It's that time, Winterize...

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bulldog1
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2012/09/19 10:53:17 (permalink)

It's that time, Winterize...

Thought a helpful tips thread might be worthwhile. Add any tips or tricks you might have...
 
I start by warming the engine but rather than using the muffs hooked to a garden hose, I have a cut off drum full of antifreeze and use a pump with the muffs to circulate that through the motor recirculating it in the drum. I run it for 10-15 minutes to be sure the thermostat opens up and circulates it throughout the engine. I then drain the block and manifolds (not 100% necessary with the antifreeze but better safe than sorry). Then I change the oil & filter and the water separator filter. Then Drain the outdrive oil and refill with new. The last couple of years I have started removing the outdrive and regreasing the U-joints and check the seals. Then remove the batteries and place on the trickle charger for the winter. Last step is a good washing and then cover her up and wait for spring. When I have time over the next couple of months I'll repack the trailer bearings and replace if necessary. 
 
It's not that bad of a job and when you do it yourself at least you're sure of what was done...
 
 

Curiosity killed the cat, but for awhile I was a suspect.
#1

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    Bogeyjoker
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 11:23:14 (permalink)
    It's too early for that!  The big hog perch are just starting to put the feed bags on, and then it's shallow laker time.  Good advice though.  The drum full of antifreeze would certainly eliminate any chance of a frozen block.

    "Socialism...confuses the distinction between government and society.  As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. "
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    #2
    bulldog1
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 11:49:08 (permalink)
    Ya, I know, but with soccer and football in full swing my time is even more limited than usual so winterizing is my 1st priority right now as far as the boat is concerned. Would be nice to get out a couple of more times but I'm not sure I see it happening for me... Only have one more year of HS sports after this one and I'm going to enjoy it while I can, hopefully the fish will still be there in 2014... 

    Curiosity killed the cat, but for awhile I was a suspect.
    #3
    Bogeyjoker
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 12:07:27 (permalink)
    bulldog1 

    Would be nice to get out a couple of more times but I'm not sure I see it happening for me...


    You have my phone number...My boat is sitting in the water right now begging for some company.

    "Socialism...confuses the distinction between government and society.  As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all. "
    Frederic Bastiat
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    Trout About
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 15:29:22 (permalink)
    The beauty of an outboard.......winterization not required!
    #5
    Sharpefly
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 15:37:46 (permalink)
    Its a good idea to change lower end oil just in case it got some water in it. I have seen this happen and crack the housing.
    #6
    bulldog1
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 16:44:25 (permalink)
    Trout About

    The beauty of an outboard.......winterization not required!

     
    Yep, but when time comes to replace a 260 horse motor you'd be glad to have the IO... 
     
     

    Curiosity killed the cat, but for awhile I was a suspect.
    #7
    Trout About
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 16:53:46 (permalink)
    I don't consider changing the oil and gear lube winterization, I consider it preventative maintenance!
     
    bulldog1
     but when time comes to replace a 260 horse motor you'd be glad to have the IO... 

     
    I'll agree with that, but unless you have a heated garage, winter fishin' is out the window.
     
     
    #8
    smhj
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 17:18:27 (permalink)
    Don't forget to pull the plug in case the cover lets some of wet stuff in. Couple of years ago it happened to me. Foot of water in the boat. Not fun.
    #9
    Erie Mako
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 19:59:30 (permalink)
    Trout About

    The beauty of an outboard.......winterization not required!

    Ummmm, yeah...
    No lower unit oil to be changed...
    No fogging to be done...
    No fuel to be treated for storage...
    No filters to be changed...
    No water traps to be drained...
     
    Guess I've been wasting my time all these years, just for the convenience of having a motor that fires up and runs on the first try every spring.

    On the internet, EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion!
    #10
    Trout About
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 20:18:28 (permalink)
    Gear lube gets changed every year.
    If ya run the boat all year, you can't fog it.
    I treat the fuel all year cause of the crappy ethanol.
    Filters are a preventative thing, just like the crankcase oil.
    I trim the motor down every time i pull the boat out so the water is always drained.
     
    Mine fires every spring too, and any time I want to take it out in the winter.  Maybe if I was gonna store a boat for winter and not use it, I would do things differently.  I would always run the fuel out of my 20hp kicker every time I stored it. 
    #11
    Erie Mako
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 20:39:27 (permalink)
    Trout About

    If ya run the boat all year, you can't fog it.

     
    If ya run the boat all year, you aren't WINTERIZING it...which the thread is about.


    On the internet, EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion!
    #12
    Fisherlady2
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/19 23:59:06 (permalink)
    OK... this isn't mechanical but still something we do when we 'winterize' either our boat or our campers...
     
    We get a couple of aluminum/disposable roaster pans and put an inch or two of calcium flakes/Calcium Chloride (like Ice Melt is made of) in each and place them in enclosed areas of boat or set them around in the camper.  The flakes absorb moisture and help to reduce the musty, mildewy buildup that can happen when things are closed up without airflow for long periods of time.  Just dump them out in the spring and store pans somewhere for the next year.
    #13
    thunderpole
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    Re:It's that time, Winterize... 2012/09/20 01:58:34 (permalink)
    Winterize? Huntin season just started I done walk I use the boat

    I'd rather be lucky then good,but im to good to be lucky
    #14
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