How to Fog an Outboard Motor for Winter
Winterizing your outboard motor is an important step to extend the life of the motor. In colder climates this is especially important. Each outboard motor manufacturer has specific instructions for winterizing the motor, including how to fog your motor. Fogging the engine provides protection against corrosion and dry starts. It also helps extend the engine life and reduces operating expenses. The fogging oil is an aerosol can that is sprayed directly into the engine during the winterizing process.
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Instructions
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Salt water has corrosive chemicals that can be detrimental to an outboard engine. Run the outboard engine in a tank of fresh water. This will provide the engine with a clean freshwater flush for the system. This is important to ensure your engine is properly flushed to reduce chances of corrosion.
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Clogged lines can render an outboard engine useless and in need of replacement. Empty both the fuel line and carburetors while the engine is running. Disconnecting the fuel line allows the engine to run through the remaining fuel and helps prevent gums from forming on the stagnant gasoline and clogging the lines and injectors.
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Protecting the inner components of the engine will reduce the need for costly repairs. Fog the carburetor intakes. As the engine is depleting its fuel reserves, spray the fogging oil in the carburetors. The fogging oil is an anti-corrosive that will protect the internal parts of the carburetor and cylinders. The engine will begin to run rough; when this happens, give the carburetors a heavier shot of the fogging oil to make sure they are fully coated.
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In colder climates, it is important to make sure all of the internal fluids are drained completely. Drain the cooling system. Remove the motor from the freshwater flush tank and allow all of the water to drain out of the pickup. Crank the motor several times to ensure all of the water is emptied from the water pump to prevent internal freezing during the winter.
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The spark plugs can be replaced in the engine after the fogging is complete. Remove the spark plugs and fog the cylinders. Spray the fogging oil into the holes to coat the interior surfaces of the cylinders. Then, you will need to spread the oil to all sides of the cylinders by manually turning the flywheel several times.
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Tips & Warnings
Refer to the manufacturer's instruction for winterization to avoid invalidating your warranty.
References
Resources
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