Winter is coming, and if you own a boat, you know how important it is to protect your investment. Winterizing your outboard motor ensures it will be in top shape when boating season returns. Neglecting this process can lead to costly repairs due to freezing temperatures and corrosion. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your outboard motor safe through the cold months.
1. Flush the Engine with Fresh Water
Before you begin the winterization process, it’s essential to flush the engine with clean water to remove salt, dirt, and debris from the cooling system.
How to:
- Attach a hose to your outboard motor’s flushing port or use a set of ear muffs designed for motor flushing.
- Turn on the water and run the engine at idle for 5-10 minutes. This will clear out any contaminants that can corrode internal components.
2. Drain Fuel or Stabilize It
Gasoline can degrade over time, leading to issues like varnish build-up in the fuel lines and carburetor. To prevent this, you have two options: drain the fuel or add a fuel stabilizer.
How to:
- Drain the fuel tank if you prefer to store the motor dry.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fuel if you plan to keep gas in the system over winter. Run the motor for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to ensure it circulates through the fuel system.
3. Fog the Engine
Fogging oil helps protect internal engine components from corrosion during long periods of inactivity.
How to:
- While the engine is running, remove the air intake silencer and spray fogging oil into the carburetor or throttle body.
- Turn off the engine after the fogging oil is applied to allow the oil to coat the engine cylinders and other critical components.
4. Drain and Replace the Gear Oil
Old gear oil can contain water and contaminants that may freeze and damage the lower unit. Replacing the oil before storage helps prevent this.
How to:
- Locate the drain screws on the lower unit.
- Place a pan under the motor and remove the drain and vent screws to drain the oil.
- Once drained, replace the old oil with fresh gear oil by pumping it into the drain hole until it comes out of the vent hole.
5. Grease and Lubricate
Lubricating key components helps prevent rust and corrosion.
How to:
- Grease the propeller shaft, steering components, and other moving parts with marine-grade grease.
- Check the owner’s manual for specific grease points on your outboard.
6. Remove the Propeller and Check for Damage
It’s a good idea to remove the propeller during the off-season to prevent theft and allow for a thorough inspection.
How to:
- Remove the propeller and inspect it for any damage or fishing line that might be wrapped around the shaft.
- Store the propeller in a safe place and apply grease to the shaft.
7. Store the Motor Properly
Storing your outboard motor in the right environment can make all the difference.
How to:
- Tilt the motor down to ensure that all water drains from the engine.
- If possible, store your boat and motor in a climate-controlled environment or cover the motor securely with a weather-resistant cover to protect it from the elements.
8. Check the Battery
If your outboard motor uses a battery, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its lifespan.
How to:
- Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Check the charge level every few weeks and recharge as needed to prevent it from fully discharging over the winter.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your outboard motor may seem like an extra task, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring your boat is ready to hit the water come spring. Taking the time to flush the engine, protect it from corrosion, and store it properly will save you money and stress in the long run.
Enjoy the peace of mind knowing your boat motor is protected, and look forward to smooth sailing next season!
