MerCruiser 7.4LX Winterization

[jguarniere]

I have a 1997 MerCruiser 7.4LX MPI, and I plan to winterize it myself for the first time. I have winterized a carbureted MerCruiser in previous years, but this is a new experience. My questions for winterizing this engine for Maryland storage include:<br /><br />1. How do you turn off the lift pump to de-pressurize the fuel system (before pouring oil into the vapor separating tank)?<br />2. The oil poured into the V.S.T. is for coating the fuel injectors?<br />3. For coating the cylinders, is there any easier way than pulling each plug and pouring oil into the cylinder? It is very difficult to reach the plugs. Can the cylinders be protected by pouring more than 1 ounce of outboard oil into the V.S.T. and running the engine? Or can the cylinders be fogged with a fogging can through the air intake (like fogging a carbureted engine through the carburetor)?<br /><br />Any help with these questions would be sincerely appreciated!

 

[jguarniere]

Re: MerCruiser 7.4LX Winterization

Anyone, someone, please help! Only a month or so to go before the freezing temperatures appear!

 

[jguarniere]

Re: MerCruiser 7.4LX Winterization

Does anyone out there know this engine...please help!

 

[Norm Malcosky]

Re: MerCruiser 7.4LX Winterization

After winterizing my Volvo Penta 5.7 GI with antifreeze, I fogged the engine using a spray can of fogging oil directly into the intake manifold. <br /><br />This VP system has two fuel injectors mounted on a "throttle body". By removing the air cleaner (back flash preventer)and spraying the fogging oil below each of the injectors, I was able to make "MUTCHO" exhaust smoke. I was not able to get it to stall out, but I feel the engine's internals were well coated with oil.<br /><br />Shut it off quickly after spraying so the raw water pump will not run dry - for too long. <br /><br />erie_guy