1) I put in an appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer on the way back to the ramp on the last outing, to make sure it gets mixed up fairly well in the tank, and also so that it gets to the carb.

2) I have small ball valves on either side of the engine that allow me to drain the block quickly.  Just have to make sure that I actually get water out of them and that they aren't plugged up with crap.

3) Pull the hoses off the lower-most fittings on the logs.

4) I ALWAYS disconnect the battery cables from the terminals, even during boating season.  Sometimes I drag the battery back to run a quick charge every month or two.  Sometimes not.  A good battery will hold a charge for several months.

5) I prefer to drain the oil when it's hot after the last outing.  If I don't have time to do that (for whatever reason), I drain/change it after the first outing in the spring.

That's it.  I probably should fog the engine.  But I never have.

I was lucky this year to only have a cup of sand in the block...
Drain and flush block and this takes multiple times with water on/off and even shoving a zip tie up in there to help move the sand.
I then fill with vinegar/water mix.
Oil changed before season then in the middle of season.
Pull carb and run mystery oil through it.
Drain gas tank completely.( I run mystery oil in gas or trans fluid every tank full)
Pull each plug give a few squirts of mystery oil in each cylinder and kick over then but plugs back in.
Clean boat before taking it to river, before leaving the river and again once I get it back every time.(vinyl dressed/sealed)
If its gonna sit for over 2 months, I put the trailer on jack stands to keep the weight off tires.
Batts are always on a charge.
Logs are pulled on off season, emptied, set aside to drain block, clean hull...ect.
I have my first good breathable cover on first then silver tarp on top(this way keeps the dew to a minimum).

Being at end of the boating season, as we start to put away our toys, what are you thoughts and winterizing processes?
fuel system stablizer?
carb maintainance?
battery maintainance?
draining block?
interior care?
trailer tires?
exterior protection?

give me some feedback from all over the states, everybody winter may be harsher than others.

a few years ago i had a cracked block and the motor locked up , never found out how it happened looking for precautions....thanks

I use the gas in the jeep and dirtbikes, etc., todays gas only lasts ~90 days usually less.
Oil changed and 2 new fuel filters, usually in october. service pump and wheel bearings too.
Battery stays- planning on thanksgiving black friday, might charge it, just in case.
RV antifreeze in the motor ~2 gallons, easy to do, gravity feed using hose from the pump.
I have a gravel yard, so I park on plywood or 2x6's to keep the moisture away from the tires.
Clean it and put the cover on, batteries (perko switch) off. It usually sits less than 30 days.

Dan'l

This year I ran it on the hose and got it hot, about 180 for about 5-10 minutes. Change the oil and filter and do it again to burn off any water in the motor.  Pulled the carb and put a block plate on the manifold. Let it cool and pulled water lines off the logs and snails and blew them out with water, pulled the plugs off the motor and flushed it out with the hose and cleaned the bilage while it was blasting water out if the motor. Pulled the plugs and fogged the cylinders and put the plugs back obviously. Pulled the battery out and put it back in my chevelle. Completely drain the tanks and disconnect fuel lines at the tank. Then let the boat dry out for a day or two after the water show and put some thick plastic over the motor then another layer over the entire boat followed with a tarp. Trailer on jack stands and put the rims/tires in the garage and let the air out of them. Done then next year ill service the hubs on the trailer and put it back together and go.


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So dumb question about the drain valves on the engine. Do you just open them and they drain?

Do you hook a hose to the engine and run it with them open to flush it? Always heard that I shouldn't run water without the engine running first, but don't think I want the engine running with the two block drains open.

Sorry for the newb question. First time winterizing


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You may have to use a zip tie or short piece of wire to dislodge the sand build-up
Some water (trickle) through the top of the t-stat housing to flush the sand out would be fine, just go easy and not full blast on the hose.
Does the I.E. Freeze?
I used to winterize at the launch ramp (at the river) before I drug the boat home to Big Bear, march and april still had hard freezing weather (22 and colder).

Dan'l

Pull the motor and put it in the garage and drain your tanks.
BOOM!
DONE!
no Bullshit.

-beerjet-

 pull the motor  ..   

 u kill me ..  lol

My boat has to sit outside.
I'm in so cal so the weather is rarely an issue.
I've never done any kind of winterizing.
I've just pulled the motor, put it on a stand indoors and been done with it.

-beerjet-

 I live slightly north of you..in a fu#kin igloo

 if I bring the engine in .. the wife is out, 

 think about it  ??
 
 

I live slightly north of you..in a fu#kin igloo

 if I bring the engine in .. the wife is out, 

 think about it  ??

LOL


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