Outboard 're-winterizing' - another river drought year will keep it stored..

car7x

New Member
Hi all - New guy here, mainly a river guy. I have a jet jon, 60/40 Merc 4 stroke. I've been using my raft though, because low water has made that more practical here in the Midwest. I fish the Madison in the raft a lot out of my MT cabin, and travel to our place in Costa Rica, elsewhere to fish, so this boat is very light use.
I did the usual stuff when I put her up for the winter 2 years back. As the nature of my question would indicate, not a motor guy, but do the maintenance.

I'm coming from 2 strokes on this rig, and wonder if with a 4 stroke I should pull the plugs and re-fog again, or anything else? Virtually new more (used to me, with about 100 hours). Out of warranty, but runs perfect and starts instantly.

Thanks in advance!
 
as long as there isnt any water to freeze in the cooling passages its fine. dropping it down is usually enough to clear an outboard. if you want to be really sure dump some RV pink antifreeze in a bucket and idle the motor for around 30 seconds to a minute with the leg dipped in the bucket.
 
Hey - Thanks, I'm in the habit of leaving them that way. Why didn't I think of that antifreeze, pro tip, thanks! I was mainly paranoid about the cylinders maybe needing oil. It's cowled and covered of course, but with spring coming I'd have to move it out from under some messy trees and I was thinking my luck would be getting debris down in there after I pull plugs. Anyway, thanks, appreciate it!!

C
 
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