Posts Tagged ‘outboard winterization’

TOPIC: Boat/Motor Winterization

QUESTION: I used to own a boat equipped with a Mercury Outboard Motor which made winterization very simple. However I recently purchased a Sea Ray boat that is equipped with a MerCruiser Inboard/Outboard and Alpha Gen 2 Sterndrive. I’m looking to winterize my boat this year for the first time.  Is there a kit available that includes all of the items needed to do this winterization.   

RESPONSE: Below are the parts you need to build our Antifreeze Tank and Pump System. If you have a basic knowledge of 12volt wiring and how to install a simple switch into a circuit you can purchase the components and assemble it yourself.  It is not that difficult to assemble and all of the major components can be purchased from our website.

PARTS LIST:
Tank & Hose- http://tinyurl.com/pph57fb

750 GPH PUMP- http://tinyurl.com/n9mur3n -the pump threads right into the threaded tank cap – cut the excess off after installed

Toggle Switch- http://tinyurl.com/pbcyfdc

Battery Clips- http://tinyurl.com/olalnkz

Fuse Holder- http://tinyurl.com/oha2qrv

5amp ATO/ATC Fuse- http://tinyurl.com/nkcx6pj

Electrical Butt Connectors- http://tinyurl.com/p4y28yx

(2) 16-14 gauge wires [red & black] – Length is determined by if you’re using the battery in the boat [longer] or an auxiliary battery on the ground [shorter] – Obtain Locally

Auxiliary battery or use battery in the boat – Obtain Locally

It’s that time of the year again. Jack Frost is slowly creeping in and creating havoc all over the United States. Hopefully, you have already begun to winterize all your vehicles. Today, we are focusing on the right way to winterize your Yamaha Outboards, specifically the 4-stroke.

It’s not nearly as hard as you’d think, and, if done properly, it ensures that your motor will be ready for the next boating season with minimal work. By combining a fresh water flush, having it filled with oil, giving it a full fuel treatment and a fogging, it will feel rejuvenated, and even its plugs will have had attention and rehabilitation.

Before we begin, please note that any time you do your own winterizing or other maintenance while still under warranty, it’s best to buy all your supplies from a Yamaha dealer like us and keep all your receipts in a file for proof you are following the manuals in case there are any non-maintenance issues in the future.

Here are easy to follow instructions to winterize your outboard:

1. Start using something like Startron regularly about a month before winterization, or at least run it through on your last excursion.
2. Top off your gas tank and add proper amount of stabilizer.
3. Run on muffs, using Salt Away or similar product.
4. Change the engine oil and filter by removing the 7/16th-inch crankcase bolt on the starboard side of the leg and letting the oil drain into a pan. Replace the oil and secure the crankcase bolt back into place.
5. Start the engine/motor. Run it for about 15 minutes to increase the temperature to normal operating level. Spray fogging oil into the fogging inlets on each throat of the intake manifold (the little “male” stems sticking out of the plastic manifold with a small 1/4″ rubber cap over them) for about 5-10 seconds for each cylinder, then shut down the engine.
6. Drain VST filter. You’ll see a small diameter drain line made of clear PVC tubing on the port side of the engine and a drain screw. Loosen the screw and let the gas drain out. Tighten the screw and snap the tubing back into place.
7. Replace your remote spin-on gas filters.
8. Drain and replace the lower unit oil. Make sure you replace the red O-Rings on the drain plugs as well.
9. Spray engine block with Corrosion X or a similar product.
10. Clean and wax the engine cowl and S/S props.
11. Put engine in the full down position so that any water drains completely out of it. Also remove the flush hoses to insure that water is drained out of them as well.

Additionally, you should remove the propeller if you are working on your outboard when your boat is on its trailer or if the motor is being kept on a storage stand. Here are the steps to do that:

• Remove the cotter pin from the propeller nut.
• Using a wrench, remove the propeller nut and slide the thrust hob, propeller, and washers from the propeller shaft.

Failure to remove the propeller when working on the motor out of the water could result in serious injury. Please use caution when working on your boat any time of the year.

If you’ve followed these instructions, your Yamaha outboard should be winterized successfully for storage until boating season returns. Please, contact us immediately if you have any questions, need assistance, or anything else our professional staff can assist you with.

If you have ever owned any boats with Outboard Motors, you know how important the proper maintenance and upkeep is when it comes to your boat’s performance.  You should have a boat maintenance checklist of things that need to be done and at what intervals.

Now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your boat.  Don’t get caught off guard by an early cold snap that could destroy your motor.  Get all your supplies ready and know exactly what you need to do before that day comes.

The Tools & Materials You Will Need

• the owner’s manual
• a freshwater flushing unit
• a hose
• a screwdriver
• a wrench
• an empty container
• a tarp
• some scrap wood
• some marine fuel conditioner
• marine rust-preventive oil
• lower unit marine lubricant
• old rags
• nuts and bolts (only as needed)

Always read the owner’s manual before you begin and only use their specified recommendations for the lubricants and replacement parts; otherwise, you could void the warranty.

The Steps For Winterizing Your Boat And Outboard Motor

1.  Fill up the gas tank until it’s almost full.  You should leave just enough room for the gas to expand.  Then add some marine fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from breaking down over the winter.

2.  Close the fuel valves to help avoid condensation on the inside of the tank.

3.  Run the motor with the ears on to give the fuel stabilizer time to work through the system.

4.  Spray some fogging oil into the air intakes while the motor is running and keep it running until the motor chokes out.

5.  Now lower the motor and allow all the water to drain out.

6.  Take the spark plugs out.

7.  Use the fogging oil to spray the insides of the holes for a few seconds.

8.  Use your hand to spin the fly wheel then put the spark plugs back in.

9.  Put a pan under the motor and take out the screw on the bottom of the lower unit.

10. Now remove the vent screw and the oil will begin draining out.

11.  Once all the old oil has drained out, put the pump that has the new oil on the bottom screw hole.

12.  Keep pumping the oil until it comes out of the vent hole.

13.  Put the vent hole screw back in.

14.  Remove the pump and quickly re-install the bottom screw.

15.  If your outboard is a four stroke, you should also change the filter.

That’s it, your done! You have just successfully prepared your boat for the winter.

If you would like more information or have any questions about preparing your boat and your outboard motor for the winter please feel free to contact us.  We would be happy to assist you in any way we can.