How to winterize my 75 HP Mercury Outboard Motor?

Question

I have a 75 hp Mercury outboard motor on my 15 foot bass boat.
This is the first winter I have had it and I am trying to winterize it so the motor does not have issues.
I store it under a car port in Tennessee, so it won't get rained on, and it doesn't get too far below freezing.
I am wondering what I need to do to winterize my boat. I bought fogging spray/oil from the store, but I don't even know where to spray it when I run the motor.
I have muffs to hook a hose up to the water intake on my motor though.
Please help me understand where I need to spray the oil and when, and anything else I need to do to winterize my motor.
Thank you.

Answer 1

Winterization is not just protecting your outboard against freezing, but should be a complete inspection and yearly service. I have watched the youtube videos, read the other answers, and none of them are complete, so here is a condensed version directly from Mercurys' service manuals.



You dont say whether you have a 2 or 4 stroke, carburated or fuel injected, the procedure is different. Let's deal with the 2 stroke first:



1. Clean the outboard with soap and water and a soft brush, and rinse with fresh water. If you have scale or marine growth, CLR or any similar product will remove this.

2. Sand and paint any nicks or scuffs in the finish.

3. Remove the propeller, inspect for fishing line or other debris around the propshaft. Grease the propshaft splines and replace the propeller.

4. Drain and replace the gear oil. Use Mercury high performance gear oil. If you have any signs of water intrusuion, have your gearcase pressure tested by a tech.

5. Inspect the power trim system and check fluid level.

6. Grease the pivot shaft and tilt tube, and inspect the steering link.

7. Fuel system and internal engine protection- Use Mercs' Quick-Stor to stabilize your remaining fuel and help protect the fuel system and crankcase portion of the powerhead. Mix the correct amount, 1 oz to 5 gallons of fuel, and run your outboard for 10 minutes at a high idle. If you have a DFI outboard, (Optimax) remove the fuel filter and add 2 oz in the cannister. DO NOT use spray fogging oil on any fuel injected outboard. Shut the outboard down, and drain the fuel system, including filters, lines, carburator. Remove the spark plugs, and spray each bore liberally with fogging oil, and rotate the engine by hand 2 or 3 revolutions.

8. Disconnect the battery, and store your outboard in an upright position, in a dry, well ventilated area.



Four strokes- follow the above procedures, plus:



1. Change the crankcase oil and filter.

2. Inspect the timing belt.

If you have a 4 stroke EFI, I would suggest you buy a service manual for your model, and follow the storage recommendations.



Before using the outboard in the spring, replace the spark plugs (if required), and replace the fuel filters.

Answer 2

Winterize Outboard Motor

Answer 3

what, Tennessee bass don't bite in the winter?



If you're going to be fishing this winter (I sure as heck am), just do this: tilt the motor fully down for a few minutes after each use, to make sure all the water drains from the powerhead, and change the gear oil, just in case you had some water intrusion (so it won't crack the gearcase by freezing).



If you do decide to winterize, spray fogging oil through the carb throats with the motor idling, until it chokes 'em out.

Answer 4

Youtube has several useful videos.



See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ1aiowAA70&feature=bf_prev&list=PLD40FEC2E40A1BD33&index=



See:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmw5FIxMVKM



See:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x217iM77Qjc&feature=fvsr



As you can see everyone does it a little differently. An important thing I do is that let the engine drain for a few hours after running in the fully down position. (not tilted for trailering). I duck tape the prop opening to prevent rain and snow accumulating in the exhaust cavity.



there are more videos so you might like to browse a bit. Your Mercury is similar to the Evinrude. Don't forget to lube everything.

Answer 5

Hook the engine up to the muffs and start the engine - water on.



Warm the engine.



Increase engine rpms and Spray fogging oil. Engine will smoke heavily.



Shut engine down.



Change oil and filter.



allow water to drain. Store so water does not remain in lower unit, store down.

Answer 6

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Make sure your trigger is advancing your timing all the way. I assume your compression is good (all within ten pounds of each other).It sounds like your synch and link might be off. Ask your certified mechanic if he checked all the linkages and timing advance.

Answer 7

hook the water, run engine a little above idle and spray into the carburator until you get good smoke uot of the exaust. if you spray too fast the motor will stall. spray in short bursts. secondly check lower unit oil. if it is white or foamy it means water got in.