Winterizing (Lower Unit)

[grady33]

I keep my boat on a lift all year and have been told that all the water should drain from the engine if not tilted up. Is there any reason to run antifreeze through the outboard engine. Never have and have never had a problem. Additionally, when fogging the engines - removing the spark plugs and spraying the cylinders, should one turn over the engine or just leave it alone? I've always cranked the engine a split second. Just thought I’d check to be sure!

 

[richie rich]

I normally just flush with water and leave the engine in the down position to drain...never had a problem...some folks use the anti freeze instead for extra protection but its probably unnecessary.....after fogging through the fuel system, I pull the plugs, spray the cylinders and rotate a turn or two and reinstall the plugs...thats it for the top side of the engine. Bottom end....new gear oil and screw gaskets, grease the splines and new cotter pin.

 

[grady33]

OK sounds like I've been doing it all correctly. Do you crank the engine by hand or just turn the key over?

 

[richie rich]

I just bump it a couple of times with the key...but either will do...I try and spray around the entire cylinder with the long straw....not just the top of the piston...but you gotta pay attention or you can lose the straw inside the hole.. :shock:

 

[Curmudgeon]

Raise and lower it a couple of times to insure all the water has drained; my Honda doesn't if you don't cycle it. After fogging, remove the kill switch and crank a second or two ... :goodjob .