Prepping for Spring Splash

[SAGE9]

Hey folks,

This is my first spring with a boat. I had it "winterized" last Fall but am wondering what needs to be done to the engine before I put her in the water. Can I just start her up and blow out all the winterization fluids etc., or is there more to it than that?

Thanks.

[flynny]

I've always just topped off the gas tank and splashed her....just don't get concerned when the engine smokes for the first minute or two, that's just burning off all the fluids used to for winterizing and is normal.

Maybe some experts may have some better tips.

[Frankie G]

Agree with Flynnie.....I did just as he said....it did smoke wicked haaaad for about 4 minutes, and ran a little rough as the new fuel got inside, but I've had her out twice now and she runs like a top. Just don't forget to add the fuel additive to deal with the ethanol in today's gas.

[RogerStg]

If on a trailer:
I put some gas in the tank - start it to burn off the fogging oil
Run it a while and monitor water flow and temperature.
Check all switches, lights and electrical devices including bilge pumps.
Shut down motor and replace fuel water separator. If using a canister type without the clear bowl, empty the old one into a clear container to inspect for water intrusion.

That's it for me.

[DaleH]

That's pretty much what I do too and I'll run it for a day or so before I put in a new f/w separator cartridge and new spark plugs.

One off-topic Spring-time prep I learned is that if you have radar ... let it warm up for at least 10 minutes for each month it was shut-off before you go for a scan. This conditions the thyratron unit which generates the microwaves; they need to be eased back into service - learned this from a thyratron PhD, if you can imagine there's such a thing ;) .

[SAGE9]

Thanks guys - this what I thought but wanted to be sure.

[Go Fish]

I'm with the replys above.

The only thing I do differently is burn as much of last years fuel as I dare, then fill up with fresh gas, de-carb, change the plugs, and change the fuel/water separator.

I figure there is no sense in exposing a new separator and plugs to stale gas.

[FireFly]

I'll echo what everyone else said and try to run her as much in your driveway as possible just to make sure you can spot any issues before you find out the hard way after you dunk her. Remember to replace the drain plug :brow

[JakeFF]

Has anyone had any issues with running there engines thus far..after the first winterizing season with the ethanol, I know we all wait in baited breaths to see what is going to happen if anything.

Sage top your tank off with a higher octane as well. Change your plugs after you burn off some of the old fuel and winterization fluids.

[Brad G.]

Don't forget the drain plug!!

I had filled my tank with gas with PRI-G last fall and she fired right up no problem this spring. I don't think the ethanol gas is a huge deal if you don't mix it with old type fuel, and use some kind of good additive/preservative every time you add fuel. I did this and haven't even noticed any change at all.

[brushfly]

Not to rush the season, but don't forget to pull the drain plug in the fall as the yokels at my marina did one year. They hauled me out and left it in. When I went down to cover it up mid December, with batteries removed, naturally the bilge filled a bit, quickly turned to ice and blew apart the bilge pump. Then try telling the marina it's their falt when you want a launch come Spring. Lesson learned.

[SAGE9]

Boat started right up even after leaving the batteries in the boat for the winter -- outside. Left Weymouth ramp and headed out for a spin. Fuel gauge was lower than I ever let it go during the season (evaporation??), but at just under a 1/4 tank I figured I was OK. Once I got up to 4K rpms, she stalled out. I managed to limp back to Hewitts Cove with repeated starts and stalls. After I filled up she was fine. I guess I either ran out of gas or was sucking crap from the bottom of the tank. Just happy I made it back in.

Next step: change filter and plugs!!