storage prep

[$hankmade]

Do you guys leave your outboards up or down during storage? Also, what is the best way to make sure all the water is out of my unit? Thanks

[Rich_V174SS]

Don't leave it up, tilt it down so the engine is vertical. Doing so will allow all the water to drain out.

[Jason]

Also, drain and refill the oil out of the lower unit to make sure a leak did not show up over the season and you got water in the oil which can freeze over the winter and crack the case. At a minimum crack the fill screw on the bottom and see if any water comes out.

[$hankmade]

Thanks guys!!

[Hyperacme]

I run a "cocktail" of gas / oil / seafoam / startron thru the motor, then drain the float bowels.
Grease the tilt tube and swivel tube, few drops of water come out with the old grease on swivel ...
I replace washers on gear case drain and vent screws, just to be safe ...
Drain as much fuel out of bow tank as I can ...
Disconnect battery ...

[Fuzzbutt]

Down as close to plumb as I can get it. Though this year it's getting stored missing the powerhead so it might not matter much but plumb keeps crap out of the lower unit too.

[David CVX-16]

I keep the 18 gallon bow tank full of gas to discourage condensation and moisture.

I leave the motor tilted in the up position out of necessity because the battary has been removed and the boat has to be moved to the storage facility.