Winterizing Small Outboard

[shank]

I have an old 2HP 2 stroke outboard I use with my dinghy. I ran it until the gas tank ran dry and the engine stopped. What else should I do to winterize it so she'll fire right up next year?

Thanks

 

[shemandr]

If it has a gear box you should replace the fluid in it.
I used to put some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinder and pull the chord to distribute it. I did that because I've seen cylinder fogged engines that are hard to start in the spring. Then replace the plug - put a new on in at the beginning of the next season.
If you don't know the history of the engine you may want to rebuild the carb - if the parts are available. I used to install an inline fuel filter if there is room. Your fuel is probably gravity fed so if the filter would alter that I wouldn't add the filter. There is a water pump impeller if the engine isn't air cooled. You may want to change that if the parts are available.
You are in fresh water so you don't need to worry about the water tubes getting caked with salt.
I have a friend who has an outboard for his CD 25. He has had the engine for decades and swears that the trick for longevity is to store it in the garage or basement - where there is less heat.
I wonder how other posters feel about that.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Run pink RV antifreeze through it if storing in freezing temps. Ask how to do this if this is the case

 

[duck21]

If you have the room, since the 2hp is pretty small, see if you can store it inside. That way no worries about things freezing up. I throw mine in the back of my indoor utility closet each year.