Winterizing an EFI engine

Hi. I am new to correctcraftfan.com I apologize if I have duplicated this topic. I am trying to get the full set of instructions to winterize my boat. I looked in the engine manual section but do not see a manual for my 351 EFI engine (1998 Nautique). Any help you can provide to point me in the right direction. I have never winterized a boat before (actually my husband is going to do it for me with me looking over his back ). Thanks for your feedback.

no shower, but it does have a heater.

Your owners manual should have some limited info on winterizing, the PCM manual gets a bit more specific. Not sure if those manuals are on this site, I do know you can find them both on Planet Nautique.

You may want to try searching on this site as I would imagine this has been covered in more specific detail.

Basically there are certain steps that need to be taken, different engines will vary slightly in terms of location of drain plugs, heater hoses, etc.

Fill fuel tank 95% full with Sta-Bil added
Run engine to warm and move treated fuel thru system
Change oil/filter & trans fluid
Lube rudder
Drain fuel control cell water/replace filter as necessary (see manual)
Run again briefly to circulate clean replaced fluids
Drain water throughout system: block, low hoses/water pump, exhaust manifolds, heater, strainer (clean & drain), trans cooler, etc. (see manual)
Refill system with anti-freeze solution: different ways to accomplish, pour in, run through, etc. - use method of choice.
Drain speedo's/pitots
Remove spark plugs and spray treatment/fogging oil into each cylinder - once complete rotate engine by hand a couple full rotations
Remove battery, store in warm dry location & charge fully then periodically
Completely dry interior and bilge
Clean and wax hull
Clean and treat interior with Babes or 303 protectant, spread dryer sheets around interior as a rodent deterrent.
If you have access to the boat over the lay-up it's a good idea to exercise the steering every 2-4 weeks by cranking the wheel back and forth several times to ensure the cable remains lubed.

Hopefully that cover most or all items???? Your trailer may need certain maintenance items as well depending on hub type, lube points, etc.

As mentioned a search should probably turn up several threads and maybe even some pic's to assist.

Good Luck.

Quinner - Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question and give me more information on winterizing. The PCM manuals that I have found on this site and Planet Nautique appear to be for carbureted engines but they are pretty specific and are helpful.

and now for the pictures

Quick question regarding turning the engine over by hand. How exactly are you guys doing this. Are you just locking onto the pull with something, pulling the kill switch and turning it over once? That seems logical, but I don't want to mess this up.

Doug,

I use the bolt in the center of the crank pulley and turn it over with a socket wrench. Much easier if you do it plugs out and that also allows you to spray the cylinders a 2nd time lightly if you stop your rotations 180 from where you started.

Thanks, Quinner.