How To Winterize An Outboard Motor- Everything You Need To Know

Summary

In this video, Steve from Trim That Weed guides viewers through the process of winterizing an outboard motor to ensure its longevity during the off-season. Key steps include changing engine and gear oil, adding a fuel stabilizer, fogging the engine, inspecting the propeller, and storing the motor upright. Steve provides practical tips on replacing spark plugs, dealing with water in the gearbox, and safeguarding the motor from harsh winter conditions. He encourages viewers to follow these steps annually and shares a call to action to like, comment, and subscribe for more boating tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Change your engine oil before winterizing your outboard motor to remove contaminants and extend the engine’s lifespan.
• 😀 Run the engine for 5 minutes to warm up the oil before draining it and replacing the oil filter.
• 😀 When changing the gear oil, inspect the old oil; milky oil indicates water contamination and may require a mechanic's attention.
• 😀 Always replace the engine's oil filter along with the engine oil during winterization.
• 😀 Add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank to prevent fuel from turning gummy during winter storage.
• 😀 Run the engine for 10 minutes after adding fuel stabilizer to ensure it circulates throughout the system.
• 😀 Fog your engine by spraying fogging fuel into the engine cylinders to protect internal parts from corrosion during storage.
• 😀 Replace worn spark plugs and torque them to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure optimal engine performance in the future.
• 😀 Inspect the propeller for damage and remove any debris wrapped around the shaft before storage.
• 😀 Store your outboard motor upright to allow any remaining water to drain and prevent freezing in the system.

Q & A

Why is it important to change the engine oil before winterizing an outboard motor?

Changing the engine oil is crucial because old oil contains contaminants that can shorten the engine's lifespan. Fresh oil helps protect the engine and ensures better performance in the long run.

How should you prepare your engine for the oil change?

Before changing the oil, run the engine for about 5 minutes to heat up the oil. This helps it drain more effectively when you remove the drain plug.

What should you do after draining the old engine oil?

After draining the old oil, replace the oil filter and add new engine oil. This will help maintain optimal engine health.

What is the purpose of changing the gear oil in the outboard motor?

Changing the gear oil is necessary to ensure the gearbox runs smoothly. Old oil can cause damage or reduced efficiency, so fresh oil helps maintain proper lubrication and prevent wear.

How do you check for water contamination in the gear oil?

When draining the gear oil, inspect it for a milky appearance, which indicates water contamination. Healthy gear oil should be translucent with a greenish tinge. If you spot milky oil, contact a mechanic.

How do you refill the gear oil after draining it?

Refill the gear oil by pouring fresh oil through the drain plug until it flows out of the vent plug. Once this happens, replace the vent screw first, followed by the drain screw to secure the gearbox.

What is the function of a fuel stabilizer in winterizing an outboard motor?

A fuel stabilizer helps prevent fuel from becoming gummy during winter storage. It keeps the fuel in good condition and protects the engine from potential damage caused by old, stale fuel.

How do you ensure that the fuel stabilizer is properly circulated in the engine?

After adding the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer to the tank, start the engine and run it for about 10 minutes. This will circulate the stabilizer throughout the fuel system.

What is the purpose of fogging the engine, and how is it done?

Fogging the engine helps protect internal components by spraying fogging oil into the engine cylinders. This process helps prevent rust and keeps the engine's moving parts lubricated during storage.

Why should you inspect and potentially remove the propeller before storing the outboard motor?

Inspecting the propeller helps identify any damage that might need repair or replacement. Additionally, removing the propeller can deter theft and ensure the motor is properly stored without interference.

What is the best way to store the outboard motor during winter?

Store the outboard motor upright to allow any water remaining in the system to drain out. This helps prevent freezing and damage to the motor during the cold months.

How often should you repeat the winterizing process for your outboard motor?

You should repeat the winterizing process every year for as long as your outboard motor is in storage, ensuring it stays in good condition and is ready for use when the season starts again.