Cold Weather Motor Care

Just wondering what other people do and if I need to do anything special when operating my motor in sub-freezing weather. After pulling it out of the water is there anything special that needs to be done to get any remaining water out of the engine/lower unit?

Thanks alot for any input.

First, make sure that the motor is vertical when storing it. This will allow water to drain out the lower unit.

Second, many people suggest turning the motor over briefly when it is out of the water to spit out the last bit of water from the water intake/cooling system.

If you have an oil injection motor make sure you mix oil in the gas as well. This will help to keep you from burning up your motor.
jc

Here is a copy of a reply I made to the same question last year. Good Luck.

As soon as you remove your boat from the water, tilt the motor as far down as possible and let all of the water drain out. I hit the starter and turn the motor over for approx 3-4 seconds. (Some pull the kill switch so the motor won’t start. I let the motor start and run for the 3-4 seconds) Doing this blows all of the water from the water pump and lower unit.

Immediately drain any water in your bilge or livewell and spin your bilge and livewell pumps to expel water. I like to plug off the intake and drain of the livewell for the winter so no water gets into them.

Make sure there is no water behind the prop of your electric trolling motor. Again, I like to spin the prop for 3-4 seconds to expel any water there.

Keep the gas treated with Sta-bil or Seafoam in case the boat ends up sitting for an extended period of time.

If you have a bunk trailer, consider spraying silicone on the bunks to help prevent the boat freezing to the trailer.

One more thing. Boat Ramp Etiquette. When pulling out on a day where temps are close to or at freezing temps, pull the boat up to where your trailer tires are at the edge of the water and let all of the excess water drain out of your trailer. Please don’t “Wash Down” the ramp and turn it into an ice rink for the next guy!!

Jon J.

Thanks alot everybody.