How do I Winterize a 3 HP Evinrude Outboard?
The owner of any outboard motor which will be stored in a location where the temperature is likely to drop below freezing should take precautions to ensure the cold doesn't damage the motor. If the storage period is scheduled to be longer than a month, extra winterizing precautions are needed.
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Remove Gasoline
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Gasoline will go stale in storage and when it evaporates, there's often a varnish or residue formed that sticks to and can clog up fuel systems. The last time you run the motor for the season, disconnect the fuel line from the front of the motor and let the motor run until it quits from lack of fuel.
Drain the Water
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Store the motor in an upright position, as it would be positioned on the back of the boat when you are operating it. Evinrude 3 HP motors are cooled by pumping water from the lake or river in which it's operating, through the motor and back into the lake or river. Storing the motor in an upright position allows all the water inside the motor and lower unit to drain out.
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Oil the Inside
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Remove the engine's spark plug and squirt a couple of ounces of winterizing oil (sometimes called fogging oil) into the spark plug hole. Pull the starter rope three or four times to move the piston up and down allowing the oil to coat the metal cylinder walls and piston rings. Replace the spark plug.
Service Lower Unit
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Changed the gear lube in the lower unit annually. Changing it as part of the winterizing process will have your outboard ready for the spring. Drain the old oil from the lower unit, and fill it with new. While you are at it, remove the propeller, apply a thin layer of grease to the propeller shaft and reattach the propeller.
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References
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