With the onset of the first cold weather and the end of the navigation season, every owner of water equipment faces a critical task - preparing the engine for long-term storage. Conservation of the outboard motor 2 stroke It is very different from the four-stroke service, primarily because of the lubrication and mixing system, and ignoring the wintering rules for these units often leads to piston group acidification, carburetor corrosion and failure of the osteoils by the next season.
Two-stroke engines, whether they are popular models Yamaha, Tohatsu domestic vortex and NeptuneThe gasoline left in the system evaporates over time, leaving resinous deposits that clog the jelly and make it impossible to start, and moisture trapped inside can cause spot corrosion of aluminum alloys, which is especially dangerous for precision parts.
In this article, we will discuss in detail every step of preparation, from washing the cooling system to sealing the exhaust tract, and properly done work will save you significant money on repairs and allow you to start the engine in the spring from the first thrust of the starter. winter-preservation It is an investment in the durability of your equipment.
Fuel drain and carburetor stabilization
The first and most important step is to completely clean the fuel system of the residue of gasoline. The old fuel is oxidized and converted into an aggressive substance that destroys rubber seals and membranes. If the motor is equipped with an external tank, it must be disconnected, drained, and turned upside down, removing all the droplets.
For engines with built-in tank, the procedure is more complicated: you need to develop the residues of the mixture at idle speeds or completely drain them through the drainage hole, if the design allows. The carburetor is the heart of the engine, and it needs to be free of fuel. Suzuki and Mercury There is a special plum screw, which is located in the lower part of the float chamber.
- 🛢️ Disconnect the fuel hose from the engine fitting and let the remnants of the mixture drain into the prepared container.
- 🔧 Unscrew the carburettor drain screw (if any) or gently unscrew the bottom plug of the float chamber to remove the fluid.
- 🧹 Blow the fuel channels with compressed air or use a special carburetor aerosol to remove lacquer deposits.
Pay special attention to the condition of the fuel hoses, and if they show cracks or scuffs, they should be replaced before conservation, because the rubber can finally break down in the winter, and remember that even a microscopic drop of old gasoline can cause problems with starting.
Replacement of oil in the gearbox and lubrication of knots
The gearbox oil needs to be changed every season, no matter how many hours the engine has run, and during operation, water can enter the gearbox through damaged coils, which will lead to emulsification of the lubricant and corrosion of the gears, visually it looks like “coffee with milk”.
The replacement process is standard for most brands, including Honda and Hidea. First, the top drain screw is twisted, then the bottom screw is twisted, allowing the old liquid to completely leak out. If the oil leaks out under pressure, that's a good sign, then the ossuaries are intact. If it pours in a thin stream or splashes, you need a seal diagnosis.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the gearbox empty for the winter! be sure to pour fresh transmission oil down to the bottom hole level to prevent the inner surfaces of the gears from coming into contact with air.
After the liquid is replaced, the gearbox must be completely lubricated from all the points provided by the instructions, syringe the suspension bearings, steering vomit and throttle, use only specialized water-resistant lubricant, resistant to washing.
☑️ Checking the gearbox
Conservation of the cylinder-piston group (CPG)
The most critical step for a two-stroke engine is to protect the cylinders and pistons from corrosion. Because two-stroke oil is added to the gasoline, after the fuel is drained, the cylinder walls remain virtually dry and defenseless against moist air.
To create a protective film, a special conservation oil or a mixture of engine oil and gasoline is used in a ratio of 1: 1. The liquid is poured directly into the cylinder through the candle hole. After that, you need to slowly turn the crankshaft several times so that the oil mist covers the entire surface of the sleeve, piston and needle bearings.
- 💧 Pour 10-15 ml of conservation oil into each cylinder through a candle hole.
- 🔄 Smoothly turn the flywheel 5-6 times for even distribution of lubricant on the walls.
- 🕯️ Insert spark plugs back, but do not tighten them to the end, or use special plugs for candle wells.
Some owners prefer to use aerosol lubricants with a high content of anti-corrosion additives. This is a valid method, but the classic oil creates a denser and longer-lasting film. It is important not to overdo it with the amount of liquid, so as not to create a hydraulic shock when first run in the spring.
Why can’t you keep an empty engine?
The aluminum that the cylinders are made of is oxidized instantly when it comes into contact with moist air, and the resulting microcorrosion disrupts the surface geometry, causing compression loss and bullying on the first run, and the oil film blocks oxygen and moisture from accessing the metal.
