It's that time of the year again. If you live in a part of the world where the days are rapidly getting cooler and shorter, it just might be getting close to being time to put the boat away for the winter. Taking a little time now can help to make sure that your boat will be ready when you dig it out again next spring.

It doesn't take a lot of time to get your outboard prepared, and can save a lot of time and headaches in the spring. What needs to be done to get your outboard ready? Primarily, there are two concerns. The fuel system must be prepared, and the gear oil (in the lower unit) must be changed.

The Fuel System
Preparing the fuel system is fairly simple.

•If you are planning to drain the fuel tank, run the fuel tank fairly low, to minimize the amount of fuel that you have to drain. If you are not planning on draining the tank, fill it to approximately 90% full. Filling the tank will help reduce condensation in the tank as the temperature changes. Add some fuel stabilizer to the fuel in the tank.

•Run the engine, either on the ramp or with a water hose attached for cooling, for a few minutes to move some of the stabilized fuel through the fuel pump and fuel system (never run your outboard without a water supply). The fuel stabilizer helps maintain the octane of the fuel, and reduces the gum and varnish buildup that can otherwise occur during storage. In the last minute or so of running your engine, you can also use an engine storage "fogger" to help protect against corrosion of internal parts.

Gearcase (Lower Unit) Oil
Is it really necessary to change this? Yes! If you have the slightest leak in your bearings/shaft seals, a small amount of water can find it's way into your oil. This can be quite common on older outboards. If it is only a small amount of water, it may not cause too much damage during the summer. If it freezes during the winter, the expansion can further damage seals and bearings. Don't take the chance!

Even if you don't have any water in the oil, you will have small metal filings mixed in your oil from normal wear. It's better to get them out now, rather than waiting for them to settle and cause further wear next spring.

Don't leave your outboard without oil for the winter. Fill it with new oil before putting it away.

•To drain the oil in the lower unit, have a container ready, as well as some rags. Remove the lower screw on the side of the lower unit (usually on the right side). Some oil should start draining into your container. Remove the vent (upper) screw. The oil should come out faster now. Let the oil drain until you're satisfied that most of it is out.

•To fill the lower unit, you will need either a squeeze bottle with a narrow tapered spout, or a pump of some sort. The oil is pumped into the lower unit through the bottom hole - not the top one! The top is only a vent. With both holes open, place your squeeze bottle or hose against the lower hole, and begin pumping the oil in. Watch the upper hole. When you see oil starting to come out of the upper hole, the lower unit is full. Keeping the lower hole covered, install the upper screw and tighten. Now comes the tricky/messy part! When you remove the bottle/pump from the lower hole, be prepared to immediately plug the hole with the proper screw. The oil will not come out as fast as you might expect, because the vent hole is plugged. Tighten the screw, and clean up the mess with your rags.

• Don't try to put the bottom plug in first and then fill from the top... it is far too difficult (and slow) to ensure that you have enough oil in the lower unit, and you could easily end up with some air pockets that you don't want!

Other Things to Check
•It's also a good idea to grease all of the pivot points in the steering and trim/tilt mechanisms. Pumping some grease into these areas will displace any water that might be there.

•Some outboard owners like to remove the spark plugs and squirt a bit of 2-cycle oil into the cylinders to further protect against corrosion.

•Remove the battery and store it inside. Do not store your battery directly on a concrete floor or on the bare ground as this can ruin your battery. Use a battery charger to keep your battery charged up over the winter.

•Mouse proof your engine if you can. It's amazing how much damage mice can do to an outboard over the winter. In addition to chewing up your wires and hoses, they really love that foam soundproofing material on the inside of the cowling of newer outboards.