Winterize Your Outboard Motor

Winterizing an outboard motor is crucial for ensuring its performance and longevity. This process involves several steps that protect the motor from damage during the cold months. Proper winterization minimizes costly repairs when it’s time to bring your boat back into action. Let’s explore what you need to do to prepare your outboard motor for winter.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need fuel stabilizer, fogging oil, water muffs, engine oil and filter (if applicable), a bucket, a funnel, and appropriate wrenches or screwdrivers. Keeping everything at hand ensures a smooth process with minimal interruption.

Stabilizing the Fuel

Fuel can degrade quickly, especially in cold weather. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank. Follow the instructions on the stabilizer product for the correct dosage. Run the engine on idle for about 10 minutes. This allows the stabilizer to circulate throughout the system, preventing fuel separation and gumming.

Flushing the Engine

Flushing your outboard motor removes salt, grime, and other residue. Attach water muffs to the motor’s lower unit and connect a hose. Ensure a consistent flow of water. Start the engine and let it run in neutral for about 10-15 minutes. This will clean out any contaminants that may have settled inside during use. Avoid revving the engine excessively.

Applying Fogging Oil

Fogging oil protects the internal parts from corrosion. After flushing the engine, keep it running and apply the fogging oil directly into the carburetor or the air intake. Use short bursts as per the oil’s instructions. The engine will sputter and smoke, which is normal. Let it run until it shuts off due to the oil, ensuring it’s well-coated internally.

Changing the Engine Oil

Oil collects contaminants over time, which can cause wear during inactivity. For motors with a four-stroke engine, change the engine oil and replace the oil filter. Drain the old oil completely and dispose of it properly. Fill the engine with fresh oil, checking for the correct oil type and fill level in the manual.

Lubricating Moving Parts

Inspect the motor’s moving parts and cables. Apply grease to pivot points and other designated areas. Use marine-grade grease for longevity. This step prevents rust and ensures smooth operation when the boating season resumes. Pay attention to the steering cables and throttle controls as well.

Checking the Lower Unit

The lower unit of an outboard motor houses gears that require protection. Drain any water from the lower unit and refill it with fresh gear oil. Check for milky oil, indicating a water leak that needs professional attention. Ensure the oil level is correct to avoid undue stress on the gears.

Inspecting the Propeller

Remove the propeller and inspect it for damage. Check for fishing lines or other debris wrapped around the shaft. Clean and grease the shaft before replacing the propeller. This prevents the propeller from seizing and ensures optimal performance.

Storing the Battery

If your motor uses a separate battery, disconnect and remove it. Clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Store the battery in a dry, cool place, ideally on a maintenance charger. This prolongs its life and ensures it’s ready for use later.

Covers and Storage

Invest in a good quality cover to protect the outboard motor from dust and moisture. Store the motor in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid storing it directly on concrete, as this can lead to condensation. If feasible, store the motor vertically to prevent oil and fuel spillage.

Regular Checks and Maintenance

While winterizing largely involves one-off activities, regular checks during the off-season help. Occasionally inspect the cover for tears. Check the storage environment for moisture. Run a final check before re-installing, ensuring all parts appear in good condition.

Following these steps will keep your outboard motor in peak condition. A little effort pre-winter saves a lot of trouble come spring. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your motor is ready to hit the water again.