How To Winterize A 4-Stroke Outboard | My Boat Classic DIY

Summary

This episode of PowerBoat Television covers essential steps for properly winterizing a modern four-stroke EFI outboard motor. Unlike older two-stroke engines, newer models require careful preparation, including draining old oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling the crankcase with the appropriate oil. Gear oil must also be replaced, and grease applied to key moving parts. Special fuel mixes must be used to prevent injector damage, and fuel systems should be stored wet to protect components. The episode emphasizes the importance of storing the engine vertically to ensure its longevity.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Modern outboard motors require more care during winterization compared to older two-stroke models.
• ⛽ For boats with internal fuel tanks, fill the tank completely and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent moisture build-up and ethanol breakdown.
• 🔥 Always ensure the engine is warm and has a good flow of water before starting any maintenance tasks.
• 🛢️ Drain the old oil by removing the dipstick and using an oil pan to catch the oil, then remove the oil filter using a proper wrench.
• 🔧 Before installing a new oil filter, coat the filter's O-ring with oil to ensure a proper seal.
• 🛠️ Lubricate the swivel bracket and steering with appropriate grease to maintain smooth movement.
• 🛑 When draining gear oil, inspect for water or metal traces, as these may indicate potential issues.
• 🛢️ Refill the gear case by pumping oil into the fill hole until it appears at the vent hole, ensuring no leaks.
• 🚫 Do not run the engine dry to winterize; fuel systems need to stay wet to avoid damage to rubber, neoprene, and plastic parts.
• 🛑 For modern EFI engines, use a special fuel mixture (gasoline, two-cycle oil, fuel stabilizer) to properly store the engine for winter.

Q & A

Why is it important to properly winterize a modern four-stroke EFI outboard engine?

Modern four-stroke EFI engines require proper winterization to prevent damage to their complex systems, including the fuel system, sensors, and injectors, which older two-stroke engines didn't have.

What is the first step in preparing to store an outboard motor for the winter?

The first step is ensuring that the internal fuel tank is full to prevent moisture buildup and treating the fuel with a storage stabilizer, which also prevents ethanol breakdown.

Why is it important not to start the engine dry when preparing it for winter storage?

Starting the engine dry, even for a second, can damage the impeller. It’s essential to ensure a good flow of water when running the engine.

What tools are needed to drain the old oil from the outboard motor?

You can use an oil extractor or manually drain the oil by removing the dipstick to vent the crankcase, then using a flexible funnel and oil pan after removing the drain plug.

What should you do before installing a new oil filter?

Before installing the new oil filter, you should coat the oil ring seal with oil to ensure proper sealing, then hand-tighten it before firmly seating it with a wrench.

How do you refill the gearcase with oil after draining it?

To refill the gearcase, pump OEM high-performance gear oil into the fill hole on the torpedo until it begins to come out of the vent hole, then secure the plugs in the correct order.

Why shouldn’t you disconnect the fuel line and run the engine dry during winterization?

Disconnecting the fuel line and running the engine dry can damage the rubber, neoprene, and plastic parts in fuel systems, which need to stay wet for proper storage.

How do you properly store a modern EFI engine for the winter?

A special fuel mix containing gasoline, two-cycle oil, and fuel stabilizer with an ethanol additive must be pumped through the motor, ensuring fuel is left in the system to protect components.

Why is fogging oil not suitable for modern EFI engines during winterization?

Fogging oil, which was traditionally used in older carbureted engines, can damage modern EFI injectors and sensors, making it unsuitable for winterization.

What is the recommended storage position for an outboard motor during the winter?

The outboard motor should be stored in a vertical position, whether it’s left on the boat or stored in a basement, to ensure proper maintenance and prevent damage.