Re: Proper winter storage

[chris-p]

Always store the UPRIGHT. They are self draining, as long as they are vertical. That being said, small pockets of water can still get trapped. I tilt them back and forth a few times, to try to get the pockets of water out, before storing them vertically.

Always change your gear oil and crush washers before winter. Should be done annually, and that is a good time to do it in case there is water intrusion.

I mist my motors with WD 40 and then wipe off before storing to prevent corrosion. This is a good time to clean up any old chunks of grease, and grime, and get the motor clean. Re grease all applicable ZERK fittings. I usually take off the tiller grip, clean and re grease under it as well.

On the last run, add MARINE FUEL STABILIZER to the fuel tank. Run at least 10 minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel is through the system. At the dock, disconnect the fuel line…as it is about to die, blast FOGGING OIL into the carb throat to kill it. You can then pull the carb drain screw to ensure it is empty. Then remove spark plugs, spray more fogging oil into cylinder, and more fogging oil into crankcase through carb throat, and pull over the recoil a few times to distribute it. On the last pull, hold the recoil out, let compression bleed off, then slowly let rope recoil. This prevents the water pump impeller from flipping backwards on itself, breaking a vane in the spring when you take it out for the first run.

After all of this, remove the prop, pull off any old fishing line that may have wrapped around your prop shaft, and re grease the prop shaft. I usually inspect the shear and cotter pin, and replace as needed.

Now your motor is protected and safe until Spring.