Using Outboard during Winter

[Delphis]

This winter I'd like to keep the outboard on a small zodiac and use it on the mild days. Because the engine will be outside all winter I was wondering what would need to be done to maintain the engine during the very cold months ahead.

I heard I should use stabilizer in the gas. Would this be all that I would need to do? After using the engine for a day could I just cover it and not worry about it if I just use the stablizer?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Your outboard is water cooled - it is wise to always notice the stream of water discharging from the head while it is running to ensure the water pump is properly cooling the engine.

As it is water cooled, you need to displace the water with antifreeze during the winter if you want to keep it outside. There are instructions available on the intenet, which vary depending on which engine you have, how best to do this.

Similarly, the need to use stabilizer or drain the fuel system vary by mfg - some recommend not to drain the fuel; others do.

 

[tommays]

If it freezes were you live and the motor is tilted out of the water one issue is freeze dammage spliting the gear case (motors with through prop exaust) IF your storeing it level so it can drain this is not a problem


The fuel issue is more about how offen you use the motor if it is going to sit a month it is better to run the motor out of fuel and if it is like mine it has and easy to reach float bowl drain to get the carb compleatly empty

 

[Delphis]

Thanks. I was wondering how the lobsterman do it. They seem to be out there everyday in smaller boats with outboards.

 

[Warren Milberg]

When I had a boat with an 8-hp 2 stroke Evinrude, I used it all winter (on warm days, that is). But the motor lived on the bracket on the boat. Whenever I used it, I simply disconnected the spark plug leads and hand cranked the engine a few time to pump any residual water out. I tilted the motor up to keep the lower unit out of the sea water, of course. Worked well for me. I also used stabilizer in the fuel. Never had a problem.