Winterizing engine OUT of the boat?

[erikgreen]

Guys -

I'm getting set to pull my sterndrive and engine and put them both in the unheated garage for the winter on stands, while the boat is going into the heated shop for a transom job this winter.

I'm looking for pointers on what to do to ensure I don't have issues come spring when it's time to re-install the engine.

Here's my plan so far:

1. Remove stern drive and put on stand
2. Remove the engine from the boat after draining gas from carb and fuel filter
3. Put engine on a stand that supports it from the bottom/mounting bolts
4. drain oil and replace
5. pull spark plugs and fog the cylinders, replace plugs
6. Check to be sure all water is out, ensure drains not blocked on block or manifolds
7. wrap all hanging cables carefully so they don't drag and zip tie
8. spray exposed bare metal including bolt holes with fogging oil or coat bare metal with a rag and 10W-30
9. shrink wrap engine on stand and roll to storage spot
10. Drain gas, remove boat gas tank and store standing near engine (aluminum tank)

Questions:

• Should I use another method to wrap it that won't hold in moisture?
• Is there a different/better way to prevent rust on exposed metal?
• Should I cover/protect the electrical connections somehow?
• Should I refill with oil or use some other liquid or preservative?
• Should I coat the sterndrive too?
• How can I make the empty gas tank less dangerous?

Thanks,
Erik

 

[Wakesilver]

Re: Winterizing engine OUT of the boat?

Here's my plan so far:
-Remove stern drive and put on stand
-Remove the engine from the boat after draining gas from carb and fuel filter
-Put engine on a stand that supports it from the bottom/mounting bolts

Hey, when you're done, could you come down and take mine apart too?


It sounds like a nice way to do it, better than most pulled motors get treated.

I would not shrink wrap the cold/damp motor, just cover with an old beach towel.

As far as the tank goes, I have heard that full is safer than mostly empty, both from steel rusting and fumes for ignition. But yours is alu so half of that reasoning goes away...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winterizing engine OUT of the boat?

Check to be sure all water is out, ensure drains not blocked on block or manifolds

Ayuh,... That right There pretty much covers it for indoor storage....
And,...
I Agree,... Tarping/ Shrinkwrapping causes to much condensation,... lightly covered is Better...