To
help keep your engine in tip-top condition for years to come,
it is important that you "winterize" your outboard for off-season
storage. By winterizing your outboard, you will help ensure that
your outboard will be ready to go at the start of next year's boating
season. Although you can winterize your outboard yourself, most
dealers will perform this service for you at a very reasonable
rate.
Step 1:
Thoroughly flush your engine with clean, fresh water and let the
water completely drain from the engine. Wash any dirt, grease, etc.
from the exterior of the engine.
Caution: To avoid injury in the event
of accidental starting, be sure and remove the prop and the stop
switch lanyard cord from your outboard before proceeding.
All Nissan and Tohatsu outboards are water cooled; running your
outboard without an adequate source of cooling water will result
in severe damage to your outboard!
- Smaller Horsepower Outboard (2.5 & 3.5 hp)
For smaller outboards, the simplest way to flush your outboard is by using a large bucket of water. Be sure the bucket is large enough to completely cover the water intake ports on the lower unit of the outboard. Also be sure that the bucket is wide enough so that no part of the motor will touch the sides/bottom of the bucket. Securely mount your outboard on a sawhorse or some other type of apparatus that will allow safe operation of your outboard.
- 5 hp and up:
With the 5-140 hp you can either use the optional “flushing plug” which can be attached to a hose for flushing the engine with fresh water or purchase a set of “ear muffs” (available at your local marine dealer). This equipment attaches to your garden hose and clamps on to your outboard's lower unit, covering the water intake ports. Turn the garden hose on full before starting your engine. (Note: "ear muffs" will not work on the 5 hp. With the 5 hp you will need to either use the flushing plug or use the "bucket technique" as described above).
Run your outboard at
normal idle speed for 5-10 minutes to allow the engine to warm up
and to ensure your outboard is thoroughly flushed with clean water.
After flushing the outboard, allow the water to completely drain
from the engine (see Step 2 before you shut off your engine).
Your outboard should be in a vertical position for the water to
completely drain. While you're waiting for your engine to drain,
wipe off any dirt, grease, etc. from the exterior of the engine.
Step 2: Drain all fuel from the fuel hoses, fuel pump and carburetor.
When you have completed the fresh water flush in Step 1, disconnect
the fuel line at the motor and continue running the motor until
it runs out of gas. It is extremely important to ensure that
all of the fuel has been drained from the carburetor otherwise any
fuel/oil mixture remaining will evaporate and leave deposits (also
called varnish, gum, etc). in the carburetor.
To drain the fuel from the carburetor you can use one of
these techniques:
- As the fuel begins to run out and the motor starts to "die", choke the engine a little until the RPMs pick back up. Continue choking the engine as the engine starts to die out until the fuel supply is finally exhausted.
-or-
- Remove the drain screw from the carburetor bowl and allow all fuel to drain out. Replace the screw when finished. Although this technique requires a bit more effort than the first, it is recommended to use this procedure to fully ensure that all fuel has been removed from the carburetor.
If you have fuel left in
your tank you may want to add some fuel stabilizer to it, so
that it can be used the following season. Fuel stabilizer will also help prevent condensation from forming in your fuel tank.
If your outboard is not an oil-injected model (i.e. you mix your
gas/oil manually), we highly recommend you do not store the gasoline
for extended periods of time. Over time, the gas and oil will
separate which will lead to a lack of lubrication to your engine.
Step 3: Treat your outboard with "storage oil" (also called "fogging oil").
Storage oil comes in an aerosol spray can and is used to prevent
rust on the engine's cylinder, crankshaft, bearings, pistons,
etc. and can be purchased at most local marine dealers. Follow the oil manufacturer's recommendation on the amount of storage
oil to use (generally about 2 ounces for each cylinder).
First, remove the spark plug(s) and the stop switch lanyard cord
from your outboard. It is also a good idea to disconnect the spark
plug wires from the spark plugs to prevent accidental starting.
Manual Start Outboards: Slowly turn the engine over
a few times using the pull cord while spraying the storage oil into
the spark plug holes.
Electric Start Outboards: Be sure you have water hooked
up to your water intakes before turning over your outboard to prevent
damage to your water pump. While spraying the storage oil into the
spark plug holes, turn the engine over in 5 second bursts using
your electric starter. Do not over "crank" your engine or you could
damage the electric starter.
Step 4: Apply water resistant grease
to propeller shaft. Using a wheel bearing grease (or something similar), thoroughly grease the prop shaft and prop shaft threads.
Step 5: Change the gear oil in the lower unit (step-by-step
instructions).
Step 6: Apply water resistant grease to all moving parts, joints,
bolts, nuts, and plastic fittings.
Step 7: To help keep your factory finish looking new, apply a light
coat of oil to the exterior. Or you can also wax the exterior of
your outboard using a high grade automobile wax.
Step 8: Store the engine vertically in a dry area. If you store your boat
in the water there are several schools of thoughts regarding
whether you should store your engine in or out of the water. There
are advantages and disadvantages of both ways and unfortunately
there is no one "correct" or "best" way. Numerous factors such as temperature, salt/fresh water, algae growth, corrosion,
etc. must be taken into account when deciding whether to leave your
outboard in the water or tilt it up out of the water.
To find out which is "best" way we recommend you ask your local
marina, fellow boaters in your area, etc. how they store their
boat/outboard during the off-season.
Factors to keep in mind:
- Storing in water allows algae and corrosion to affect your outboard.
- Storing out of the water could cause damage if the outside temperature reaches freezing and there is water in your lower unit.
- If you store your motor tilted up, we recommend you remove your prop to decrease the temptation of someone stealing your prop.
- Storing down in the salt water drastically increases the potential for corrosion.
Battery Storage
Step 1: Disconnect the battery cables and clean the battery terminals using
a wire brush.
Step 2: Recharge the battery to full strength. You should also recharge
the battery once a month during the off-season to prevent electrical
discharge and degradation of the electrolytes.
Step 3: Clean the exterior of the battery.
Step 4: Apply grease (Vaseline works nicely) to the battery terminals.
Step 5: Store your battery in a dry place.
The above tips are presented by Tohatsu America Corp. (TAC). TAC is in no way responsible for any damages or injuries that
may occur as a result of this information. It is highly recommended
that only qualified outboard technicians perform any type of work
on your outboard.