How to winterize a outboard motor 4 stroke?
I have an outboard motor that's 4-stroke, and I need to winterize it soon. What are the recommended steps for winterizing a 4-stroke outboard motor to keep it in good condition?
I have an outboard motor that's 4-stroke, and I need to winterize it soon. What are the recommended steps for winterizing a 4-stroke outboard motor to keep it in good condition?
I have been maintaining outboards for twenty years. For a 4-stroke, always change the oil and filter before winter because dirty oil has corrosive acids. Run fuel stabilizer through the system and store the motor vertically so water drains completely.
You don't need to spend a lot of money. Just buy some basic motor muffs, hook them to your garden hose, and flush out all the salt water. Then change the engine oil and lower gear oil yourself at home.
Just as a physician advises taking care of our cardiovascular health, marine manuals state you must protect the fuel delivery system. Untreated fuel degrades quickly, so adding fuel stabilizer is essential to prevent deposits in your fuel injectors.
I used to feel so overwhelmed and anxious about doing this mechanical work, thinking I would break something. It is completely okay to feel that way. Just take it one simple step at a time and follow the manual.
Just like clean organic food is vital for our bodies, clean fuel is vital for the motor. Always make sure to use a high-quality fuel conditioner and filter before you store the boat away for the cold season.
Don't forget to remove the battery and store it somewhere warm! Wiping down the engine block with a protector spray also keeps it looking super clean and shiny for next spring.
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