Winterize always necessary?

[mcalpine]

I just bought a 1991 Four Winns with a 4.3L OMC with Cobra outdrive. I am going to store it in the corner of a dry, heated factory building. The temperature will never go below about 65 degrees. Doing a complete winterization seem a bit much. What do I really need to worry about over the 6-7 months it will be stored?<br />I just sold my Glastron with Volvo-Penta which I always winterized and stored outside for 10 cold Michigan winters.<br /><br />Advice and opinions would be appreciated.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

My opinion may not be worth much, but:<br /><br />1. Guaranteed that it will always be 65 degrees? No chance of a power failure or other problem?<br /><br />2. Winterize also deals with prepping the engine for a long period of not running. That is still a factor.<br /><br />3. What about lubing, lowering the engine to keep the hydrolics protected, etc? Still important.<br /><br />4. Do you take a load off the tires in the winter. Told it helps prolong life of the wheels. This is not a factor of temperature either.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

Personally, I would still winterize. Like Jack mentioned, what if the heat goes out? I know it's not likely, but it COULD happen. IMO, the gear lube should still be changed, fuel stabilizer added, and the cooling system drained. You should also service the outdrive. None is truly necessary, but a little preventative maintenance goes a very long ways.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

I would surely fog the engine.Personally I would prefer to have the block and manifolds either empty or filled with antifreeze rather than with water whether it will freeze or not.You still have to stabilize the fuel and change the lower gear lube .Sounds like a full winterization to me.By the way,I am jealous as all hell that you are storing indoors.Charlie

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

Only you can decide about the temperature issue.<br />Changing drive lube, fogging the cylinders, changing the engine oil and adding fuel stabilizer such as "stabil", in my opinion is a MUST.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

I would do the whole process. If nothing else it is a good idea to keep oil in cylinders when not in use, and get the water out to prevent corrosion. Even in fresh water you have impurities in the water. Over the winter the water might slowly evaporate out leaving behind the deposits. And what better time to drain oil both engine and drive and check everything out? Also plug all of the holes in case mice or bugs get into things. Moth flakes work good to keep mice out of things, in case mice become a problem.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

Winterize always necessary?

Not here in Pt Charlotte! <br /><br />(Sorry I couldn't resist )

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

The only thing that the temp will save you from doing is antifreeze/draining the water from the block and exhaust. Everything else is necessary, not due to temp, but due to inactivity and lack of use. Follow the advice above, and take the extra 20 minutes to drain your engine. If something happens, and you find in the spring that you need a new engine block, exhaust, or both, you will really regret not doing it right when you had the chance.

 

[mcalpine]

Re: Winterize always necessary?

Okay, I'm convinced. Thought I could save a little time and skimp on winterizing but I guess its not really worth it.<br /><br />Thanks for all the advice.