Evinrude E-TEC 30 HP winterization

[pleekh]

Hi all,

I would like to learn how to do it on my engine. I have a steering console with a throttle control on the side (nothing fancy, just very basic). I have been reading the winterization procedures and looks simple/doable and would like to give it a go.

However, before I attempt it, I have some questions and would like them answered before I do it:

1. According to the Evinrude winterization procedures, the engine must be in neutral position. My question is how is this possible? You have to push the throttle forward half way to start the winterization process but that will engage the gear, isn't it?

2. during the winterization process, will the propeller spin at all, hence it requires the removal of the propeller if doing on land?

I am very new to this and would like someone to guide me. Many thanks in advanced.

[Projectile]

Your throttle should have a button that is usually located in the axle of the throttle lever (the center point it pivots forward and backward around). If you press that button before pushing the throttle forward, it will not engage forward gear and it will just act as a throttle. FWD gear will not be engaged if you push this button before advancing the throttle lever, so the prop will not spin.

In the attached pic, the button I'm talking about it would be the silver circle with the squiggly logo on it. It is also shown in the video below. (Google and Youtube are your friends!)

Evinrude E-TEC Auto Winterization Instructions - YouTube

[Projectile]

You have to do this with the engine in the water. Otherwise, you will need to provide water to the cooling inlets of the engine. If you don't you will damage your engine.

[pleekh]

Originally Posted by Projectile

Your throttle should have a button that is usually located in the axle of the throttle lever (the center point it pivots forward and backward around). If you press that button before pushing the throttle forward, it will not engage forward gear and it will just act as a throttle. FWD gear will not be engaged if you push this button before advancing the throttle lever, so the prop will not spin.

In the attached pic, the button I'm talking about it would be the silver circle with the squiggly logo on it. It is also shown in the video below. (Google and Youtube are your friends!)

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure if I have that middle button and need to go back and have on the side of the throttle. I am sure I don't. However, I have the button on the level where you have to squeeze to push forward or pull backwards. What should I do if I don't have that middle button? I believe when you push the throttle forward, you engage the gear and then increase speed later pushing more forward.

[Projectile]

These guys do it with an ETEC that has a tiller, but, importantly, they do it out of water. You'll notice that they have a hose that is feeding the cooling inlet at the bottom of the motor. Before proceeding, they "turn the water on".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alONKvnf1ok

[Projectile]

Originally Posted by pleekh

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure if I have that middle button and need to go back and have on the side of the throttle. I am sure I don't. However, I have the button on the level where you have to squeeze to push forward or pull backwards. What should I do if I don't have that middle button? I believe when you push the throttle forward, you engage the gear and then increase speed later pushing more forward.

You must have a way to actuate the throttle without engaging the gear. Often these center buttons don't look like buttons. They might be solid rather than rubber and have a logo on them, so you wouldn't normally think that its an active button. Can you post a pic of your throttle lever set up?

[pleekh]

Originally Posted by Projectile

You must have a way to actuate the throttle without engaging the gear. Often these center buttons don't look like buttons. They might be solid rather than rubber and have a logo on them, so you wouldn't normally think that its an active button. Can you post a pic of your throttle lever set up?

I will take a photo of my throttle control and attach it tonight. Many thanks for your help. I will try and press it on the side tonight and see if there is a button on the side. Many thanks for your help.

[kerny]

There should be a lever on top of the throttle control box which is the one you should use use , it revs the engine while the main throttle lever is in neutral.

[GED]

Originally Posted by kerny

There should be a lever on top of the throttle control box which is the one you should use use , it revs the engine while the main throttle lever is in neutral.

Correct Kerny my 30hp Etec has this throttle control lever for reving in neutral and I winterised mine last week using it

[pleekh]

Just an update folks. I managed to pull the lever out slightly so that it only "touches" the throttle and not the gear. So now, I can try winterizing soon.

Next question is do I need fuel stabiliser? How does it help?

[Projectile]

I use it. It is widely recommended, including by Evinrude. Bad gas can prevent an easy start in the spring. To my knowledge, it can't hurt.

I'm not sure that you need to use the Evinrude brand of stabilizer, though.

[pleekh]

Originally Posted by Projectile

I use it. It is widely recommended, including by Evinrude. Bad gas can prevent an easy start in the spring. To my knowledge, it can't hurt.

I'm not sure that you need to use the Evinrude brand of stabilizer, though.

Hi, how do you use the stabiliser? do you mix it in when you use the outboard or during winterisation? Thanks.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by pleekh

Hi, how do you use the stabiliser? do you mix it in when you use the outboard or during winterisation? Thanks.

I use it routinely, just add it to the tanks before I fill up. I've also started to add an eggcup full of xd100 to each 20l of fuel, it's supposed to increase the lubricity of the fuel that ethanol removes. It ( hopefully) reduces the chances of fuel injector problems.