Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

[mrmamiller]

Actually, the motor is going into storage for the summer months (Florida), so here goes. I have a 2003 90HP Yamaha 2 stroke. I'll be putting it away until I return next December. I've seen conflicting information (even from Yamaha) on whether to drain the carbs or not. Stablizer will be run through engine for the last several hour of operation to make sure everybody gets some. Manual from Yamaha says that as long as stabilizer was added, there is no need to drain the carbs. Naturally, since it is oil-injected, it would NOT be run dry, regardless. Wondering what the current thought is on this topic. Thanks.

 

[jspriddy]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Since no one else bothered to answer that knows more than I do, which would be a lot of people, I'd go with what Yamaha says. Actually, it makes sense if you think about it. Stabilizer should prevent it from gumming up due to evaporation, and some say gaskets will dry out out if you drain them. Sorta like storing a wine bottle vertical-the cork dries out.

John

 

[Natty Light]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

The only addition I would make to following yamaha's recomended procedures is to store the outboard in a down postion. Even though the risk of freezing is not there I don't like the thought of water sitting in my lower unit that long.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Mine is a 99 Yamaha 90C and I drain the carbs several time a year and especially for any lengthy lay-ups(several weeks or months). I also use a fuel stabilizer like Stabil or Seafoam all the time. Draining carbs on the 90HP Yamaha is a very quick and easy preventive maintenance item....especially after you do it once or twice....so far, never a problem! Good Luck!

 

[jspriddy]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Mine is a 99 Yamaha 90C and I drain the carbs several time a year and especially for any lengthy lay-ups(several weeks or months). I also use a fuel stabilizer like Stabil or Seafoam all the time. Draining carbs on the 90HP Yamaha is a very quick and easy preventive maintenance item....especially after you do it once or twice....so far, never a problem! Good Luck!

You don't feel there's any issue with gaskets drying out? I'm just asking. I've heard both sides of this, and really don't know. And what would be the length of anticipated storage to require draining.

Draining would have the added benefit of removing any sediment in the bottom of the bowl.

John

 

[99yam40]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

removing sediment and water would be a good thing for long lay up

Do not know if that one has o-rings or gaskets, o-rings do not dry out and deteriorate as far as I know

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Stabilize, fog engine and drain carbs. Disconnect battery's. Spray remainder of fogging oil over the engine block to reduce corrosion.

 

[jspriddy]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

removing sediment and water would be a good thing for long lay up

Do not know if that one has o-rings or gaskets, o-rings do not dry out and deteriorate as far as I know

OK. I also wonder if gaskets dry out over a reasonable storage period. After all, the new gaskets that come in kits have been stored. I assume by long lay up you mean at least over winter or longer?

 

[jspriddy]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Stabilize, fog engine and drain carbs. Disconnect battery's. Spray remainder of fogging oil over the engine block to reduce corrosion.

What storage period are you talking about here, timewise? I always disconnect batteries after each use, don't know why, it's just easy.

John

 

[99yam40]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

the carb bowls are vented to atmosphere, so the fuel in the bowls will evaporate over time.
I would think if storing for a month or more would need to drain carbs. Just an opinion

 

[jspriddy]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

the carb bowls are vented to atmosphere, so the fuel in the bowls will evaporate over time.
I would think if storing for a month or more would need to drain carbs. Just an opinion

No, that's better than an opinion. I never thought of that-evaporation in the bowls. Makes sense to me, and all the stabilizer in the world won't prevent evaporation, right?

I have a new perspective on "storage".

Thanks, John

 

[robert graham]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Draining carb float chambers makes good sense and good preventive maintenance for outboards, lawn, garden, farm machinery, etc. Like I mentioned, my motor is a 1999 90C Yamaha and never a problem, runs like new all the time. When you have the carb drain plugs out, pump the primer bulb several times to "flush" float chambers with fresh gas....put a towel or rag under carbs to catch the gas, let it drain, replace the plugs...then you can let the motor set there 'til the cows come home and nothin' is going to form in that float chamber...Good Luck!

 

[jspriddy]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Draining carb float chambers makes good sense ...Good Luck!

Makes sense. I guess there's really nothing to the gaskets drying out issue, then. Modern materials are very durable, anyway.

Thanks,

John

 

[mrmamiller]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Boat will be stored for 8 months. My biggest fear was gaskets drying out. Guess I'll drain them, since the gas may evaporate anyway, as mentioned. Hate to be putting it away, but it's time to head North. Thanks

 

[pappastratos]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Boat will be stored for 8 months. My biggest fear was gaskets drying out. Guess I'll drain them, since the gas may evaporate anyway, as mentioned. Hate to be putting it away, but it's time to head North. Thanks

head north ? leave fla ? just starting to get Bikini weather !!

 

[mrmamiller]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Hate to leave FL in a few days, it's been a very chilly March. Water in Pine Island Sound was 57 degrees yesterday morning, trout were wearing long johns. Boat is "summerized" for leaving it here. A long wait 'till I'm back down. Now back to PA and cold temps.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Yamaha 2 stroke Winterization Question

Just put stabilized 100% gasoline (if available) in the tank, and run the engine long enough to get that fresh fuel into the engine. When it's at an idle (in the water), disconnect or pinch a fuel line--to cut off the supply of gasoline.

In a little bit, the engine will start to stutter. That's when you spray the carb throats with fogging oil. The engine will quit. You're good to go.

Me personally? I never winterize my Yamaha 115 hp 2 stroke. And it's been running great since 1985. I just cleaned the carbs for the second time in all these years. I keep it in an enclosed boathouse out of the weather.