Winter Storage - Indoor or Outdoor

[Erie-Eyes]

I follow the same procedures as Terry F - through the dealer where I purchased mine and after 8 years, I have had no problems and am still very satisfied with my arrangements.

[Fishing 24/7]

get 2 ''chevalet''

put aluminum boat upside down on chevalet

tarp boat + chevalet but leave a crack for air

use fogging oil in carb

store engine in unheated garage

install new spark plugs when comes spring time

[Raminator]

you should drain the lower gear oil in an outboard,any amount of water that may have seeped into the unit,will freeze,expand,and could crack the fragile case,if you can't drain it,then at least remove the filler plug,so it has somewhere to expand to, if it does contain water and freeze.many people don't know that they have an internal water or seal leak until it is too late,(spring startup),,i have my original twin1970 115 merc's. and my 69 '80 merc.,still in service,and never a winter problem has hurt them.,but I also run my carbs dry,and then remove them from the engine and store in my shop.,but this is alot harder on the newer 4 strokes,due to room to work,fuel injection(no carbs).. the key is removing fuel from the carbs,and draining the bowls,(i remove the bowls/needles seats etc.,not recommended if you aren't a mechanic,)and making sure the lower case can't crack,no oil in the gears is fine all winter,they only need oil to operate,I have engines that have sat for years,that were only pre-lubed when rebuilt,,also dry is a key for your electrical system (stator,distributor,wires etc.,the less humidity the better)as we all know that water and electical components don't mix well, when left alone to rust away.there are alot of good electrical spray films that you can protect your electrical stuff with nowaday's,,best thing for smaller outboards is to build a stand or bolt it to a sawhorse,and cover it loosely with a dust cover of some kind,even a bbq cover fits fine, I live in kanata,so,if any body needs a little help to put one up in their garage or storage bay, just lemme' know,,(i don't charge hawker's) also,in those old 2 strokes,a generous amount of trans fluid poured down the spark plug holes,before storage is a lifesaver for those sticky rings,and dry cylinder walls,it is very cheap to store your engine,, It's not doing anything,that is expensive !!

[jig head]

Thanks a lot guys, seems like either option will be fine. I have an E-Tec, so I can winterize it myself very easily for the next 3 years before I have to bring it in to the shop. Gotta love those Evinrudes.

Lowe Rider, remember even though there will winterize themselves, dont forget to add 2+4 conditioner to the gas before winterizing her. Let her run for a little bit first to let the gas run in. Also it is still highly recommended to change your gear oil every year evin with an e tec.

gotta love those evinrudes

\Anthony

[hatterharry]

I have done indoor and outdoor storage without issues. However, I would be careful about your selection of outdoor locations. If it is near a field, then rats, mice and other vermin can build nests and make a mess in short order. They cause all sorts of problems from stinky carcases to chewing on wires.

This can happen in a garage area too, but it is something else to consider guarding against.

[Terry_F]

I have done indoor and outdoor storage without issues. However, I would be careful about your selection of outdoor locations. If it is near a field, then rats, mice and other vermin can build nests and make a mess in short order. They cause all sorts of problems from stinky carcases to chewing on wires.

This can happen in a garage area too, but it is something else to consider guarding against.

Try placing a few Bounce dryer sheets in storage areas where you don't want vermin. Not guaranteed to keep them all out but it helps.