Getting motor down after shrink wrapping
WI_guy_turnedMudDuck
Posted 10/30/2012 4:04 PM (#594742)
Subject: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Posts: 227


Location: Maple Grove
I am storing my boat outside this winter for the first time. I'll be winterizing it around Thanksgiving (or whenever the lakes freeze) and then taking it to a buddy for shrink wrapping. Once shrink wrapped I will need to tow it across town (5 miles or so) to where it is being stored. Since I will have disconnected my batteries after charging during the winterization process how will I get my motor down for storage over the winter?

My thought was to to make sure I winterize it a couple of days prior to shrink wrapping to ensure all the water is out of the motor before I put it up on the transom saver for towing and then leave it there for the winter.

Anyone see anything wrong with that or have a better idea?
PeonPETA
Posted 10/30/2012 6:00 PM (#594766 - in reply to #594742)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Posts: 142


Location: Appleton, WI
On the majority if engines there is a large straight blade screwdriver plug in the side of the trim cylinder.Normally the brackets have holes in them to access the screw. If you back the screw out just a bit it will relieve the pressure on the ram and your motor will drop down. What motor do you have specifically?
WI_guy_turnedMudDuck
Posted 10/31/2012 10:29 AM (#594889 - in reply to #594742)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Posts: 227


Location: Maple Grove
I'll take a look. It's a 135 Opti.
PeonPETA
Posted 10/31/2012 12:22 PM (#594914 - in reply to #594889)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Posts: 142


Location: Appleton, WI
Yes you should see a plug / screw (i think its white ) . Big screwdriver will do the trick. Plug should be accessible from right side on engine .
Propster
Posted 10/31/2012 1:18 PM (#594955 - in reply to #594742)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
If it is completely drained do you still need to put it down, or can water getin somehow?
horsehunter
Posted 10/31/2012 2:32 PM (#594996 - in reply to #594742)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Location: Eastern Ontario
I would think snow could blow into the hub and melt on a warm day and freeze on a cold night. You could tape a large plastic bag over the lower unit.
setme31
Posted 10/31/2012 10:02 PM (#595105 - in reply to #594742)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping





Posts: 516


Location: Kildeer, IL
I think you are over-thinking it. If you lower your engine and drain all of the water out and then raise it back up, there is no way enough water can get back into the lower unit to freeze and crack your lower unit. If it can get in when the motor is raised, then when it freezes, it can expand back out.

Edited by setme31 10/31/2012 10:04 PM
mreiter
Posted 11/1/2012 6:07 AM (#595161 - in reply to #594742)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping





Posts: 333


Location: menasha wi 54952
I agree. I would not worry about it. Make sure it is drained ahead of time and leave it up.
Top H2O
Posted 11/1/2012 7:56 AM (#595188 - in reply to #595161)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
Horsehunter is right, cover the hub so water can't get in there. Keep the motor down if possible.
ESOX Maniac
Posted 11/3/2012 6:17 AM (#595741 - in reply to #595188)
Subject: Re: Getting motor down after shrink wrapping





Posts: 2753


Location: Mauston, Wisconsin
Heavy duty garbage bag w/ bungee cord to secure it after all the water is out, tilted up or down won't matter - I tilt mine down so the trim/tilt rams are retracted - not exposed. Actually, I do the latter anytime the boat is home to protect them.

Have fun!
Al