Maintenance of cooling and lower unit systems
The cooling system is the lungs of your motor, and it requires careful washing. Salt deposits (if the motor was used at sea) or scale (in fresh water) can corrode aluminum channels in a few months of idleness. Freshwater washing is mandatory even after operation on the river.
After rinsing, remove the water from the water jacket, put the motor upright and let the water run, and some experts advise blowing the system with compressed air, but do this carefully so as not to damage the impeller pump.
| Element of the system | Action. | Frequency | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| The pump-pumping doe | Visual examination | Every season. | Silicone lubricant |
| Check hole | Wire cleaning | Before storage | Thin wire |
| Thermostat (if any) | Verification of work | Once in season 2 | Water tank |
| Water channels | Freshwater flushing | Every time after the sea | Freshwater |
The look of the lower unit also matters. The chipping of the paint on the feet of the motor Yamaha or Tohatsu You need to paint it with corrosion-resistant soil or engine paint, the metal should not come into direct contact with air, and it is also recommended to apply a thin layer of lubricant to the propeller shaft to prevent it from boiling.
Electrical equipment and protection against rodents
The electric part of two-stroke motors often suffers from temperature and condensate changes rather than water. Contact oxidation on the switch, ignition coil and sensors is a common cause of spring problems. It is advisable to treat all connectors with a moisture dispenser spray (such as WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner) and preserve them with silicone lubricant.
Rodents are particularly dangerous for motors stored in garages or sheds, and mice and rats love to gnaw at wire insulation and build nests in warm places, such as for an outboard motor casing or in an air filter, and the smell of gasoline attracts them, and the heat of the previous engine creates ideal conditions.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing the casing, be sure to put strong-smelling repellents (mint, mothballs or special chemical tablets) inside. Rodents are able to chew the wire harness overnight, turning an expensive motor into a pile of metal.
Check the high-voltage wires and candle caps. If they have cracks, they need to be replaced. In winter, moisture will enter through microcracks, and in spring, the spark will break through the mass, and the engine will stop starting. Use dielectric lubrication to protect the contacts of the candle caps.
Wrap the motor with a breathable material (such as bags or special fabric), but do not use plastic film under any circumstances.
Storage rules and preparation for the season
The ideal storage area is a dry, heated room with a constant temperature, but most outboard motors winter in unheated garages or basements, the main condition is the absence of direct sunlight and precipitation, the motor must be in a vertical position so that the oil from the gearbox does not leak out and deform the osteoils.
The hood is best removed and stored separately in heat, as the plastic in the cold becomes fragile and can burst from an accidental impact. The engine itself is covered with a cloth. If the motor is stored on the boat, be sure to remove it or raise the lower unit as high as possible to avoid freezing water in the lower unit leg.
- 🏠 Keep the motor in an upright position on a special stand or transport wheel.
- 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperature changes as much as possible to minimize condensation.
- 🧼 Cover the engine with a breathing cover, protecting against dust and rodents, but providing ventilation.
In the spring, before you start, don't rush to put your candles and start the engine. First, check the oil level in the gearbox, make sure there's no visible damage, pour fresh fuel mixture. Scroll the engine with a candle-free starter to remove excess conservatory oil from the cylinders. Only after these procedures can you start a full start.
The main secret to longevity of a two-stroke engine is to completely remove old fuel and create an oil film inside the cylinders before winter, without these two actions, the rest of the measures lose their meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I start the engine in winter during storage?
No, it's not recommended to start the engine in the garage in winter, it needs a cooling system (water) to work, and working "dry" will kill the pump for a couple of minutes and cause overheating, and exhaust gases are dangerous to health indoors, and conservation is exactly what you need to keep the engine from starting until spring.
Can I keep a two-stroke motor on my side?
It's highly undesirable. It can leak oil from the gearbox horizontally, and it can also leak oil or condensate into the cylinder through the exhaust window, causing a hydraulic shock on the first start. Always keep the engine strictly vertical.
Which oil is best used for cylinder preservation?
It is best to use a special conservation oil for engines. If it is not available, you can use a regular quality two-stroke oil for water equipment. Automotive oils are less suitable, since they may contain additives that are not designed for long-term storage in high humidity conditions.
Do I need to take off the battery for the winter?
If your motor has an electric starter, the battery must be removed; it should be stored in a cool (but not frosty) place, fully charged beforehand. It is recommended to recharge the battery every 1-2 months to prevent sulphation of the plates and loss of capacity.