STORAGE
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Storage Preparation
The major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage is to protect it from rust, corrosion, and damage
caused by freezing of trapped water.
The following storage procedures should be followed to prepare your outboard for out of season storage or
prolonged storage (two months or longer).
CAUTION
Never start or operate your outboard (even momentarily) without water circulating through all the cooling water
intake holes in the gearcase to prevent damage to the water pump (running dry) or overheating of the engine.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: Gasoline containing alcohol (ethanol or methanol) can cause a formation of acid during storage and
can damage the fuel system. If the gasoline being used contains alcohol, it is advisable to drain as much of the
remaining gasoline as possible from the fuel tank, remote fuel line, and engine fuel system.
Fill the fuel tank and engine fuel system with treated (stabilized) fuel to help prevent formation of varnish and gum.
Proceed with following instructions.
• Pour the required amount of gasoline stabilizer (follow instructions on container) into fuel tank. Tip fuel tank
back and forth to mix stabilizer with the fuel.
• Place the outboard in water. Run the engine for five minutes to allow treated fuel to reach the carburetor.
Protecting External Outboard Components
• Lubricate all outboard components listed in Maintenance - Inspection and Maintenance Schedule.
• Touch up any paint nicks. See your dealer for touch-up paint.
• Spray Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces (except
corrosion control anodes).
Protecting Internal Engine Components
NOTE: Make sure the fuel system has been prepared for storage. Refer to Fuel System, preceeding.
IMPORTANT: Refer to Maintenance - Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement for correct procedure for removing
spark plug boots.
• Place the outboard in water. Start the engine and let it run in neutral to warm up.
• With engine running at fast idle, stop the fuel flow by closing the fuel shut-off valve. When engine begins to
stall, quickly spray Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants Storage Seal into carburetor until engine stops
from lack of fuel.
• Remove the spark plug and inject a five second spray of storage seal around the inside of the cylinder.
• Rotate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the storage seal in the cylinder. Reinstall spark plug.
Gearcase
• Drain and refill the gearcase lubricant (refer to Maintenance - Gearcase Lubrication).
Positioning Outboard For Storage
Store outboard in an upright (vertical) position to allow water to drain out of outboard.
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