How to Winterize Your Outboard Motor: A Step-by-Step Guide

As the boating season winds down and the crisp fall air sets in, it’s time to think about giving your trusty outboard some TLC. Winterizing your outboard is essential for protecting it from the harsh elements and ensuring it’s ready to roar back to life when warm weather returns.

This guide will walk you through the steps to properly winterize your outboard motor and keep it in top shape for years of adventures to come.

Understanding the Winterization Process for Outboard Motors

Winterizing your outboard motor involves taking specific steps to safeguard it against freezing temperatures, corrosion, and damage caused by extended inactivity. The key goals are:

• Preventing freezing: Water expands when it freezes, which can crack engine blocks and cause costly damage.
• Protecting against corrosion: Salt, debris, and stagnant fuel can corrode internal components.
• Ensuring a smooth start in the spring: Proper winterization makes it easier to get your motor running smoothly when the boating season returns.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Outboard Motor

Preparation:

• Gather your gear: You’ll need a few essential tools and materials, including:
• Flushing muffs
• Garden hose
• Fuel stabilizer
• Fogging oil
• Wrench set
• Drain pan
• Engine cover
• Consult your owner’s manual: Always refer to your outboard’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations.
• Safety first: Work in a well-ventilated area, handle fuel carefully, and disconnect the battery before starting any work.

Flushing the Cooling System:

Flushing your outboard’s cooling system removes salt, sand, and other debris that can cause corrosion and blockages. Here’s how to do it:

1. Attach the flushing muffs to your outboard’s water intakes, ensuring a snug fit.
2. Connect a garden hose to the flushing muffs.
3. Turn on the water supply.
4. Start the engine and let it run for at least 10 minutes, allowing fresh water to circulate through the cooling system.
5. Turn off the engine and then the water supply.
6. Remove the flushing muffs.

Fuel System Protection:

Protecting your fuel system is crucial for preventing fuel degradation and ensuring easy starting in the spring. You have two options:

• Stabilizing the fuel:

• Draining the fuel system:

1. Run the engine until it stalls due to lack of fuel. This helps remove fuel from the carburetor and fuel lines.
2. While the engine is still warm, spray fogging oil into the carburetor and spark plug holes to protect internal components from corrosion.

Lubrication and Other Steps

• Lubricate: Apply marine grease to all grease fittings on your outboard, including the tilt tube, swivel bracket, and propeller shaft.
• Change oil and filter: If your outboard is due for an oil change or filter replacement, now is a good time to do it.
• Store upright: Store your outboard upright to allow any remaining water to drain out.
• Cover it up: Protect your outboard from dust and moisture with a fitted engine cover.

Additional Winterization Tips for Outboard Motors

• Battery care: Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep it charged throughout the winter.
• Storage considerations: Store your boat in a dry, protected location, such as a garage or covered storage area. If storing outdoors, use a boat cover to protect it from the elements.

Properly winterizing your outboard motor is an investment in its longevity and performance. By following these steps and consulting your owner’s manual, you can ensure your outboard is ready for many more seasons of fun on the water.

Need help with winterizing your outboard or want to stock up on essential supplies? Reach out today.

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