Older Merc winterization advice

**JPEROG** · 12-23-2017, 07:29 PM

The best way is this...Get a storage unit just South of Jacksonville near a ramp on the St. Johns river and use it once a month all while seeing new areas and still being able to fish. Florida=endless summer

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Joe

**James Thompson** · 12-24-2017, 07:40 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. Now I can have peace of mind about letting my engine/boat set all winter. I wish I could snap my fingers and make it spring. A question on the ethanol gas, other than the tank moisture issue and spoiling over a long period are there any other down sides? The reason I ask is all i can find around here is 87 octane non ethanol. I ran the stuff for a few trips and had 3 and 4 try hot start issues. I went through all the timing tuning syncing compression checks ect to no avail and decided to try higher octane. On 93 it fires instantly and idles smoother. It could be the engine has been modified. Being ignorant about outboards when I got the boat I didn't get any pertinent info on the engine. Judging by the paint on the head bolts they have been off at one time. I'm leery of cracking anything open just to see

**Groucho** · 12-24-2017, 03:09 PM

Alright...Do you really know what kind of motor you have? 89 Merc 150 XR4...but it might have just been inspected at a race that's why the bolts are painted. So you shouldn't need any " Big- Time " fuel. If it runs on the 93 octane well great. But it should run fine on 89 or 91 too. But I don't know how much ethanol you have in your area.

Having raced my drag boat in MN, WI, IA, GA, TN, MS, MI, and AL all I can say is if you want peace of mind buy a more expensive ethanol-free fuel from a reputable vendor.

Just Sayin'...