How to Winterize a Johnson Outboard Motor

Winterizing your boat and motor is absolutely imperative for those that live in areas where the climate changes dramatically between seasons. This process protects your motor from future damage and ensures that it’s ready to go again once the winter months pass. If you have a Johnson outboard motor, you’re even luckier than most, because this motor is one of the easiest to winterize. It just takes a little time and effort on your part.

Things You'll Need

• Oil
• Lube
• Spray fog
• Gas stabilizer

Instructions

1. Drain the gas tank by letting the engine run until it dies. Alternatively, you can also disconnect the gas line to drain off the fuel. The old gas can make your engine harder to start in the future, and you’ll need to drain it once winter passes, so you can save yourself some time by doing it now.

2. Unscrew the bottom plug of the oil tank to drain the tank. Then replace the oil by pouring in your new oil. The new oil will keep your engine from freezing up during the winter months and will also better prepare you boat for the next season.

3. Take out the screw on the bottom of the engine and let any liquid inside come out. This liquid is actually the old lube used in your tank. Then add new lube to the engine. The new lube will force out any of the old lube and lubricate the gears in your engine.

4. Use spray fog in your engine to lubricate the carburetor. This material is similar to oil and is sprayed directly in the carburetor. Once you’ve done this, remove the plugs from inside the carburetor and liberally coat the inside with the spray fog.

5. Add gas stabilizer to your engine and let the motor run for a few minutes. One this happens you can turn off your engine and have it ready for the winter months. If you’re going to leave your boat sitting for the winter, go ahead and disconnect your battery as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t hesitate to contact your boat dealership for tips and hints on motorizing your engine. It’s better to ask for help now then to be stuck with a problem in the spring.

• Always make sure you winterize your boat engine before the cold weather hits, preferably after the last time you run it. The winter months can cause moisture to build up inside the engine, which can cause problems in the future.