How to Winterize an Outboard Motor | Winterizing a 4 Stroke Outboard Motor | Boats.net

Summary

In this video, John Talley from Boats.net walks through the winterization process for a 2009 Mercury 200 XL Verado outboard engine. The steps include changing the lower unit oil, applying fogging oil to protect the engine’s combustion chamber, adding fuel stabilizer, and spraying corrosion guard to prevent rust. Detailed instructions for each process are provided, along with references to other videos for changing engine and lower unit oil. The video emphasizes the importance of winterization to ensure the engine starts smoothly in the next season.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The video focuses on winterizing a 2009 Mercury 200 XL Verado outboard engine.
• 🛠️ Tools required for the process are basic hand tools, and sizes will be mentioned as needed.
• 🔄 Steps include changing the lower unit oil and engine oil, with other videos available for detailed instructions on these tasks.
• 🛢️ Fuel stabilizer should be added to the fuel tank, and the engine should be run to circulate it through the system.
• ⚙️ Fogging oil is applied by removing the spark plugs and spraying directly into the combustion chamber.
• 🛡️ It's crucial to apply corrosion guard to the engine, avoiding belts and anodes.
• 🔩 The coil harnesses are removed, and the spark plugs are accessed by taking off some parts of the engine cowling.
• ❌ Rust can build up in the engine if it’s not properly fogged, leading to severe damage.
• ⚖️ Avoid overapplying fogging oil to prevent hydro-locking the engine during startup.
• 🛒 For parts or assistance, viewers are encouraged to visit Boats.net and subscribe for future updates.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the winterization process?

The winterization process is done to prepare outboard engines, like the 2009 Mercury 200 XL Verado, for the off-season by protecting the engine and its components.

Which parts of the engine require oil changes as part of winterization?

The lower unit oil and the engine oil both need to be changed during winterization.

How should fuel stabilizer be applied during the winterization process?

Fuel stabilizer should be added to the fuel tank, the engine should be cranked, and enough time should be given for the stabilizer to circulate through the fuel system.

What is fogging oil and why is it applied?

Fogging oil is sprayed into the combustion chambers to protect the engine from rusting during long periods of inactivity.

How do you access the combustion chambers for fogging?

The spark plugs need to be removed to access the combustion chambers before spraying in fogging oil.

Why is it important not to overuse fogging oil?

Overusing fogging oil can lead to hydro-locking the engine, which can prevent it from starting.

What size tool is required to remove the coils from the engine head?

An 8 millimeter tool is required to remove the coils from the engine head.

What should be done after applying the fogging oil?

After applying fogging oil, the spark plugs and coils should be reinstalled, and the bolts should be torqued to 20 foot-pounds.

What is corrosion guard and where should it be applied?

Corrosion guard is a protective coating applied to the engine to prevent rust, but it should not be used on belts or anodes.

Where can customers go for parts for their boats?

Customers can visit Boats.net to find parts for their boats, as mentioned in the video.