Bill Higham’s Outboard Winterisation Process

Well its that time of year again, winter is approaching with her irrevocable certainty, so to help you put your beloved outboard engine to bed here is my dad Bill Higham’s winterisation procedure which – with a modicum of mechanical nowse – you will be able to effect yourself, i hope you find it useful, and remember that if you don’t fancy doing the work then we are more than happy to do it for you, absolutely free of charge with every engine service – and did you know that the very best time of the year to service your outboard is right now?

Well it is – so what are you waiting for? Get cracking or calling us!!

Outboard winterisation process!

1. Top off all fuel tanks using high octane fuel, and add Lucas fuel stabiliser to the fuel at the correct ratio link to the right stuff: Lucas fuel stabiliser
2. Carburetted engines remove carb covers, fuel injected engines remove air box to expose throttle valves
3. Run the engine for 20 minutes to run high octane stabilised fuel right through the fuel system, check water circulation at intervals during running
4. Put engine on fast idle around 2000rpm, squirt fogging oil into each carb/throttle valve opening. This will make clouds of white smoke which is Normal, 3x 3 second bursts to each induction hole is about right, swap cylinders between squirts
5. (This step is only necessary if you store your engine in a damp cold climate for a protracted period) stop engine and remove spark plugs, squirt fogging oil into each cylinder and crank engine for a few seconds before re-fitting spark plugs.
6. Remove kill cord and flywheel cover, turn flywheel in clockwise direction one turn by hand, this ensures impeller is in correct position for storage.
7. If your engine has carbs drain them of all fuel using the carb drain screws.
8. Spray all linkages, carbs and mild steel parts with spray grease, spray all other surfaces under cowling with corrosion guard.
9. Remove prop and thrust washer, and grease prop shaft, grease all grease nipples, remove steering cable and grease.
10. Check gear oil quality and level.
11. If 4 stroke engine check engine oil quality and level.
12. Tilt engine down to vertical position and wash exterior of engine with soap and water and treat with storage seal or similar.
13. Close vent on fuel tank, disconnect battery and trickle charge occasionally.