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How to winterize my motor

H

howlerta2

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"Could someone give me the bes

"Could someone give me the best way to winterize my motor. I live in Wisconsin, and it gets below freezing for long periods of time. I own a 1977 Evinrude 55hp. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks"
 
"Glenn,

Stablize the gas an

"Glenn,

Stablize the gas and then run the motor for a bit to get it through the system (helps prevent gumming), then disconnect the fuel source and let the carb(s) run out of gas. Or better yet, remove and drain them.

If you use fogging oil it can be sprayed through the carb while you are running the stablizer through. Otherwise, pull the plugs and spray fogging oil (or WD40 or the like) right into the cylinders.

A shot of fogging oil over the rest of the powerhead, wiring etc sure doesn't hurt either.

Change your lower unit oil. If there is any water in it (and in northern climates it is far more likely to have water in it), you will get it out preventing any freeze issues.

If your impeller is due to be changed, do it now, ditto the spark plugs, that way you will be ready in the spring instead of scrambling at the last minute when the ice goes out early.

Store the motor in it's normal upright position - if on the boat, trimmed all the way down - DO NOT leave it tilted - gravity will take care of the rest as far as draining any residual water in the motor.

If not parked inside or otherwise under cover - cover the motor up. In fact covering it anytime is a good thing. More impellers fail from being baked by the sun hitting a outboard "out of water" than probably most other factors.

Wrap it up with a tarp, completely, if stored outside...."
 
"Being in Florida, I am not fa

"Being in Florida, I am not familiar with fogging oil; however, WD40 sounds like it would be a bit thin for that purpose."
 
"Bill, fogging oil is very sim

"Bill, fogging oil is very similar to WD40, simply designed to stick to the inside of the cylinder/pistons etc during period of prolonged storage - keeps the moisture out/stops rust and seizing.

OMC has a branded version.

Alternately, you can use engine oil - a bit right in the cylinders and then rotate the flywheel a couple of turns by hand, just to get it worked around - personally, I like the spray - less work
....."
 
When drained of oil in the low

When drained of oil in the lower unit should you fill it with fresh before you store outside to prevent rust to internal parts. Also what do you find to be the most common cause of water in the case for johnsons 84 vintage should you just redo all seals or is it usually just drain plug gaskets. Am getting water and not sure where from.
 
"Jim, yes, always keep oil in

"Jim, yes, always keep oil in the lower unit - it keeps the gears from rusting up on you.

Depending on where you live, sometimes you get a bit of water no matter what. In northern climates it is much more common to see a bit of water intrusion in a lower unit, even a year after being resealed.

Just the expansion/contraction as the seasons change will allow a little water in that will turn your oil a bit "milky".

When you drain it, leave some in a glass jar to sit for a couple of days. As it settles you will be able to tell if you really have an issue severe enough to warrant changing the seals...."
 
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