By Dave Rosenberger, North Coast Ohio Chapter
Time to get DOWN and DIRTY, which is slang to do unpleasant things with the phrase first used in the 1940s.
I’m referring to the winterization of our pride and joys, and I do not profess to be a marine mechanic (we do have those in our chapter), but just wish to pass along a few pearls of wisdom.
Fill your fuel tanks to avoid condensation and add fuel stabilizer.
Start the engine to circulate the fuel stabilizer and warm the engine oil to help with the draining. Start the engine with the fresh oil/filter so it has an oil coating for the winter.
Fog the engine to prevent rust from and then block the carb intake and exhaust to keep humidity out.
Drain your engine block of water, probe with a piece of wire into the hole to be sure it is not obstructed. Close the petcocks and fill the block with RV antifreeze (non- toxic).
Open the bilge and make sure it’s dry by vacuum, towel and small fan.
PLEASE check the Fire Extinguisher Date, replace if needed.
Check the tire tread and sidewall for cracking with special attention to the 4-digit number on every trailer tire sidewall for the week and year of manufacture, ex: 1520, (15th week of 2020).
Down and Dirty part: Because our trailers sit for periods of time, rust can form on the wheel bearing. I recommend removal, repack/replace as needed. At a bare minimum, jack up the tire and spin it to listen for any grinding sound as an indication that attention is required immediately.
The above is not the entire list of items to accomplish during the winterization process. Cleaning, polishing, covering and even rodent deterrent could take pages…or contact your trusted marine mechanic.
Originally printed in the North Coast Ohio Chapter’s newsletter, The Beacon
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