Winterizing

[MAXXIE]

I just did a search on winterizing & read a few threads, most were on I/O's, one that I read was for an 85 HP Force O/B. The reply's were to just run the stabilizer in the fuel, Fog it, swap out lower unit oil,& snap the cover on with some sort of support system under it, for snow I'm assuming. I have a question or two from here. What is "Fogging"? What is it & how is it done? The guy I got my boat from had it stored at this gas station/boat store outside in the rear. This guy is a boat mech. & he seems like an OK guy. I won't be using him as I will store the boat at my house or rented garage to do work on it over the off season. He has a bus load of customers that store their boats at his lot every year. Part of the deal when I got my boat was seller would pay for storage of past winter & buyer "me" would pay for winterizing & de-winterizing, it cost me around $150. Did he do anything other than listed above for winterizing? That seems like a lot of $$ for very little work on his part. Also, is there even such a thing as "De-winterizing"? Thanks for the advice on winterizing myself at home.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Winterizing

Fogging is running the motor and spraying fogging oil in the cylinders.It protects for long periods of layup,rust moisture etc.They also put additives in the fuel to stabilize the fuel.
Most change the oil to make sure there is no water in the system.
Some use special liquids to winterize like antifreeze or a red liquid that takes the place of antifreeze. As antifreeze is a pollutant and shouldn't be used in and around the water.
When they do a start up it is starting the motor.Making sure that the batteries are charged.That it runs OK. My opinion anyone charging more than $50 to do a startup is ripping you off.
After fogging clean the plugs to restart.Then change them in the spring.
Use an Ethanol stabilizer.Ethanol can separate after time. J

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Winterizing

Thanks Jerry, So it's not something I can't do myself at my house. No Problem. I was just at Wal-Mart the other day & was reading a bottle of "Ethanol fix", after reading the instructions I thought, my engine is from 1985 & the ethanol has got to be doing this damage to my fuel lines & everything else. I didn't buy it, but think I will today as I'm taking the boat out this afternoon & Friday all day. It's going to be close to 90 degree's, Not bad for NE Pa in mid September. I'll take advantage of every single chance I get.......

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Winterizing

Ethanol fix might do something for the fuel but the damaged hoses and corrosion need to be watched.
I'm stripping my old 88 21ft Center Console(weak transom/leaky tank).I had a spare tank under the console and had run a 5/16 Goodyear gas line from the front to the back.
I pulled the fuel line and it looked like someone had melted the outer casing.
It looked like melted butter or wax dripping off the hose.I was supprised it didn't leak(maybe it did). J

 

[anple]

Re: Winterizing

Just finished winterizing the boat. It costs me about 40 bucks at a local Bi-Mart to buy:

1) 8oz/336ml Sta-bil Marine Ethanol Treatment [1 ounce (30mL) of MARINE Formula STA-BIL in 5 gallons (18.9 L)]
2) CRC Marine Fogging Oil
3) CRC Corrosion Inhibitor
4) 1 Quart of Mercury Gear Case Grease

As a newbie to boating, I found the whole process was very easy and it would take about 2hrs to finish. Thanks all for all great tips. - Anthony

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: Winterizing

Congrats! Saved some cash too, and that fogging oil will last you a few seasons, I bought 2 cans 3 years ago--one can for each carb.

I think most people will agree that you should add marine stabil to every tank all season long, it prevents ethanol fuel phase separation and keeps your motor running strong despite the poor quality of today's fuel

 

[anple]

Re: Winterizing

How could you fog the cylinders while the motor was running? Are you suppose to take out spark plugs? I took out spark plugs, sprayed fogging oil onto each cylinders, then manually rotated the flywheel several times....

Fogging is running the motor and spraying fogging oil in the cylinders.It protects for long periods of layup,rust moisture etc.They also put additives in the fuel to stabilize the fuel.
Most change the oil to make sure there is no water in the system.
Some use special liquids to winterize like antifreeze or a red liquid that takes the place of antifreeze. As antifreeze is a pollutant and shouldn't be used in and around the water.
When they do a start up it is starting the motor.Making sure that the batteries are charged.That it runs OK. My opinion anyone charging more than $50 to do a startup is ripping you off.
After fogging clean the plugs to restart.Then change them in the spring.
Use an Ethanol stabilizer.Ethanol can separate after time. J

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: Winterizing

You leave the plugs in, run the motor and spray fogging oil into the intake till it stalls, then take out the plugs and spray oil into each plug hole. If you don't spray it through the intake, the oil will not get into the crankcase to oil up your bearings.

 

[joe carpenter]

Re: Winterizing

Should the carbs be run dry???

 

[anple]

Re: Winterizing

Would this score the pistons and give any damage to the engine? I have read quite a few threads about not to run dry the motor as it may score the pistons. Thanks.

You leave the plugs in, run the motor and spray fogging oil into the intake till it stalls, then take out the plugs and spray oil into each plug hole. If you don't spray it through the intake, the oil will not get into the crankcase to oil up your bearings.

 

[gussbuster]

Re: Winterizing

I personally do not run my carbs dry, though I know a lot who do and it shouldnt damage anything. I spray fogging oil into the carb intake while running, untill it starts to blow smoke like a son of a gun...then I shut it down. Stabilizer should definitely be put in the fuel prior to shut down if you dont run it dry. Bad gas a season later will destroy carbs. I treat every tank of gas with Merc fuel treatment or OMC 2+4 fuel conditioner...along with carbon guard. Might be a little much for some, but Ive never had bad gas ruin a trip!