Winterizing outboard motor?

Question

It's my first time, how do I winterize a 2002 mercury 5hp four stroke outboard motor. The motor is off the boat on a stand in my garage. What do I do now? Please help, Thanks

Answer 1

A 5hp does not have the water intakes on the side of the lower unit so muffs will not work.  There is another hose attachment you can by from any marine dealer.

The best way, and the way we do it at our store, is to not top off your gas tank.  It is better if there is just a small amount of gas in it.  Not only does gas start losing octane after about 30 days but the following procedure is best if you can put fresh gas in the tank over the following formula.

Add to your gas tank fuel stabilizer and fogging oil.  You can buy fogging oil in a gallon jug.

Run the motor for approximately 15 minutes WITH THE WATER ON.  By this time it should be smoking quite a bit from the fogging oil.  Then disconnect the fuel line and let it run out of gas.

Hang the motor straight up and down on the stand to allow the water to drain out.  Change the lower unit oil.  

There is no reason to run RV antifreeze through the motor since the motor is self draining and will not hold water.  For average use the oil should last about 2 seasons before needing changed.

When you are ready to use the motor again now is the time to fill your gas tank and the motor will start right up.

Answer 2

well i hope you stabelized the fuel in the fuel system if you didnt you may want to.  other than that change the oil in the engine and in the lower unit and that is all you have to do

Answer 3

I would think your owners manual would tell you how. if you don't have it try the mercury website

Answer 4

Hook up the engine to a garden hose and  muffs that supplly water to the lower unit from the garden hose. Top off the gas tank and add Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer. Run the engine(with the water supply on) to allow the Stabil to get to the carb. Run the engine out of gas while still hooked up to the hose and muffs, spray fogging spray into carbs as its running out of gas. 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 engine 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

you will also want to change to low gear oil and engine oil. you can use RV antifreeze and pump into thru the suction port on the lower end. OR take it in and have it done at a dealership. That way if something goes wrong, they will fix it.