Freezing outboard

mopar1970

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2006
Messages
53
Does anyone use antifreeze in an outboard for winterizing or are they ok if drained?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Freezing outboard

They are fine if the lower unit is stored vertical to allow drainage..
 

Cricket Too

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 14, 2003
Messages
1,732
Re: Freezing outboard

Hey mopar.....They are fine if they are stored in the down position and all of the water is out of them. There's not enough water inside of them to expand and hurt anything if it freezes.

It's a good idea to drain and replace the lower unti oil though before the winter, just in case there is any water in it, so you you don't damage any internal parts or the case, plus then in the srping it's already done. Don't drain it and leave it empty though, rust can set in and you may not remember in the spring and run it dry, I've seen that happen.
 

mopar1970

Seaman
Joined
Apr 10, 2006
Messages
53
Re: Freezing outboard

Oh ok
thanks guys I had a marina tell me they do that.
But I thought it would be a big mess to do myself
Thanks,
Chris
 

Scaaty

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2004
Messages
5,180
Re: Freezing outboard

Seeing as how all outboards are self draining, just how would you expect to hold up the Antifreeze? Marina guy was talking about an inboard or I/O motor....and even then, you can just drain them too...dry don't freeze.
 
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