There are 8 steps necessary to successfully winterize your outboard motor. Save a couple hundred bucks each year by following the steps below!
This article provides insights into safeguarding an outboard motor from corrosion and freeze-related damage during winter storage, a process commonly known as "winterization." Boat owners can easily execute the following tasks:
1. Drain the Crankcase Oil (4-Stroke Motors): Before an oil change, flush the motor with a set of flushing muffs attached to a garden hose. Warm up the oil by running the motor for a few minutes, turn it off, and then proceed to drain the oil following the manufacturer's instructions. A helpful tool for removing the oil more easily is an oil extractor, which takes less than 10 seconds to prime and can help you more efficiently remove the oil.
2. Install a New Oil Filter (4-Stroke Motors): Remove the oil filter after draining the oil. Replace it with a new OEM or equivalent model, ensuring the O-ring is lightly coated with motor oil.
3. Install a New Fuel Filter (4-Stroke Motors): Replace the OEM fuel filter as per the owner's manual.
4. Fill the Crankcase with New Oil (4-Stroke Motors): After installing the new oil filter, refill the crankcase with the recommended oil type and quantity.
5. Change the Lower Unit Gear Oil: Follow the owner's manual for gear oil viscosity and quantity. Drain the gear oil, replace the drain plug gasket if needed, and refill the gear case using a gear lube pump.
6. Stabilize the Fuel: Use fuel stabilizers like Star-brite’s STA-BIL to prevent gum and varnish buildup. Circulate stabilized fuel through the entire system by running the motor with flushing muffs.
7. Flush with Antifreeze & Fog the Cylinders: Flush the motor with antifreeze to prevent freeze damage and rust formation. Use a winterizing kit filled with non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze. Simultaneously, spray fogging oil into the carburetor(s) until the motor stalls or emits white smoke.
8. Protecting Against Corrosion: Apply a corrosion inhibitor on the power head to prevent rust during winter layup.
To make sure this process goes smoothly, it is best to get all of the necessary equipment upfront, like antifreeze, engine winterizing kit, flushing muffs, fuel stabilizer, gear lube oil, gear lube pump, outboard motor oil (for four-stroke motors), oil filter, oil filter wrench, drain pan, absorbent rags, fogging oil, grease gun with grease cartridge, and corrosion inhibitor.
For a user-friendly engine parts selection process, consider exploring the SONAR online engine parts selector. Ensure the chosen oil meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications.
In conclusion, this comprehensive winterization process ensures that your outboard motor is adequately protected during the winter months, promoting longevity and optimal performance.