Just winterized my boat...ok to use again before storing?

[OperationEagle]

I changed the oil, changed the lower unit gear lube and added extra Stabil into the gas and engine with the intention of putting the boat up for the season.  

Weekend weather is forecasted to be much nicer than expected.  So....

Is it really that bad if I take the boat out again before long term storage (will be stored until mid to late May).

My oil and gear lube would still essentially be new even after one or even a few runs?  As long as I drain all water before it gets really cold?

Thoughts and suggestions?

OE  

 

[BrianSnat]

No problem. You can always change the oil come spring if you think it is an issue. And you also want to run  that Stabil gas through the engine befoe storing it over the winter. It does the motor no good sitting in your gas tank.

[Ski213]

There are two reasons to change lu oil in the fall.  One is that it has been run all year and has been degraded to one extent or another based on how much you've run the boat. The other is to ensure that there is no water in the lu oil due to leaks. That water can freeze and do some serious damage if you have a harsh winter.  

I wouldn't hesitate to take her out again. Just make sure you're water free in the lu and you replace burned fuel with stabilized fuel or drain tank and carbs completely before you put her up for the winter. 

[OperationEagle]

Yep I place a healthy dose of Stabil in the tank and run it through the engine as part of the process.

Is the only way to check for water in the lower unit to empty/flush the lube completely again?

 

[J Francho]

10 hours ago, Ski213 said:

The other is to ensure that there is no water in the lu oil due to leaks. That water can freeze and do some serious damage if you have a harsh winter.

This.  Run it, and make sure your water pressure line to the gauge is empty, and dump the lower unit, and replace with new gear lube.

Yes, the only way to check is to flush and refill the LU.  Fail to do this, and you'll hose your LU.  Ask me how I know.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

This.  Run it, and make sure your water pressure line to the gauge is empty, and dump the lower unit, and replace with new gear lube.

Yes, the only way to check is to flush and refill the LU.  Fail to do this, and you'll hose your LU.  Ask me how I know.

I'm actually afraid to ask . . .

A-Jay

[Fishing Rhino]

I don't know about four cycles, but when they winterize my Merc Optimax they fog the engine which protects the cylinders and pistons with extra oil.  They told me not to start it until I was ready to use it on a regular basis since it would remove the coating of oil that fogging puts on the pistons, rings, and cylinders. 

I would think that would be just as critical for a four cycle engine, maybe more critical since there is no oil mixed with the fuel.

[J Francho]

Four strokes do not need "fogging" because pretty much all the moving parts are already coated with crankcase oil.

[tcbass]

Just open the lower unit plug. Let a little out. Put plug back in. Done. 

If any water is in the LU it should be pushed out first. That's what I was told. 

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, tcbass said:

If any water is in the LU it should be pushed out first. That's what I was told.

I would be a little distrustful of the advice.  Gear oil is a lot cheaper than a lower unit.

[Ski213]

1 hour ago, tcbass said:

Just open the lower unit plug. Let a little out. Put plug back in. Done. 

If any water is in the LU it should be pushed out first. That's what I was told. 

I have heard the same thing in the past. That's how I periodically check throughout the season but before winter I want to be dang sure there isn't any water in there. 

It does make sense that the water would settle to the bottom and come out first but as J Francho said the oil is a lot cheaper than the lower unit. 

[OperationEagle]

21 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I would be a little distrustful of the advice.  Gear oil is a lot cheaper than a lower unit.

If I do use the boat, I will be replacing the gear oil in its entirety.  I think a pint is $10-$15?  That is a heck of a lot cheaper than something going wrong.  I can also put it this way...$10-$15 is worth the peace of mind.

Finally since its pretty easy...almost makes it a no brainer.

 

[J Francho]

I think for an extra five bucks, you can the pint of oil and the pump.  Very convenient.