View Full Version : Winterise Optimax
Stinky Fingers
10-02-2000, 07:20 AM
What is the proper way to winterise a 1999 200hp optimax. Are you supposed to fog oil these motors or not?
I winterized my 135 Opti last year by doing the following. 1st I added dry gas to the fuel system and made sure I ran the motor enough to draw the dry gas thru the motor (I usually add it before my last trip of the season). 2nd, I then change the lower unit oil to make sure no water is in there. 3rd, I pull each spark plug and sprayed fogging oil into the cylinders. Making sure the kill switch is off, I crank the motor two or three revolutions to get the oil moved around in the cylinders. 4th, I lower the motor down to make sure all of the water is out of the cooling system...I do this after I pull the boat out of the water the last trip of the season and then also when it sits in my driveway at home. Cover the boat and motor with an extra heavy tarp and hope the spring comes quick!
Hope this helps...
I forgot to mention that I do put the spark plugs back in after I fog the cylinders. By the way, it is a bit tricky to get the plugs out if you do not have the proper socket, extension and u-joint socket. The lowest port-side plug was a ***** to get at!
fisherman
10-02-2000, 04:18 PM
I'm sure my dealer told me that you do not have to fog the optimax motors. I have a 150 tho..
Brian/MN
10-02-2000, 04:51 PM
The manual specifically says NOT to fog Optimax motors. When in doubt, follow the manual to the letter.
The Final Word
10-02-2000, 05:11 PM
I have a marine mechanic buddy who is a trained optimax technician and since the dealership he works for charged me $125.00 last year to winterize mine I called him and asked him what the scoop was. He said you add stabilizer to the gas and top off the tank and run the engine for at least 10 minutes, then you remove the spark plugs and spray a healthy dose of fogging oil in each cylinder, replace the plugs and crank the engine over for several seconds with the kill switch off, drain & replace the lower unit gear lube.
He also advised strongly against spraying any fogging oil in the air intake (it clogs the injectors & who knows what else)
Good Luck
Mike
Brian...my manual says to add fogging oil by removing the spark plugs, etc. It is on page 66 under "Storage". My Merc. tech also verified the procedure.