How to Winterize a Four Stroke Outboard Motor

boats.com
7 Nov 201202:43

Summary

TLDRThis guide addresses the proper method of winterizing a four-stroke outboard motor, clearing up common confusion. Key steps include flushing the motor with freshwater, checking for salt buildup, changing the lower unit oil, and adding a fuel stabilizer to combat ethanol effects. It's crucial to run the engine to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates. Unlike two-strokes, fogging a four-stroke motor is optional if it’s started every few weeks. The video also debunks the myth of needing antifreeze, explaining that proper drainage prevents freezing, making the motor winter-ready.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Four-stroke outboards are very popular, but winterizing them differs from two-strokes.
  • 🚿 The first step in winterizing is to give the motor a thorough freshwater flush for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • 🔍 After flushing, remove the cowling and check for any salt buildup inside, rinsing it away if found.
  • 🛢️ Change the lower unit oil, even if it’s fresh, to avoid water-induced damage during freezing temperatures.
  • ⛽ Adding a fuel stabilizer is essential, especially since ethanol was introduced into fuels.
  • 🏃‍♂️ Run the motor for 10 to 15 minutes after adding the fuel stabilizer to ensure it moves through the system.
  • 🔄 Tilt the motor up and down completely to drain all water, as leftover water could freeze and cause damage.
  • 🌫️ Engine fogger is traditionally used to winterize by spraying into the air intake and cylinders, but many experts now advise against it for four-stroke engines.
  • 🕒 Regularly starting the motor every 3 weeks eliminates the need for engine fogging in four-strokes.
  • ❄️ Antifreeze isn't necessary for four-stroke outboards if all water has been properly drained.

Q & A

  • What is the first step in winterizing a four-stroke outboard motor?

    -The first step is to give the motor a good freshwater flush to clean out any salt and debris.

  • What equipment might you need to flush a four-stroke outboard motor?

    -You may need a pair of ear muffs or a hose that can be threaded directly into the motor, depending on the model.

  • Why is it important to check for salt buildup inside the motor after flushing?

    -Salt buildup inside the motor can lead to corrosion, so it’s important to rinse away any salt to avoid damage.

  • Why is it necessary to change the lower unit oil, even if it's fresh?

    -You should change the lower unit oil to ensure no water has gotten in. If water freezes, it expands, which can cause serious damage to the motor.

  • What is the role of fuel stabilizer in winterizing a four-stroke outboard motor?

    -Fuel stabilizer is necessary to prevent ethanol in the fuel from degrading over time. It helps maintain fuel quality during storage.

  • Why should you run the motor for 10 to 15 minutes after adding fuel stabilizer?

    -Running the motor for 10 to 15 minutes ensures that the stabilized fuel circulates through the entire motor, protecting the fuel system.

  • Why is it important to tilt the motor up and down during winterization?

    -Tilting the motor all the way up and down ensures that all water drains out, preventing any water from freezing and causing damage.

  • Is antifreeze necessary for winterizing a four-stroke outboard motor?

    -No, antifreeze is not necessary. If the motor is properly drained, no water should remain inside to freeze and cause damage.

  • What is the traditional use of engine fogger in winterizing a motor?

    -Engine fogger is traditionally sprayed into the air intake while the motor runs until smoke comes out, and a spritz is applied inside each cylinder to prevent rust during storage.

  • Is it necessary to fog a four-stroke outboard motor for winterization?

    -No, it may not be necessary to fog a four-stroke motor if you start the motor every 3 weeks during the winter to keep it running properly.

Outlines

plate

Cette section est réservée aux utilisateurs payants. Améliorez votre compte pour accéder à cette section.

Améliorer maintenant

Mindmap

plate

Cette section est réservée aux utilisateurs payants. Améliorez votre compte pour accéder à cette section.

Améliorer maintenant

Keywords

plate

Cette section est réservée aux utilisateurs payants. Améliorez votre compte pour accéder à cette section.

Améliorer maintenant

Highlights

plate

Cette section est réservée aux utilisateurs payants. Améliorez votre compte pour accéder à cette section.

Améliorer maintenant

Transcripts

plate

Cette section est réservée aux utilisateurs payants. Améliorez votre compte pour accéder à cette section.

Améliorer maintenant
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Étiquettes Connexes
WinterizingFour-strokeOutboard motorMaintenance tipsBoat careFuel stabilizerEngine flushLower unit oilMotor upkeepMarine maintenance
Besoin d'un résumé en anglais ?