The question of proper conservation of water jet or screw engine faces every owner of the boat with the onset of the first cold weather. storageThey can cost the owner expensive repairs in the spring, and many beginners think it's easy enough to cover the unit with a cover without thinking about the physics of the processes that take place inside the nodes.
There's a persistent misconception that all motors are universal and require the same approach. Yamaha, Mercury or Tohatsu They can have design features that dictate their own rules, and ignoring the manufacturer's instructions often leads to water getting into the cylinders or drying up the glands.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the physics of the process, the effect of gravity on lubrication and fuel, and give clear guidelines for different types of engines. Proper preparation is to ensure that you get on the water at the beginning of the next season, and not to the service center.
Critical risks of improper storage
The wrong position of the motor in long-term downtime creates conditions for irreversible damage to the internal machinery. The main enemy here is gravity combined with the residue of liquids. If the engine is left in a position not intended by the design, oil can drain from the crankcase, leaving rubbing parts unprotected.
The situation is particularly critical for four-strokeThe oil can leak into the combustion chamber or, conversely, expose important nodes. In two-stroke units, the risk of displacement of fuel and oil is also great, which can lead to the formation of resinous deposits.
⚠️ Attention: Storage of the engine with a lowered lower unit (screw down) without special stands can lead to the extrusion of the osteometers of the propeller shaft under its own weight of the structure.
In addition, the wrong angle of inclination contributes to the condensation of moisture inside the exhaust system, the water remaining after the last release into the water must be completely removed, otherwise it will expand and damage when it freezes. pump-case Or pipes.
Vertical storage: pros and cons
The traditional and most recommended method is to install the motor in a vertical position, which is as close to the operating state as possible, which minimizes the risks of straining the gaskets and glands, but there are also some nuances that you need to know about.
When you install the motor vertically, it's important to ensure stability, so if the motor is on the floor of the garage, it should rely on a special stand or a transport handle, but not on a lower unit. propeller And a lower unit tube can cause the elements to curve.
The vertical position also contributes to the natural drainage of condensate to the lower points, from which it is easier to remove during spring reconstitution. However, there is a risk that the residue of fuel from the carburetor (in two-stroke) or fuel ramp (in four-strokes) will slowly evaporate or, conversely, drain into the cylinders.
Use a doghouse if you put the motor vertically on the floor, which will spread the weight and protect the lower unit from accidental impact.
Importantly, vertical storage requires enough free space in height, and in low garages or sheds, this can be a problem, forcing owners to look for alternative accommodation options.
Horizontal Storage: Is it permissible to put the motor on the side?
The question of whether you can put the motor on your side is the most controversial question among water-engineers. It is possible, but with strict restrictions.Manufacturers often allow transportation and storage on the side, but indicate a specific side.
It is generally allowed to lay the engine on the left side (when viewed from the side of the lower unit), this is due to the location of the exhaust holes and channels of the cooling system, if you put the engine on the right side, water or oil residues can enter the cylinders through the exhaust windows, which will cause the engine to enter the exhaust windows. hydraulic impact first launch.
Horizontal position is convenient for saving space, but it creates an uneven load on the body of the lower unit. To avoid deformation, you need to use soft pads and regularly (once a month) change the side or return the motor to the vertical for a short time.
⚠️ Attention: Never store the motor horizontally unless the gearbox oil is drained. In the inverted or lateral position, the oil can leak out through the sapuna or, conversely, enter cavities where it should not be.
For two-stroke With a carburetor, horizontal storage is less critical than for injector systems, but here too, caution is required. The fuel mixture should not remain in the float chamber in large volume, as this leads to coking of the jellyplants.
The myth of "stretching" Dadwood
It is believed that when stored on the side, the lower unit is stretched under the weight of the cylinder block. In fact, the metal of the lower unit pipe is strong enough to withstand the weight of the motor without residual deformation, if the substrate is evenly distributed.
Features of storage of two-stroke and four-stroke engines
Differences in design dictate different approaches to conservation. Two-stroke engines (2T) is easier to maintain, but more sensitive to the quality of the fuel mixture during storage. Gasoline with oil tends to delaminate, and light fractions evaporate, leaving a thick sludge.
