Procedure
Off-Season Storage – Engine Preparation
1. Wash the engine exterior and flush the cooling water system thoroughly with fresh water. Drain the water completely. Wipe off any surface water with an oily rag. WARNING: Do not run the motor out of the water. Remove battery cables and spark plug caps before servicing the motor for storage. 2. Remove the fuel hose from the outboard motor. WARNING: Be sure to disconnect the fuel connector except when operating the engine. Fuel leakage is a fire or explosion hazard, which can cause serious injury or death. 3. Drain all fuel from the fuel hoses, fuel pump, and carburetor (See page 78), and clean these parts. Note: if gasoline is kept in the carburetor for a long time, gum and varnish will develop, causing the float valve to stick and restricting fuel flow. WARNING: Be sure to use cloth to remove fuel remaining in the cowl and dispose of it in accordance with local fire prevention and environment protection regulations. 4. Remove the spark plugs and put a teaspoon of engine oil or spray storage oil into the combustion chamber through the spark plug holes. 5. Turn the starter motor several turns to lubricate inside the cylinder. WARNING: Be sure to remove the stop switch lock to prevent igniting the spark plugs. Put a cloth over the spark plug hole and wipe up any spilled engine oil when cranking the outboard motor. 6. Change the engine oil (See page 66). 7. Change the gear oil in the gear case (See page 69). 8. Apply grease to all grease points (See page 75).