Preparing Your Honda Outboard Engine for Winter Storage

Essential that your Honda outboards are always operating at their optimum

Your outboard engine, specifically your Honda 4-stroke, will form a major investment component on any boat package that you purchase, therefore if you’re not going to be using her over the winter, then it’s essential that you take a few easy to follow steps to ensure that your Honda 4-stroke will always operate at its optimum level.

Exterior Clean – The first thing to do is to thoroughly clean and wash down the exterior of your engine with an appropriate cleaning solvent mixed with water (consult your local Honda Marine Dealer for the best cleaning solvent advice), in order to remove salt water and any grime deposits which may have settled on the cowlings and cover during your usage.

Honda hose flush mount connection point (for flushing at a mooring)

Full Engine Flush – It’s then crucial that you give your Honda outboard a good full flush through proper muffs covering either side of the gear casing flush points. The specific Honda hose flush mount connection (ideal for flushing your Honda outboard when at a mooring on the water) should not be used in this particular instance, as this will flush the cylinder head only, whereas for longer term non-usage you must flush the whole engine. Once you’ve done this, remove the engine cover and spray the engine down with anti-moisture repellant oil spray.

Flush points on the gear case

Fuel Systems – Whether you run a ‘Portable Tank’ or a ‘Built-in Tank’, it’s very important that you run them as near to empty as possible. If you were to leave your tanks with any amount of fuel still sitting there, you firstly run the risk of condensation building up inside your tank leading to water getting into the fuel, and secondly if unleaded fuel sits for too long, sediment can form in the bottom of you tank which when you start up again can be sucked into the filters and consequently block the fuel flow.

Full flush

On the smaller Honda carburetor engines (2.3hp to 30hp), you should also disconnect the fuel line running from the fuel tank to the engine and run the fuel in the engine carburetor float dry. On all larger capacity Honda engines (40hp to 225hp), these all have Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), so you don’t need to disconnect the fuel line.

Electrical System – It’s always advisable to disconnect your battery, otherwise if left standing unused for long periods of time the battery will slowly start to discharge itself, as the alternator can only keep the battery fully charged if the engine itself is running.

Re-starting – All Honda outboards have a normal fuel filter, whilst from Honda 40hp and up to 225hp, all the outboards are equipped with an additional ‘water trap’ fuel filter which will automatically catch any water in your fuel system and set off an alarm, allowing you to check and empty the trap.

Honda Water Trap fuel filter

So when it comes to re-starting, once you’ve re-connected your battery, filled up with fresh unleaded petrol and primed your fuel system, keep an eye on this water trap filter, just to make sure that there’s been no condensation build-up during the winter lay-off period.

As important as it is to look after your Honda outboard during these non-usage times, you must also take similar steps to maintain your Hull and Trailer.

Hull:

• Thoroughly wash down the hull removing any salt water, grime or algae, preferably with a high pressure hose cleaner.

• Wash down the decks, seating, upholstery, stainless steel rails from any deposits.

• Remove accessories such as your Radio/ GPS Fishfinder units etc… and store in a safe place.

• Lubricate/spray all electrical connection points with anti-moisture repellant oil spray.

• Ensure that you boat is properly covered during the winter storage period to protect it from dust and dirt settling.

• Ensure that your boat is safely stored under roof to protect it from the elements, particularly harmful UV rays.

Trailer:

• If you’re launching in salt water, thoroughly wash down your trailer after each and every use. If launching in fresh water just wash your trailer down before storage to remove dust, dirt and any grime.

• Check that your wheel bearings are sufficiently greased.

• Ensure that your tyre pressures are correct before storage. Should there be insufficient air or should they go flat, irreparable damage may be caused to your tyres.

Basic Winter maintenance will help give your Honda outboard maximum longevity

 For any queries or questions on any of the above, as well as for best cleaning solvent advice, please consult your local Honda Marine dealer who will be more than happy to assist you. Wishing you Safe and Happy Boating wherever you may find yourself on the water!