How to Carry & Store Outboard Motors
- 1). Drain the motor of fuel by siphoning it into a storage tank. This will make the outboard much lighter and easier to carry.
- 2). Rinse off the motor to remove any dirt or grime and dry it off with a towel. Drain any water from the motor to make sure it is completely dry both inside and out, to help prevent rust.
- 3). Wrap the outboard in a large plastic bag while carrying it. This will help prevent any grease or remaining dirt from getting on your clothes. Carry it from the side, and avoid placing your hands anywhere near the propeller to help prevent injury. Some outboards are simply too large or heavy to be carried manually; if necessary, lay the outboard down on top of a plank when carrying it in a vehicle so nothing leaks onto your floorboards.
- 4). Fill the motor with fresh fuel and add fuel stabilizer in accordance with the motor's instructions. Fresh fuel will help prevent moisture buildup and corrosion in the gas tank and the stabilizer prevents the fuel from breaking down as quickly.
- 5). Run the engine for several minutes to let the new fuel and stabilizer run through the fuel system. It will require 10 to 15 minutes if left at idle, or about 3 minutes if the throttle is open.
- 6). Spray the carburetor with fogging oil while the motor is still running if you have a carbureted engine. (A cloud of white smoke will start forming if you've applied enough fogging oil, hence its name.) This lubricates and coats the carburetor components to help prevent corrosion during storage. When the motor is off and cool, remove the spark plugs and spray the oil into the cylinders as well, then replace the plugs.
- 7). Switch the gear case oil with a fresh supply to prevent corrosion. If your old oil is an unusual color such as whitish or gray, have the motor serviced prior to storing it; this can indicate a leak or another issue that could get more serious with time.
- 8). Store the outboard in an upright position to help prevent fluid leakage. Colder temperatures are preferred for storage since they slow the rusting process; lower humidity works better for the same reasons. Avoid storing the motor in a place with wide temperature fluctuations--such as next to a furnace--because moisture can build up quickly and cause mechanical problems.
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