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Hey folks, I have a 25 HP electric start older evinrude (late 70s). I could not winterize it as I had a crazy past two months (long story!) and left a lot of stuff around the house undone. The only thing I did do was bring the batteries in to the basement several weeks ago (I'll trickle charge them throughout the winter). Should I be concerned? Will start up in the spring be that much harder? Its stored in my unheated garage.
Thanks
Gas can go bad if you don’t have stabilizer in it. I put stabilizer in all my boat gas.
Cylinders can rust. That’s why they fog them.
Lower unit can freeze and crack if water is in the gear oil.
10% chance the engine will be unhappy with you in the spring.
I wouldn’t worry about it.
IMHO, the most important issue would be water in lower unit oil…..I’d be checking that for sure….you could also take the plugs out, add a bit of oil to the cylinders and turn the motor over a couple times to lube the cylinder walls…..Other than that, I wouldn’t be too worried…..Quote:
Originally Posted by Splaker
Okay, good... seems like not the end of the world! I can definitely drain lower unit this week now the I have some time. It's going to be mild too, so maybe the oil will drain easier.
It's not too late to change the oil. I was late changing mine,too. I have an insulated,unheated attached garage where I store the boat. I used an electric mini heater to warm up the lower unit and it was easy peasy. Rahther than run water through the engine in this weather,I'd just pull the plugs,squirt a bunch of oil into the cylinders and crank it over a few times without starting it and call it good until spring.Quote:
Originally Posted by Splaker
What kind of oil should I squirt into the cylinders? thanks...
The same oil you would normally use in your fuel mix.Quote:
Originally Posted by Splaker
Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
I suggest you use spray in the cylinders, if you put in too much oil you could get hydro lock.
agreed, buy a can of engine fogger (will last you years), take plugs out, give it a few squirts, put plugs back in, slowly turn over engine a few times to distribute and call it good.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
If I were you I'd also drain the carbs if you are comfortable doing that. its a simple job and will most likely prevent starting issues in the spring.
The lower end of that unit should be small enough to fit in a tote or maybe even a pail….fill it with hot water and leave it for 20 minutes before you try draining the oil….if you’re gonna do it in cold weather you may as well do it right
The lower unit is the biggest concern. If the fluid is bright blue ( as like new) no problem otherwise if it's aa milky colour change it. Those old OMC's are built ! I also use the spray fogging oil and was told it is best to stand the motor upright whenever possible.