Protect your Evinrude outboard engine during the off-season with this step-by-step winterization guide. Proper winterization ensures your engine stays in peak condition and prevents costly damage.
1. Gather Necessary Supplies
- Fuel stabilizer
- Fogging oil
- Gearcase lubricant
- Marine engine antifreeze
- Water muffs and garden hose
- Basic tools (socket wrench, screwdriver)
- Clean rags and gloves
2. Stabilize the Fuel System
- Add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank.
- Run the engine for about 10 minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates through the fuel system.
- This prevents fuel degradation and gum buildup during storage.
3. Fog the Engine
- Remove the engine cover and locate the air intake.
- Spray fogging oil into the air intake while the engine is running at idle.
- Shut off the engine once you see smoke, indicating proper lubrication of internal components.
- Remove the spark plugs and spray fogging oil directly into each cylinder. Reinstall spark plugs.
4. Drain and Replace Gearcase Lubricant
- Remove the lower unit drain plug and allow the old lubricant to fully drain.
- Check for water contamination (milky appearance). If present, inspect seals.
- Refill with fresh gearcase lubricant and reinstall the drain plug securely.
5. Flush the Cooling System
- Connect water muffs to the engine's cooling intake and attach to a garden hose.
- Run the engine at idle to flush out salt, debris, and contaminants from the cooling system.
- Turn off the engine and disconnect the hose.
- Add marine engine antifreeze to prevent freezing and corrosion.
