How do I winterize an inboard/outboard motor?

Question

How do I winterize an inboard/outboard motor?

Answer 1

all manufacturers have a website giving winterizing method. fresh water or saltwater cooled?  in water or out? diesel or gas? cold climate? antifreeze.

Answer 2

This is a long detailed answer, but in general:

Drain and refill lower unit oil.

Drain and refill crankcase oil and filter.

Flush engine with fresh water, then run boat/RV antifreeze through the engine.

Fog the carb and the cylinders with fogging fluid.

Top off the gas tank, and add Stabil to preserve the fuel.

Remove the hull water plug, and angle the boat to drain any water from the hull.

Cover the boat well, so little to no water gets in.

Answer 3

Everyone has given you a list of good practices for long engine/lower end life.  The only thing I disagree with it the "fill gas tank" recommendation.  The place I store my boat has to follow OSHA laws with restrict the tank to 1/2 full or less.  Definitely use a stabilizer, but contact your storage location for their specifications.  Happy boating!

Answer 4

Hook up the engine to a winterizing container that holds anti-freeze and muffs that supplly antifreeze to the lower unit from that container. You want the non toxic antifreeze. These are available at any good marine store. Top off the gas tank and add Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer. Run the engine(with the water supply on) to allow the antifreeze to circulate in the engine and the Stabil to get to the carb. Run the engine and spray fogging spray into carb as its running. When you have antifreeze coming out of the exhaust you are good to go. Spray the engine with silicone spray, remove the spark plugs and give a shot of fogging spray if you couldn't do it thru the carbs. Put the lower unit in the down position so water drains out, remove batteries and store in a cool dry spot(just not on concrete, wood is good) top them off with distilled water and charge them once a month over the winter. Cover the boat and keep it bow high to allow for drainage

Answer 5

The other answers for this question are very good.  The most forgotten thing about setting ones boat up for winter is remembering to tilt the lower unit all the way down so it can drain and does not fill up with water or snow and freeze.  It can take up to an hour for an outboard motor to drain.  If you have a bass/fishing boat, do not forgot to blow out or use a RV trailer grade antifreeze in your live bait well lines to prevent them from freezing.  The bait well hoses in most fishing boats are not accessible.  The answer about the antifreeze in the motor is very good answer.