Winterize or not?

[Karnic]

Hi Guys
Instead of winterizing a new 115 Suzuki ob is it ok to run the engine for few minutes on muffs or tank once every 3 weeks during the winter period? Views? I live in Malta and weather is not of a concern over here no snow no frost etc etc and boat is garaged. So once every 3 weeks( Winter period ) i run engine for 5 minutes on battery 1 . following day run engine again for 5 minutes with battery 2. and the let it sit for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks would do same procedure. Waiting for the long winter to pass. Views?

 

[Momac]

Running the engine as you suggest would do more harm than good.
Use a mains charger to keep the batteries in good order.

 

[crazy4557]

Running the engine as you suggest would do more harm than good.
Use a mains charger to keep the batteries in good order.

+1

All you are achieving by running for 5 minutes each time is condensation which is not good for an engine. If you are wanting to run the engines then make sure you bring up to full temperature but most engineers say just leave well alone.

 

[Karnic]

Running the engine as you suggest would do more harm than good.
Use a mains charger to keep the batteries in good order.

+1

All you are achieving by running for 5 minutes each time is condensation which is not good for an engine. If you are wanting to run the engines then make sure you bring up to full temperature but most engineers say just leave well alone.

So should i let the engine sit for 8 long months?

 

[kashurst]

As long as the engine is in good condition and kept dry it should be fine for 8 months. Rinse the cooling system out with fresh water. If you can, block the air inlet to the engine to keep the sea air out of it. As others have said, starting and stopping causes the most wear. Running for short periods allows acids and water to accumulate in the engine oil.

I have revived car engines that haven´t run in ten years with no problems once serviced.

 

[colingr]

8 months! Crikey we get a longer season here in damp and dismal old Blighty.

Do you really only use your boat for 4 months a year?

 

[Karnic]

8 months! Crikey we get a longer season here in damp and dismal old Blighty.

Do you really only use your boat for 4 months a year?

Hi Colin

Boat will be moored in mediterranean sea for 4 months. The other months when weather permits will launch and retreive but depends on weather , work etc etc. Wish to use it more often but its not always possible.