Posts: 677
Location: Twin Cities, MN | got this from BBC, they are a great resource for Opti's....
FUEL: Stabilize fuel WELL, with a good quality fuel stabilizer (such as Mercury Fuel System Treatment & Stabilizer, or MARINE STABIL). Run the engine (preferably in the water, under load) for at least 10-15 minutes, which allows plenty of time for the stabilizer to reach the entire fuel delivery system. Fuel tank should be stored FULL or DRY (not somewhere in between). If filling the tank, I'd recommend at least MID grade fuel be used to fill the boat (even with stabilizer, octane tends to degrade after a few months of storage).
FILTER: Replace water separating filter- verify no water is present.
Gear Lubricant: Drain and refill with Mercury High Performance Gear Lube.
Grease: Good idea to grease propshaft, check hub, and retorque, as well as grease all zerks on the midsection (and the one on the belt tensioner atop the engine).
Internal Protection: Corrosion takes it's toll on the internal components of an engine when left sitting for months. There are two options for dealing with this issue: Remove spark plugs, squirt approximately 1 teaspoon of oil into each cylinder, and spin the engine over a few revolutions (3 seconds or so with starter.... REMOVE LANYARD AND GROUND PLUG WIRES FIRST). Second alternative: Portable fuel tank with a "winterizing concoction" of stabilizer, quickleen and premixed fuel (32:1 mix - approximately). Run the engine on this mix for 10 minutes, under load, in the lake (similar to fuel stabilizing above).
Freeze protection: Be sure to cycle the trim up and down a couple times- drop the engine to the full down position and LEAVE IT DOWN. This ensures that water completely drains from the engine's cooling system.
Instruments: Good idea to disconnect the tubes from any analog speedo or water pressure gauge- and blow through the tube with compressed air to ensure that no water is present to freeze.
Don't forget to drain/treat/address the livewells, baitwells, pumps, and bildge of your boat to ensure no water is present
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