winterizing

[jsz]

I'm considering winterizing my boat by myself. I've done a few searches on the internet but I'm finding a lot of general stuff on outboards and I/O's. Has anyone seen a good site that's specific to inboards or even Tige's?

I bought my 21V used and I'm not sure if this info was given in owners manuals for you who bought new.

Since the weather in So Cal is pretty good (cool season only lasts 3-4 months) I've also considerred just starting it every 3 to 4 weeks until it's warm enough to take it out. Do you guys think it's better to winterize and let it sit for 4 months, or start it every few weeks(with fuel stabilizer) to keep all the fliuds moving?

[Tige M.D.]

where is the boat stored in socal? if it only gets to 32deg for a couple of hours early in the morning and 60-70deg in the day then just run it once a month with fuel stabilizer.

[jsz]

Fuel filter

It is kept in so cal. I read another interesting article that agreed with running the boat monthly to charge the batteries and get all the fluids moving. It mentioned turning the steering wheel and shifting into gear to keep those systems from sticking.

I want to change the fuel filter but I was conserned with getting air in the line. Should I fill the filter up with fuel before screwing it on? Are there any other precautions I should take? I read something that said to close the fuel line before un-srewing the old one but I didn't see anywhere to do this. Any Tips?...(I have a V-drive with a 350 Merc EFI.The filter is in the back bottom corner of the boat and it is hard to see much) THANKS

[Tige M.D.]

all of those things you mentioned are good to do. remember to spray some soapy water on the strut bushings. the strut bushings are normaly cooled and lubricated by the lake water.

yes, you have to prime the fuel filter prior to installing it. and ther is no shut off screw for the fuel. don't be affraid to take the boat apart to access the fuel filter. you will have a much easier time changing the filter if you make it easy to get to.

[jsz]

Thanks. I'll give it a shot.

Is the strut bushing on the bracket that holds the drive shaft under the water line?

As one of the other guys said, It's great having someone like you to help us with this little stuff. Thanks Again.

[ajnesbitt]

The following a link to an article on aquaskier.com that I see referrenced on many discussion boards. It is a good overall reveiw of winterizing inboard boats. There may be additional things you would do for your specific boat.

http://www.aquaskier.com/articles/bo...terization.htm

[Tige M.D.]

yes, the strut is the bracket that holds the shaft under the boat.

thank you for appreciating the help. i enjoy doing it

[jsz]

After I fill the new filter with fuel and screw it on, I'm guessing there will still be a little air in the line. Is this a big deal? If I turn the ignition on a few times without starting it, will that finish priming it?

[Tige M.D.]

you got it. what ever air is in the line will not be there long.

[jsz]

OK, last question on this filter change thing. Will the old filter will be pressurized before I take it off? Is there any way to un-pressurize or avoid a mess besides besides having a bunch of rags down?

[CiceroJoe]

Fuel problem

I am getting ready to change mine out today. Will having a fuel filter problem such as running the fuel tank empty cause something like bogging down when you run high RPM's after having filled the fuel tank back up? Mine's bogging at the 3500-4000RPM range now and I cant figure out why. It feels like water in the line when I'm riding. Maybe bad fuel pump??

[Tige M.D.]

yea, you can cause some headaches by not doing this correctly.

[Beau McCrory]

LEARN FROM ME: pay a few hundred dollars every year to get a pro to do it and keep the receipt. I did mine last year and a cracked block this year. A LOT of money later, and I got re engined at TIGE' directly. The marine insurance generally does not cover winterization damage, but with a receipt you could make a case....
JMO

[jsz]

Because of recent stalling I finally changed the fuel filter. I was expecting it to be presurized and make at least a little mess. What a joke. No spraying fuel or even a drip. It is probably the easiest cleanest job us do-it-yourselfers can do.

The fact that it is a fuel filter/water seperator made me think there would be some water in it. So I poured the old fuel into a clear container to see how much. Again... not a drop (of water).

By the way, it still stalls so I'm still trouble shouting.

[Tanner]

Originally posted by jsz
Because of recent stalling I finally changed the fuel filter. I was expecting it to be presurized and make at least a little mess. What a joke. No spraying fuel or even a drip. It is probably the easiest cleanest job us do-it-yourselfers can do.

The fact that it is a fuel filter/water seperator made me think there would be some water in it. So I poured the old fuel into a clear container to see how much. Again... not a drop (of water).

By the way, it still stalls so I'm still trouble shouting.

Check the fuel pump and make sure your throttle cable hasn't slipped.