Winterization of 78 Outboard

[ToyBox]

I am pulling my C27 in a couple of weeks and don't know what kind of winterization she will require. I have an outboard and assume I want to run the fuel as dry as possible and somehow clean the tanks over the offseason. I will also pull the engine off and check some transom modifications. Pump fresh water out of the tanks and replace with an antifreeze. etc. Any hints/tips?Chris D

 

[George]

The easy way out

I generally take the easy way out, by unlocking the outboard motor and letting the Marina take it off my boat and winterize it for me. They do it when they lift the boat out at the end of the season, and ding me about $35 for doing it. I figure its worth it, and that in the bargain they give it a quick once over for anything glaringly wrong that I don't know about. If it were far more expensive I might do it myself, but the cost when compared to buying a new engine if I don't do it right had convinced me to pay to have it done.Good luck.George

 

[Randy]

Outboard winterize

Although my 27 has an inboard, I had a smaller outboard powered boat for years. My winterizing routine consisted of the following:-add fuel stabilizer to tank and run through engine-change lower unit gear oil-change spark plugs (now or in the spring)-change fuel filter (now or in the spring)-fog engine w/fogging spray. add fogging oil to cyclinders by spraying in spark plug holes-wash down outside of engine with fresh soapy water, rinse, dry, apply waxIf my engine needed additional work, I'd have it performed by the local service department.Good luck with yours.Randy

 

[Erik]

I don't winterize my OB

The way I care for my 2-stroke OB motor is through continuous care. I live in a mild climate, so there are a few decent sailing days in the winter. I store my boat (and motor) at home. The OB sits on a stand in the garage. Every 30 days or so, I run the motor for about 20-30 minutes in a test bucket. The fuel mix (Amsoil 100:1 mix) has Stabil added to it to keep it fresh for awhile. All the other maintenance (like lower unit lube, spark plug check) is performed on a regular basis.

 

[Matt Boulton]

WD 40 Instead of Fogging Oil?

For my dink outboard, a Johnson 4hp, I've always just sprayed a bit of WD 40 in the cylinders at the end of the season. Is this potentially harmful? Is fogging oil a far better choice?

 

[Guest]

Fogging

My mechanic says regular automobile transmission fluid works great as a fogging oil. I use it in my V8 inboards and plan to use it on my recently purchase C25s 8hp Yamaha.