2 stroke winterizing

[Chanchan168]

Hi all,

That time of year again. I know this has been discussed before but I’m wondering what people do.

I’ve got my rib in a mud mooring in the Harbour that obviously dries out twice a day. I’m keeping her in all over winter so I’m wondering whether or not to winterize.

I’m not bothered about freezing temps as it rarely gets below 0, so I’m more worried purely about the lay up time not using her. I’m hoping to either get out at some point over the winter months or just run her up to keep batteries charged up for bilge pump.

So I guess I’m asking if there is any need to use fog off or fuel stabilizer if she will be used over the winter?

It’s a yammy hpdi if that helps.

Thanks in advance

[whiskylee]

my winterizing

Fill with Non ethanol fuel (Esso super unleaded) except *Devon, Cornwall, the Teesside area and Scotland).*

Fuel stabilizer added to fuel on the last run of the year

Fog all cylinders, remove spark plugs and spray into cylinders, some use 2 stroke oil. Turn over the engine to allow the fogging oil to coat the cylinders, don't start the engine, I pull the kill cord so it will not fire up

Change lower unit gear oil

Spray your favourite corrosion resistant oil on the engine

Re grease all grease nipples with marine grease

Pull the prop and grease the splines

Hope this helps and I think you are brave leaving your boat in during winter [emoji106]

[jeffstevens763@g]

I fuel stabiliser all the time with fuel set, if running regular I wouldn't fog OMO

[Chanchan168]

Thanks all.

I’m going to try and either run her up or take her out at least twice a month, hence my plan not to winterize with stabilizer or fog off. Any other reason not to leave her in?

[Chanchan168]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

I fuel stabiliser all the time with fuel set, if running regular I wouldn't fog OMO

This stuff Jeff?

[Ribtecer]

Originally Posted by whiskylee

my winterizing

Fill with Non ethanol fuel (Esso super unleaded) except *Devon, Cornwall, the Teesside area and Scotland).*

Fuel stabilizer added to fuel on the last run of the year

Fog all cylinders, remove spark plugs and spray into cylinders, some use 2 stroke oil. Turn over the engine to allow the fogging oil to coat the cylinders, don't start the engine, I pull the kill cord so it will not fire up

Change lower unit gear oil

Spray your favourite corrosion resistant oil on the engine

Re grease all grease nipples with marine grease

Pull the prop and grease the splines

Hope this helps and I think you are brave leaving your boat in during winter [emoji106]

That's a good guide, put very simply.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Chanchan168

This stuff Jeff? Attachment 135361

[HDAV]

I would stabilise he fuel unless your going to be refuelling every month or 2 if a full tank will last 3-4 months or longer if getting out every couple of weeks doesn’t happen. I use this https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Quicks...stor-355ml/GL5

Regular running vs fogging.... Fogging is easy enough to do and undo doesn’t take long but can foul plugs so keep a set of plugs handy, local lock down means I won’t be going out now for wHike so I’ll be winterising and fogging shortly for the long haul.... if there is risk you won’t get to boat for a couple of months I would fog it. Mine is a 4 stroke motor and kept on my drive so different

[smallribber]

If you are leaving her in and using a few times no need to do anything in the UK with our comparable low temps

[Poly]

Originally Posted by smallribber

If you are leaving her in and using a few times no need to do anything in the UK with our comparable low temps

There’s quite a range of minimum temps routinely experienced depending where you are in the UK. I’d probably not be too concerned on a floating mooring because the sea temp will be warmer than the air temp - but on a drying mooring it could be more of an issue.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Chanchan168

Thanks all.

I’m going to try and either run her up or take her out at least twice a month, hence my plan not to winterize with stabilizer or fog off. Any other reason not to leave her in?

I think that depends how exposed your mooring is. Plenty of people keep boats afloat 365, but plenty others take them out over winter - which I don’t think is just because they are soft. A good clue about the suitability of your mooring to use all year round is the insurance company’s attitude. If they’ll insure it in that location it’s probably not bad. Just make sure it’s really well secured - two weeks of storms can do quite some damage to ropes, deck hardware etc.