Winterizing 4 Stroke EFI--Oil in cylinders or Oil in gas

[bob888]

I have a 2008 sixty hp Mercury fourstorke EFI. It has less than 20 hours on it so just going to have the upper part of the engine protected for winter storage (3-4 months in a garage above freezing temps). Will check for water in the lower unit and pull the prop myself to check for line and relube.

Two Mercury dealers in my area do this differently

The first dealer disconnects the fuel line and connects in a mixture of gas, oil and Stabil and runs the motor. Dealer states that they have been using this method for four stroke EFI engines for years. They do winterize a lot of four strokes. This dealer sold me the engine.

The second dealer removes the plugs and sprays fogging oil into the cylinders. Looking at what needs to be done to get to the plugs the first way would certainly be easier.

Does anyone have experience/opinion with using the mixture of gas, oil and Stabil? I'm concerned with oil contaminating the fuel injectors.

Thanks!

[Dave Q]

I know many will dissagre, I am only repeating what one of the MOST trusted names on this board told me re: my newer 4 stk efi 75 yam. I will not use his name, Ill take the flack LOL I was told nothing is needed for a storage period of a few months, this fellow is now retired.

[perchjerker]

I know many will dissagre, I am only repeating what one of the MOST trusted names on this board told me re: my newer 4 stk efi 75 yam. I will not use his name, Ill take the flack LOL I was told nothing is needed for a storage period of a few months, this fellow is now retired(hint).

it may not be needed, but it gives me as warm fuzzy feeling inside when I know my boat has been tucked away real nice for the winter

[MarkG]

I would not bother with the gas oil and stabil mixture. A 4 stroke doesn't need the oil,and reportedly from some on this board,depending on the motor,since it's EFI you risk contamination of sensors and injectors. However,I would Definitly make sure you get some stabilized gas into the motor even for the shorter layup. Current blends of gasoline in most areas do not store well.

If your garage in not a deep freeze you can probably skip the lower unit lub changeout, but on the other hand you said your motor was only 20 hours old. You should by now have change out you lower unit and crankcase oil after initial breakin. If not,you are overdue.

[REW]

I think that adding oil to the cylinders of ANY engine that is going into a long term storage is a good idea.

You pull the plugs and either use fogging oil or simple 2 stroke oil squirted into the cylinders.

Then turn over the engine a few times to insure that the oil coats the cylinder walls as well as pistons and rings.

No point in worrying about long term storage and moisture condensation causing rust and pistons sticking in the cylinders.

Take care
REW

[Hot Runr Guy]

Bob,
While I agree w/ REW that pulling the plugs and spraying some fogging oil is a good thing, unless Merc changed that motor for 2008, you've got a REAL job ahead of you. I had an '05 60 4s, and ended-up pulling the coils off in order to get to the plugs. You say you'll be storing the boat in a non-freezing garage, any chance that you can pull the boat on the driveway once a month over the lay-up, and run it for 10-15 minutes on a set of muffs?
HRG

[bob888]

Thanks for all the input.

Yesterday in 36 degree weather I pulled the boat out of the garage and ran the motor for ten minutes. Did not have to use my muffs as the motor has a hose connection by the tell-tale for flushing.

Mercury recommends squirting oil in the cylinders if the motor will be stored for over 2 months. Will probably get enough above freezing days before launching the boat in March to run the motor every one or two months.

[gdi]

I think the flushing connection is just that for flushing. I don't think it's a good idea to run the motor off that connection. My yammy has that same set-up and it's just to flush the motor, anytime you start the motor muffs are needed. Just my 2 cents but you may want to check this out.


gdi

[crosbystick]

I think the flushing connection is just that for flushing. I don't think it's a good idea to run the motor off that connection. My yammy has that same set-up and it's just to flush the motor, anytime you start the motor muffs are needed. Just my 2 cents but you may want to check this out.


gdi
This is VERY true I think you just fried your water pump that is for flushing only !!!!!

[Hot Runr Guy]

This is VERY true I think you just fried your water pump that is for flushing only !!!!!

I thought the same thing, UNTIL I looked at the owners manual for his motor. Here is the page that explains how to do it. He's OK.
HRG

[TomP.]

My 135 Opti manual says the same thing..