89 ski nautique winterization question

[nelbird]

Hello, I have read every post I can find on this subject but I cant find any info on what order to do everything. This is my first year I plan on doing this myself and I live in Michigain so I need to do it right. Any help would be great.

Thanks Ken

[M3Fan]

RE: 89 ski nautique winterization question

1. put the correct amount of sta-bil fuel stabilizer in the tank for 24 gallons (or whatever the capacity is)
2. Filler up
3. Start it on the hose in the driveway
4. let her run for 20 min
5. as she is running, remove the spark arrestor from atop the carb. Set it aside.
6. Spray fogging oil (available at hardware/boating stores) into the primary (forward) two "holes" in the carb, right onto the throttle plates
7. The engine should start to sputter and cough, and smoke should come out of the exhaust
8. after about 20 seconds of this, turn off the engine if you haven't killed it with the oil.
9. Unscrew 2 drain plugs on the block, one on the lower water pump elbow, and the rear plug on both exhaust manifolds. 5 total. Let her drain. Put them in the cup holder for next spring.
10. Empty your water strainer bowl
11. Put her to bed

I personally don't use antifreeze because I feel it is a waste of time and invites errors. Draining the block is a no brainer way to do it and won't hurt a thing. I've seen boats done this way for 20 years that still run perfectly so it's good enough for me.

[Socbum]

RE: 89 ski nautique winterization question

M3Fan -- Great list!

I have added the following to my annual maint:
- Changing out the impeller
- Remove all seats/cushions and let them dry out
Trailer Maintenaince --
- Repack bearings (I like doing the bearings at the end of the season so the lake water doesn't sit in the bearings during the winter)
- Check all lighting connections
- Brake inspection (if you have them)

[gotwake]

RE: 89 ski nautique winterization question

Don't forget heater/shower - Disconnect / remove batterie(s)

[M3Fan]

RE: 89 ski nautique winterization question

Good suggestions. I'd leave the old impeller in over winter and replace in spring. No need to compress the vanes of a new impeller in the pump all winter!

[Socbum]

RE: 89 ski nautique winterization question

ooooh good point M3Fan!
I had not thought about that!!

I will save the impeller for spring.

[surroundsound64]

What if we don't have a cup holder?