Storage Preparation; Fuel System; Protecting External Outboard Components; Protecting Internal Engine Components - Mercury 40 FourStroke Service Manual

Storage Preparation

The major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage is to protect it from rust, cor-
rosion, 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).
Never start or run your outboard (even momentarily) without water circulating
through the cooling water intake in the gear case 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 forma-
tion 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 forma-
tion of varnish and gum. Proceed with following instructions.
1. Portable Fuel Tank – 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.
2. Permanently Installed Fuel Tank – Pour the required amount of Gasoline Stabilizer (fol-
low instructions on container) into a separate container and mix with approximately one
quart (one liter) of gasoline. Pour this mixture into fuel tank.
3. Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment for circulating cooling water.
Run the engine for 15 minutes to allow treated fuel to fill the engine fuel system.

Protecting External Outboard Components

1. Lubricate all outboard components listed in the Inspection and Maintenance Schedule.
2. Touch up any paint nicks.
3. Spray Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces (except corrosion control anodes).

Protecting Internal Engine Components

1. Remove the spark plugs and inject a small amount of engine oil inside of each cylinder.
2. Rotate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the oil in the cylinders. Reinstall
spark plugs.
3. Change the engine oil.

Gear Case

1. Drain and refill the gear case lubricant (refer to maintenance procedure).
90-857046R1 NOVEMBER 2001
CAUTION
MAINTENANCE
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