How do I winterize a 2 stroke 60hp Mercury motor?

Question

our winters in Vancouver are more wet than snowy but it still gets below freezing for awhile, so i'm wondering how to winterize my motor? thanks

Answer 1

also make sure you put new seals in lower unit when changing oil. if you dont want to change the oil crack open the bottom seal. if water comes out first make sure you change it. if oil comes out tighten the s***w and you can do it next year

Answer 2

Flush engine with fresh water. Make sure you remove the batteries and store in a cool dry spot, not on bare concrete and keep the water level in the batts up and charge them once in awhile. Fill up the fuel tanks and add "Sta-bil". Run the engine long enough to ensure the Sta-bil gets to the carbs, then run the engine out of gas. As its running out of gas shoot outboard engine fogging spray into the carbs to coat the cylinders and prevent corrosion in the off season. If you can't do that after the engine dies out pull the plugs and shoot some Sta-bil into the cylinders. Store the engine in the down position so all water drains out. Change lower unit oil.

Answer 3

You must use a gasoline stablizer thats added to the gas and allow the motor to run this mix for a little ( up to 20 min) while making sure its throught the carb and in the gas bowl. Make sure your flushing with fresh water and thats it!. Great to cover with plastic and secure it in a upright positon.  Can use this same gasoline the next season with no problem. No need to flush or drain. If the engiine is a 4 cycle, change the oil and let it run with the new oil in it, for a few minutes to coat the insides with fresh oil. Boat motors can run for 30 or more years if taken care of. Might want to put in a fresh sparkplug each season ( about $3 or so)  enjoy and maintain.

Garry in  Naples Florida

Answer 4

Mark T has got it.

The seals Aron s is talking about is the gaskets on the fill and drain screws. They are very cheap and tend to leak.