Yamaha Question

[MWellner]

My Lund with a 2003 50hp Yamaha two stroke will be stored outside for the winter. I plan to leave it empty of gear lube, and fog it, but how do I make sure I have all the water out of the motor?

[ifishsd]

i wouldn't leave the gear case empty. I would fill it up with new gear lube. My boat has been outside every winter for 8 years. I always drain and put new gear lube in before storage.

[upnorth]

Don't leave the gear case empty, that is just asking for rusty bearings and gears. Fill er up with lube before storage and you will be fine.

[Valv]

Leave motor in the down position and all the water will drain automatically.

[Sutty]

I alway change my lower unit lube in the fall. Some guys wait till spring and I think the thing to do there if you want to make sure there isn't water mixed in is to let it sit for a while so the water and gear lube have a chance to separate. Than take out the bottom screw and see if any water comes out (water should sink to the bottom) or if you check it and it is cloudy, milky looking you know water is mixed in.

[Shack]

I do not think anything would rust. I would be more worried about running motor next spring with no lube in it.

I would just fill it back up when changing it.

[Shack]

I have learned to change lower unit lube in fall, because water will freeze and expand and bust lower unit case housing. It depends on how much water is in lower unit, but you always get a little.

[upnorth]

Empty gear cases and changing from warm to cold several times creates a bit of condensation. You are certainly welcome to test and dispel that theory on your lower unit.

[caseymcq]

I used to leave my lower unit empty. I think in a short time it has caused the seals to dry out and now they are leaking a little bit . I will have them replaced in the spring.

I would reitterate what many have said about filling the lower unit with fresh lube.

[theoilman]

Lower unit oil - change it in the fall refilling it with fresh. Do NOT leave empty - you would be asking for corrosion and condensation problems.

Every outboard I have ever heard of will drain completely of cooling water in the full down position. Just drain throughly, then position as required to store safely.