Hi Guys,  I live in Fayetteville, N.C. which doesn't get real cold most of the time, but should and how would I winterize a 50hp outboard motor.  Thanks for your help

Gerry I live in the northwest and it does get cold on ocasions and I have never winterized my outboard. I do how ever fill the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer and I have never had a problem in the spring starting the motor. If it doesn't get that cold there I wouldn't worry about it.But just to be on the safe side check with your locao outboard deailer.

Harry

I live in Virginia. I make sure the fuel tank if full and has fuel stabilizer in it.  I change the oil/oil filter.  I also change the lower unit gear lube.  Make sure that the trim in the down position.

Hi. This is how I winterize my outboard. It's an 80 Yamaha, 1997. I live in NYC, and it doesn't get that cold, but as a precaution, you should winterize if your not going to be using it unitl the Spring. Once the boat is out of the water, wash it down with soap or mild detergent. My boat is docked in saltwater all summer long so this is a must for me. First, take the hood off and give the engine/power head a good cleaning. get off all the slime, grease that has built up over the last season. Then connect the rabbit ears to the outboard (with fresh water) and run it til the thermostat opens up, so you are flushing the engine. Then shut it down, and drain your lower unit. Then fill up your lower unit with the proper oil. Now run your engine again (with the rabbit ears and water) and spray fogging oil on the fly wheel, give a good coating. Your engine will start to smoke, and maybe shut off, not to worry. Fogging while the engine is running will ensure you get oil all over, and evenly. Spray on the Carbs too. Once you have a good coat of oil, disconnect your fuel line while the engine is running, and let it run unitl it's out of fuel. Once the engine is out of fuel, disconnect your fuel lines from the filter etc, etc..remove the spark plugs and spray a good amount in the holes and put back the plugs. Then get good grease, marine grade, and grease all your connections. Next spray the power head all over with wd40 or power head oil. Give a good coating. Then you should remove your propeller and check the seals, and coat with grease. After that, your are done. I like to wrap the engine just as a precaution. Thats basically it for the outboard. There are other steps for your boat like fuel, removing water, draining, etc, etc,..This is for a 2 stroke engine. There are also many websites to get help or directions. Just google how to winterize an outboard.

I live in central MO and we get everything from Blue northern blizzards to tropical beach party weather, sometimes all in the same day.  Around here most everyone just adds a good fuel stabilizer ( I'm sold on Sea Foam)to the gas and run the motor in a tank or on muffs for a few minutes to insure that the stabilizer is run in the motor. Make sure the motor has plenty of time for any water to drain out of the lower unit before a freeze. I like to change lower unit grease in mine before leaving it for the winter. Every marine mechanic I have talked to has told me to never run one dry as this allows the carb and bowl to varnish up. They all have recommended leaving the fuel line connected to the motor with the carb full.