Winterization

[Anonymous]

Admittedly, more of a motor question that an AS-speciific question, but you guys are the experts.

I winterized my 1990 mercury 50 hp this weekend.  Added fuel stabalizer and ran the engine whilst spraying the fogging element in there.  Now, my only concern is that i was told to do this until the engine stalled.  My engine stumbled and came to the brink of stalling when the spray was applied, but never died all the way.  Does this mean its not complete?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[JimCt]

NewTown,

Try this:

http://www.themarinedoctor.com/winterizing_.htm

[Bill]

New Town,

I don't think I've ever gotten my OB (1989 200hp Johnson) to stall when fogging as you describe, and I've never had a problem come spring. Close, yes, just like you, but never actually stalled. After you ran the motor, did you tilt it a couple of times to be sure all (well, at least most of) the water drained out? This is especially important if you live where temps drop below freezing for any length of time. Also, don't forget to take the plugs out, turn the motor by hand, and squirt the fogger into the plug holes make sure you've coated the internal parts of the powerhead (make sure the spray tube is firmly seated in the can nozzle - you don't want it squirting out and getting lost inside). Good luck,

Bill
Shark Shadow
'88 222 Express Fisherman

[Anonymous]

Yeah, did everything you mentioned Bill Shark Shadow.  Boat is on Cape Cod, where its freezing right now.  Just need to throw a tarp on for the winter snows.  

What do you guys think about bottom paint?  Mine is kind of old and patchy.  Should i grind it off and start fresh, or is that a waste of time.  I'd love to just be able to sand it and paint over it.

Thanks

[Bill]

New Town -- yikes and I thought I was cold in northern Virginia. I don't envy you your weather, at least not for the next few months. I'll leave it to some of the other guys to answer your bottom paint question. I keep my boat on a trailer - so, no paint. Good luck, Bill