Winterizing...effects on outboard motor

[Catfishmonkey]

How much harm does it do to an outboard if you winterize (put fogging oil through the carbs) and de-winterize more than once a year. Say for example, I want to take out the boat this weekend, but realize it might get below freezing (below 32) the next week and so winterize it again after I take it out this weekend. Is that bad for the motor? In other words, what are the permanent effects of fogging oil on an outboard (and its carbs), if any?

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Winterizing...effects on outboard motor

You dont need to winterize an outboard for water except for the gearcase. No permanent effect is caused by fogging oil just make sure it is fogging oil and not engine tuner. Just don't go crazy with it, for example when fogging sterndrives I only use about 1/3-1/2 of the can...obviously outboards have smaller displacement. But reguardless stabilize the fuel and line the cylinder walls with 2 stroke oil and spin over by hand a few times, put plugs back in. I would definately drain the carbs/vst before storing as well. As far as de-winterizing? As long as battery is charged, lower unit full of oil/free of water and you don't mind a little smoke don't worry about it.

 

[Catfishmonkey]

Re: Winterizing...effects on outboard motor

As far as lining the cylinder walls with 2 stroke oil, how is the best way to do that? During my normal winterization process I basically fogg the carbs until the engine dies, then spraying in the spark plug holes while manually cranking, and filling the lower engine oil (and stabilizing the fuel)...and that is all I do. Am I missing something?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Winterizing...effects on outboard motor

For the most part, if your gearcase doesn't leak water in or oil out, then the all winterizing does is make the outboard safe for long-term storage. If you de-winterized your motor (.ie fire it up and use it) you shouldn't have to do a thing to it if you're going to use it again within a few weeks. If it's not going to be used again for several months, then I would re-fog it. Wouldn't hurt to crack the bottom drain screw to make sure the oil isn't milky. If it's clear, pop the screw back in... With today's fuels, I would be using a stabilizer for pretty much every tank. Only time I don't is when I'm filling a tank and using it the same day...

 

[Catfishmonkey]

Re: Winterizing...effects on outboard motor

Makes sense. I was just afraid of it going below 32 degrees, and then messing up the lower unit and seizing. That's why I was thinking about fogging it once more after I take it out this weekend. I am a bit hesitant to just keep it as is...at least until mid may roles around and I know there is practically no chance of it getting a deep frost. Should I worry about that?

I use a portable 6 gallon tank, so within one or two trips, I usually completely use it up.

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Winterizing...effects on outboard motor

Basically you are overkilling if you are spraying fogging oil into the cylinders (if you are wanting to know if you should use 2 stroke oil also), but I would not crank the motor though. The fine mist that spray container and the piston movement may take more of the fogging oil into the exhaust port. Get a syringe at a medical outlet store and squirt about 1/3 oz. in a circular pattern into each cylinder and rotate by hand a few revolutions. To be honest what you are doing is probably good enough. Your biggest concern is fuel though.