Outboard motor storage

[Bluestream]

I have a Mercury 9.9 2-stroke outboard that I used last year, but not this year. I fogged it and put oil in the cylinders in the fall 0f 2010, it has not run since then. I was hopping to use it this year, but no time.

I just sprayed more oil in the plugs, and pulled the cord a few times. Do you think this is adequate, or should I start it up and re-fog?

Also, last year I stored it in my garden shed, its dry, but subject to temp changes all winter. Would it be better to store it in the basement where its warm?

 

[Smokefan1977]

As far as the engine goes that should be fine. My concern would be the pump drying up.

It sounds redneck but I have mounted mine to our large garbage can filled with water and ran it for a bit to keep the pump soft and to just run it.

 

[bullwinkle]

You may not believe it, but I had my old Chrysler 70 HP outboard winterized and sitting outside for over TEN YEARS and it started and ran OK (although the relative I gave it to hasn't really used it yet)! Water pump impellers are weak and should be replaced every couple of years anyway-a cheap insurance policy, IMHO.

 

[Slick17601]

You should be fine, worst case is the fuel pump may need rebuilt. Pretty easy on these motors.

 

[Bluestream]

My experience with pumps is that they develop a "set" when the engine sits a long time. I turn the engine with a slight pull of the cord every month or two. That keeps the impeller veins from staying in the same compressed spot.

I have run the engine in a water barrel before, and may do that. I do think I may bring it into the basement this year, just to be safe.

 

[greaseball]

I've had several years where the motor was fogged and not run for the year. I didn't do anything in between those years, and it started right up! It was a 115 Johnson. Looks like you did the right fogging method. When I did flush/store my motor I would use a lot of dishwashing detergent in the muffs, thinking it would lubricate the impeller. It may have worked, I never changed the water pump in over 30 years!!