This is my first year with a outboard motor (Johnson 6hp & Evinrude 30hp). I've been told by marine experts in my area and also read all over iboats that you want to fog your engine (Sta-bil Fogging Oil $3.50) and also Sta-Bil Marine Fuel stabilizer. Run the engine with the fuel stabilizer (2x the recommended amount) for about 5 minutes to get it in the engine. Then Fog the engine by spraying short bursts of the fogging oil into the carb as it's running almost to the point of it stalling. A few bursts will be good. Then remove the spark plugs and spray some fogging oil in the cylinders. Turn the key (or pull the rope) to move the cylinders and spray again. Put the plugs back in.
Now replace the oil in your lower unit with 80-90 marine oil and a pump. As you remove the bottom screw watch to see if there is water in the oil. If so, you have a leak and will want to get that fixed. Otherwise refill the lower unit (from the bottom drain plug) with a pump until oil starts to come out the top hole. Put the bolt back in the top hole first and tighten (also replace the washer!!! I found this out the hard way). Then pull the pump and quickly put the washer/bolt in the lower hole so you don't lose your oil. Now you should be all set.
I'm in Michigan where winters can be brutal. If you're located in the deep south then you might not need to do any of this stuff I mentioned.
