Antifreeze for winterization?

curioustraveler · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 1:51 pm Post subject: Antifreeze for winterization?

Apologize if this is already addresses, I did a quick search and didn't see it. I'm headed out to winterize my Honda BF90. I checked the SELOC guide and it says to flush the motor but doesn't say anything about flushing with pink antifreeze. I've always done this with my old evinrude. Is this not necessary on the Honda as long as I store if vertically so any water drains out?

Thanks

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 1:59 pm Post subject:

I can't see any reason you would need to flush an outboard with antifreeze, as long as you leave it down for the winter. Colby

dgeorges · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 2:08 pm Post subject:

My outboard shop advised no action is necessary. I stored my BF50 and BF90 in IL for ten years in brutal subzero temps with no issues. the only thing you MUST do is keep water out of the lower unit or you'll be sorry later when you fire her up in the spring.

One thing I did do was "exercise" the engine every time the temps got up over 45 deg F. I made sure I had plenty of time to drain the water out before the night time temps dropped to sub 0 F.

I'm doing the same think here in CO.

Good luck

curioustraveler · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 7:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks. It's funny how many different perspectives there are on winterizing. Many of my neighbors don't do anything, others seem to be prepping for an Arctic winter.

I changed the engine oil, gearcase oil, fogged the plugs, and drained the carbs.

dgeorges · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 8:42 pm Post subject:

Outstanding. Can't go wrong doing any of what you wrote above.

I like to turn the motor on when it's warm so the seals and gears don't sit without fluids and lubricants around them. BUT only when it's warm enough, and I can drain the water out of her completely before the cold sets in for the day.

Keep up the good work, Captain.

colbysmith · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 9:00 pm Post subject:

I do most of my routine maintenance as part of my "winterization". This is usually done in October or November. The motor is not ran again until preparation for our St. John's River gathering in March. (So, ran on the muffs end of February, first of March.) I do fog the engine however as part of it's winterization. RV Antifreeze is ran thru the potable water system and associated drains. Colby

Foggy · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 9:07 pm Post subject:

I had 2 Honda BF90s on my 26 Venture, live in MI, never used antifreeze.

Why? Just get the water out.

Aye.

curioustraveler · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:06 pm Post subject:

It's one of those things I did only because that's how my neighbor showed me to do it. Run the motor with antifreeze until it pees pink. Glad to know I don't need to do it...was a pain.