The major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage is to protect it from rust, corrosion, and damage caused by freezing of trapped water. The following storage procedures should be followed to prepare your outboard for out of season storage or prolonged storage (two months or longer).
This document outlines the necessary procedures to prepare an outboard motor for seasonal or prolonged storage. The primary goals are to protect the engine from rust, corrosion, and damage caused by freezing water.
Key steps include treating the fuel system with gasoline stabilizer to prevent varnish formation, lubricating internal components like cylinders and gearcases, and applying corrosion guards to external metal surfaces. Proper positioning of the outboard in an upright vertical position is also emphasized to ensure drainage.
It is advisable to drain as much of the remaining gasoline as possible from the fuel tank, remote fuel line, and engine fuel system.
The engine should be run for ten minutes while in water or connected to a flushing attachment.
The outboard must be stored in an upright (vertical) position to allow water to drain out.