Optimax winterizing Help wanted....

[Crankin619]

Ok it is getting closer to that time of year again. Last season I chickened out and had Supreme Marine winterize my 200 Opti. I would really like to do it myself but am scared of stripping the plugs? Any fellow FM'er in the NW metro care to give a guy a hand? I would rather save the 100.00 and give a friend a case of beer or something for their help.

Thanks,

Eric

[TSCTSC]

What do you mean by stripping the plugs? Is it the same as pulling them?

[Crankin619]

I mean trying to put them back in after you get them out? I also could not get to the port side bottom plug. The block is aluminum so you can very easily strip the head by cross threading the plugs.

[Valv]

You can ask a dealer for correct torque setting but I believe it's correct to got them hand tight then 1/4 turn (with used plugs) or 1 1/2 turn (with new plugs).

The one you cannot reach you have to use a standard 13/16 wrench and losen it up.

You cannot cross thread them if you start by hand and finish tightening with wrench.

Anyway if you are worried just to tighten plugs, you might want to spend the $ 200 and have dealer winterize it.

You will have to fog it, change oil lube, etc. Plugs will be replaced in spring, not now, and be prepared to get a bang...these I believe are approx $15.00 each, which means almost $ 90 for all, that's why you want to do it in spring only and go whole year (if possible).

[Kevin Turner]

You might want to check you manual about fogging the Opti...

[Valv]

Ok, I talke to a tech and it is correct, Opti are tough to winterize, I suggest spending the $ 200 and have shop do it.

Fogging is main issue, as K.T. said.

They had many Opti going bad for "doityourself" winterization.

Kevin, one of these days we'll get together....