I am well used to a paddle but the boat came with a 2-stroke 8 HP Nissan outboard so I might as well use it.  Maybe. If it had just survived the winter.  Well, my winterization effort went as far as pulling it off the boat and laying it down in my garage on wooden spacers.  What do you think should I de before putting it back in the water this spring?

Bajka, The plugs should atleast be looked at if not changed. They should not be fouled and should be sandy beige in color. If they are not change them and make sure to check the gap. If your motor is an electric start, check the zinc anode to be sure your motor is protected from electrolysis.

Do not start your motor until the lower unit is fully submerged. The impeller that pumps water through the motor needs to be cooled and lubed by water. If you start the motor out of the water the impeller may break-up into little pieces and the impeller will not pump water.

A quick look under the cover for those pesky spiders that build nest in everything.  Thier nests are dense enough to prevent air flow to the carb and even sometimes spark ( not as likely). If you notice any nests, take a hard look to make sure you get them all. If you don't see any, you probably don't need to dig to deep.

Change the gear lube in the lower unit. If you see that the lube is emulsified, there is a seal going bad. Have it looked at professionally.  Use the lube recommended for your motor. Invest in the filler hose, it makes it much easier to change.

good luck

r.w.landau

Thanks for the post.  We have set out to do it right.  Looked at the sparks, cleaned, checked the inside, dusted off.  All nine yards.  Even went to the West Marine shop to buy lube with an extra applicator to help push the oil up the unit - then we couldn't undo the screws and the boat with the motor ended up in the lake, "as is". 

The motor started from the first kick spitting water like a whale.  Unless we find a way to crack-open the unit the lube may work better than any syntetic compound, i.e. forever.

Thanks for your advice,

BSailor

Bajka, Do yoou have an impact screw driver?

If you need it I have one and it will open your lower unit ports no problem.

r.w.landau

sv/ Continuance

No, we didn't.  Our screwdrivers did not see this screw size before and the beaten up park loaners did not help it either.  I wouln't be pulling the boat or motor off the water for this reason only but I appreciate your offering the use of your impact tool.

Now, we're into gel-coat repair to tame a leak.

-bsailor