How do I winterize my boat and AVT?

Question

I have an 85 HP outboard engine on my boat. This is my first boat and since I live in Michigan it gets very cold in the winters. I have been told that I need to winterize all of my machines. The only other thing I know is it is somthing to do with antifreeze. Can anyone tell me what exactly I need to do? I also a have an ATV, weed wacker and lawn mower that I am assuming need to be winterized. Any one have any idea how to go about this? Thanks

Answer 1

Outboards are pretty simple to winterize.
First make sure all of the water is drained out of the motor by putting it in a vertical position. Second, drain the oil out of the lower unit. There will be 2 screws on the lower portion of the motor. You can loosen these with a screw driver. Remove both. Watch for evidence of water in this. Replace with fresh oil. Make sure that the seals around the plugs are soft and pliable and not torn. That's about it for an outboard. Been doing them this way for over 20 years with no problems. (Also live in Michigan)
You don't need to do anything to your weed wacker or lawn mower. If you don't plan on using your ATV through the winter, you may want to fog it - Puchase fogging oil at a Kmart. Directions are on the can.
Fogging keeps the cylinder with a light coating of oil.
Anti-freeze is for any engine that uses a water cooling radiator.


Hope this all helps and good luck.

Answer 2

Go to your local boating supply store and purchase a manual for your engine. In it you will find detailed instructions on winterizing and lots of other helpful information you will need now and in the future. Tune ups, scheduled repairs and preventative maintenance as well.

Answer 3

ukershark is half right. You should run all the gas out of the engine. To do this preferably at a dock in the water. Take and disconnect gas line. Start engine and let it run until it quits. You can also put stablizer in your gas mixture. this will keep the gas from going bad.