coat.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Winterizing my mercury force 120

OR: You can NOT go crazy and do what I do. Store the engine vertically so it drains all water then cover the boat for the winter or put the boat into the garage. Works for me and the engine starts easier next season because it doesn't need to clear out the fogging oil.

Fogging an engine is one of those subjects that causes a lot of discussion--like which oil is best, and ethanol in gas. Opinion, like a certain body part that begins with "A" everybody has one

The simple fact is that in an engine that has been run REGULARLY, there is enough residual TCW-3 oil inside to protect all internal parts during winter storage. Fogging will do more for making you feel good than protecting the engine.

 

[Big Fish Billy]

Re: Winterizing my mercury force 120

Didn't see anyone mention this, but I always run the RV antifreeze through my engine. I've been told that if you leave the motor in a vertical position all the water will run out, but I have just concluded replacing my exhaust manifold/plate gaskets on my newly acquired 1997 Force 40 hp motor and there are places along the bottom where water can get trapped, thus I think freezing and causing my leak problem. For 5 gallons of antifreeze, $15 at Walmart, it's worth running it through.

 

[carholme]

Re: Winterizing my mercury force 120

Most engines have drain holes where there is any potential for water to get trapped and it is your responsibility to ensure that they are keep free of dirt and debris. The engines that I have parked outside on boats are stored with the engines vertical and when I am getting things ready for winter, I check that the last run water has drained and have no problems with temps in the -40s. No contribution to Walmart or anybody else for their overpriced anti-freeze or fogging oil.

Gerry