How to Winterize an Outboard Motor | Winterizing a 2 stroke Outboard Motor | Boats.net

Summary

In this video, John Talley from Boats.net demonstrates the process of winterizing a 2001 Mercury Tracker 25 horsepower two-stroke engine. He covers essential tools and supplies, including gear oil, fogging oil, stabilizer, and corrosion guard. John explains step-by-step procedures, such as checking for water in the oil, treating the fuel system, and applying fogging oil to the carburetor and cylinders. He also replaces spark plugs and applies corrosion guard to protect exposed parts. By following these steps, the engine will be ready for storage and should start smoothly next season.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Ensure you have the correct parts and chemicals for winterizing a two-stroke engine, including gear oil, fogging oil, stabilizer, corrosion guard, and new spark plugs.
• 🧰 Use the right pump for the lower unit, and check for issues like water in the oil which could indicate a broken seal.
• 🔍 Pay attention to the color of the oil when draining it; a milky appearance could mean water intrusion.
• 🔧 Make sure all washers are in place when reassembling to avoid stacking them and causing leaks.
• ⛽ Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer to the system, and run the engine for about 10 minutes to ensure the mixture reaches the fuel system.
• 🌬️ Spray fogging oil directly into the carburetor to protect the internal components, especially in a carbureted system.
• 🔩 Remove and inspect the spark plugs, then spray fogging oil into the cylinders and rotate the engine to distribute it evenly.
• 💪 When reinstalling spark plugs, tighten them either to the correct torque or hand-tighten followed by a quarter turn.
• 🛡️ Apply corrosion guard to all exposed areas, avoiding anodes, to protect against rust and corrosion during storage.
• 🚤 Store the engine upright to prevent any issues and increase the chances of it starting smoothly in the next season.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video transcript?

The video focuses on the winterization process of a two-stroke engine, specifically a 2001 Mercury Tracker 25 horsepower, to prepare it for storage during the off-season.

What essential items are needed for the winterization process?

You will need gear oil, fogging oil, stabilizer, corrosion guard, replacement spark plugs, and a pump for the lower unit. These items help protect the engine during winter storage.

Why is it important to pay attention to the color of the oil when draining it?

If the oil has a milky appearance, it indicates that water has entered the system, possibly due to a lost seal. This could lead to engine damage if not addressed.

What is the function of a magnetic plug in this context?

A magnetic plug helps capture and hold any metal shavings that might be circulating in the engine oil, preventing them from causing further damage.

How much gear oil does the 2001 Mercury Tracker engine require during winterization?

The engine requires a little over 8 ounces of gear oil to be refilled.

Why is a fuel stabilizer used, and how should it be applied?

A fuel stabilizer prevents fuel from breaking down during storage. It should be added to the fuel tank, and the engine should be run for about 10 minutes to ensure the stabilizer reaches the entire fuel system.

What is the purpose of fogging oil in the winterization process?

Fogging oil protects the engine’s internal components from corrosion during storage. It is sprayed directly into the carburetor and the cylinders.

How are spark plugs treated during the winterization process?

The spark plugs are removed, fogging oil is sprayed into the cylinders, the engine is rotated a few times to distribute the oil, and new spark plugs are installed afterward.

What should be done after reinstalling the spark plugs?

The spark plugs should be tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench or hand-tightened and then turned an additional quarter turn.

What is the final step in the winterization process?

The final step is to apply corrosion guard to any exposed, unpainted, or non-stainless parts of the engine to prevent corrosion. The engine should be stored in an upright position to ensure proper drainage and protection.