Hi there folks.
Winter is upon us here in Canada, and this can be fairly damaging to your outdoor power equipment (lawn mowers, gas trimmers etc.), or your marine engine if you don’t prepare your equipment properly.
Here are the basics that you will need:
- an aerosol can of fogging oil
- a fuel stabilizer for gasoline engines, or a fuel biocide for diesel engines
- for inboard engines, a couple of gallons of non toxic propylene glycol antifreeze
For outboard engines:
Run the engine in a tank of clean water, so as to remove any corrosive agents in the cooling system. A flushing attachment will also work.
Empty the fuel lines and Carburetor:
While the engine is still running, close off or disconnect fuel supply lines. When it shuts off, the fuel delivery system will be empty of fuel, preventing the system from gumming up do to stagnating fuel in your lines, injectors or carburetor.
Fog the carburetor intake
Before the engine runs out of fuel, spray fogging oil into the carburetor. Fogging oil is an anti-corrosive spray that will protect the internal surfaces of the carburetor and the cylinders. Typically the engine will run rough just before it runs out of fuel. As that happens, give the carburetor a heavier shot of fogging oil to make sure internal surfaces are fully coated.
Marine engines, drain cooling passages
Disconnect the flush attachment or remove the engine from the flush tank. With the motor upright, let all water drain out of the pick-up. Open drain plugs (if any–see your owner’s manual) to empty the powerhead and intermediate housing. Crank the motor a couple of times by hand or “bump” it with the starter to empty the water pump. If the motor will be exposed to freezing conditions, it is essential that no water remains inside.
Fog the cylinders
Remove the spark plug(s) and spray fogging oil into the holes to coat the interior surfaces of the cylinders. Rotate the engine a few turns to spread the oil on the cylinder walls. While the plugs are out is the time to check them and re-gap or replace as required. Reinstall the spark plugs. I would generally replace them.
Drain and refill gear case
Use lubricant specified in your owner’s manual. Fill oil tank to the full line. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the tank.
Drain fuel tank and supply lines
Starting your engine in the spring with old gasoline is an invitation to problems. Manage the last few weeks of your the season to leave your fuel tank close to empty, then drain the fuel that remains. Use it in your snow blower or burn it in your car, but leave gasoline tanks and lines empty.
If emptying the tank completely is not practical for you, then top it off to 95% full. This is particularly important since the introduction of alcohol into the gasoline supply. Gasoline with ethanol is subject to phase separation if water gets into the fuel, which it will do with a half-empty tank over the winter. Filling the tank limits the air space inside the tank and reduces the potential for internal condensation.
If you leave your tank full, dose it with an appropriate amount of gasoline stabilizer to combat the formation of passage-clogging gums.
Storage:
Ideally an indoor storage area is preferred, a shed or garage etc. If you have to store your equipment outside, make sure you cover, or tarp the unit securely so that water does not seep inside when the snow melts. This can damage the starter clutch on pull stars, as well as the magneto, or coil(s).
I do not have the facility, at this point, to store it for you, but I can prepare your machine for winter, starting at $60.00 and up depending on the equipment.
Thanks for your interest in proper care and maintenance of your outdoor power equipment.
Rolly