outboard motor question

[RSW0913]

i'm new to outboards. have a 2021 Suzuki 175. I'll probably still fish out of it during the winter, so i won't necessarily ever winterize it (fog cylinders, etc....). From what i read you just need to lower the motor all the way so that the water drains. seems most people leave the engine sitting like that, but the tech told me no to do that as oil will foul the cylinders if it's left upright. so....do i just need to lower and let it drain and then raise back up and i'll be ok for cold weather??

[kevin nicholls]

I leave mine straight up and down. I've done it that way for decades. I tow it jacked all the way up and straight up and down also. If you're not fishing in the winter you're missing out.

[Javelin]

Lower all the way down and then when it gets into the 20s or below freezing for extended periods I also put a heat lamp on the lower unit.

[Man]

I leave mine in the transom saver mount which leaves the motor cocked slightly. Guessen I should take it off and lower motor all the way?

[KY2TX]

Granted we only carry yamaha boat motors- engine straight up and down or with a little negative tilt. If your due service, good time to change oils before storage, that way if you did have water infiltrate lower unit it doesn't freeze

[RSW0913]

well i thought i had looked over the owner's manual pretty well in regards to the storage. I pulled it up again and it does say to store the motor in an upright position.

[bboswell]

well i thought i had looked over the owner's manual pretty well in regards to the storage. I pulled it up again and it does say to store the motor in an upright position.

I think you confused what the tech told you by 90*

[Slew]

I use mine year round. Winterizing is an inboard thing mostly. I run my motor down most of the year to drain the water out before putting on the transom saver. When it gets really cold at home I’ll trim it down in the shop and put a space heater by the lower unit.

[Bassbuster]

Just leave to the motor trimmed down when not it use. Add some good fuel stabilizer. If it’s going to freezer for multiple days I put a heat lamp on lower unit. I had zero trouble during the big snow and ice store a few years ago.

[Quackerbox]

I leave mine straight up and down. I've done it that way for decades. I tow it jacked all the way up and straight up and down also. If you're not fishing in the winter you're missing out.

This. Boat owner my entire life and we always stored down. 2 smoke or 4. I drain tilt the motor down every time I put it back on the trailer. Even if Im going again tomorrow. And Ive never added a heat lamp, fogged the cylinders etc. Current boats only gets E free gas

[whitecrow]

Curious on the heat lamp for the lower unit......is that in case you have bad seals and the lower has some water in it? Not really seeing a chance for the 90w to freeze. Otherwise, just trim as suggested. I did wonder about the water pressure gauge tube on mine, but several freezes later I guess it has enough dead air for expansion......

[Slew]

Curious on the heat lamp for the lower unit......is that in case you have bad seals and the lower has some water in it? Not really seeing a chance for the 90w to freeze. Otherwise, just trim as suggested. I did wonder about the water pressure gauge tube on mine, but several freezes later I guess it has enough dead air for expansion......

Just in case there's a little water in the lower unit. I've done that twice maybe in 20 years. Once was snowmageddon.

[100%TtId]

Can you clear the water out of the LU with compressed air?

[Quackerbox]

Can you clear the water out of the LU with compressed air?

Enough negative trim should drain it Enough. Unless maybe you fish the morning it gets to 10 degrees and stays that way a few days. IMO it's not necessary in Texas

Compressed air may damage seals, impeller gaskets and lines up towards the block

[Monark]

Lower unit should have nothing but oil in it. Water pump is above and should drain fine it you tilt it down once you are off the water. . I have never worried about freezing with an outboard. My inboard always gets a heat lamp under the engine compartment unless I stand on my head & pull the drain valves.