Four-stroke engines (4T) have a full-fledged oil crankcase lubrication system, and it is critical that the oil does not flow into the combustion chamber through the piston rings or, on the contrary, does not leave the camshaft lubrication zone, and 4T engines often have a separate oil filter, which is recommended to be changed before wintering.
The table below compares the position requirements for different engine types:
| Parameter | two-stroke motor | four-stroke engine |
|---|---|---|
| Permissible inclination angle | Only vertically or strictly on the left side | Strictly vertical (shore storage is often prohibited) |
| Risks of storage on the side | Draining oil into muffler | Oil entering cylinders, leaking through sapoon |
| Fuel requirements | You need to drain or stabilize | It is advisable to develop or preserve the system. |
| Sensitivity of galls | Medium | High (many of the scallops of the crankshaft) |
For four-strokes, vertical position is almost an uncontested requirement of most manufacturers, such as: Honda or SuzukiViolating this rule can lead to complicated and expensive repairs.
The main difference: two-stroke engines are more "vibrant" to the position during storage, but require perfect work with the fuel mixture. four-stroke require a strict vertical.
Preparation of the engine for the winter period
The choice of position is only half the success. The second half is the proper preparation of the unit. Without a set of procedures, even a perfectly vertical motor can fail. The first step should always be to flush the cooling system.
You need to connect the motor to a barrel of water or a water pipe and let it work for a few minutes. This will remove salt (if used in the sea), sand and silt. After stopping the engine, it is important to let the water drain while the engine is still warm so that the moisture remains evaporate.
Next, you need to take care of the fuel system. If you plan to store the engine with fuel, be sure to add it. fuel-stabilizerIt's going to prevent the oxidation of gasoline and the formation of resins, and if the engine lasts long, it's better to make the fuel out of the carburetor completely.
☑️ Checklist for storage preparation
Remember to lubricate all the lubrication points specified in the instructions (tilt hinges, gas cables). Consistent lubrication will displace moisture and protect the metal from corrosion throughout the winter.
Where to place your motor in winter
The storage area should be dry, ventilated and protected from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet destroys the plastic elements of the casing and rubber hoses. The ideal option is a heated room with a constant temperature, but an unheated garage or dry shed will also work.
If the motor is kept separate from the boat, use a strong rack, which should securely fix the lower unit and allow the motor to stand steady, and it is not recommended to hang the engine by the start handle or lower unit on hooks in the wall for a long time - this creates point loads.
Cover the motor with a breathable case. Plastic film will create a greenhouse effect, which will lead to active condensation inside and accelerate corrosion. A fabric cover will protect against dust and allow the engine to "breathe."
⚠️ Attention: Do not store the motor in a room where open flame appliances or sparkling power tools operate. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate at low points in the room, creating an explosive mixture.
Periodically, every 1-2 months, check the condition of the engine. Scroll the flywheel (with the candle removed) to distribute the lubricant, and make sure that the rodents do not get to the wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep the outboard motor upside down?
Absolutely not. In the inverted position, the oil from the crankcase (in the 4T) or gearbox is guaranteed to flood the cylinders and the ignition system, and it can also deform the lower unit and damage the plastic elements of the casing that are not designed to handle such a load.
Do I need to take the engine off the boat for the winter?
Yes, it's highly recommended. A boat standing on a trailer or shore is subject to high temperature changes and wind loads. A transom motor experiences additional vibration and load. A removed and preserved engine will be much better preserved.
What if I forgot to drain the oil from the gearbox before storing it on my side?
If the engine was on the side for a short time, the risk is minimal. However, before starting, make sure to check the oil level in the gearbox. If the oil leaks, it needs to be added. If the oil hits the lower unit pipe, you may need to change the glands. In any case, before starting, make sure that the lower unit is filled with oil correctly.
How do you know which way to put the engine if the instructions are lost?
Look at lower unit. On one side (usually the left side, when you look at the back) are the exhaust and spillway holes, and you put the motor on top of the holes, and if you put the motor down, you can leak water or oil, and if you doubt it, you can only store it vertically.
Does the storage position affect the guarantee?
If the service center detects traces of oil in the cylinders or corrosion caused by improper storage (for example, water entering the exhaust due to the position on the side), repair may be refused.