De-winterizing??

[crittergetter]

I asked this in winterizing a boat, but what about de-wintering an I/O. I froze mine last year and don't want to learn the hard way anymore!! (first I/O for me, and didn't do my research, plus, kept thinking I'll get out one more time)
Can I just drain the anti-freeze, refill with water and assume I'm safe? What is decarbing? where can you get the stuff? Would hooking up rabbit ears and flushing for a while work instead of removing thermo, and refilling engine with water from that point of the engine? BTW, I have an 120hp mercrusier... I believe 1970 Plan on chasing Browns soon, so any help would be greatly appreciated!! I read the manual, but it was pretty vague on putting boat back into service.

[TONGA]

Basically all you need to do is hook up the muffs(keep an eye in them they like to move and that's bad) then light the candles and burn off the fogging oil, the water will clear out all the anti-freeze when she reaches operating temp.
As for a de-carb that's just a method of getting rid of carbon deposits that can choke up your rings and valves it your boat is getting up there in hours it's not a bad idea.
You basically have two choices when it comes to doing a de-carb one way is to go to a marine store and get yourself a can of Merc Power-Tune (or like product) and go by the directions on the can, or you can stop buy an auto parts store and pick up a can of Sea-Foam, mix it with your gas according to the direction and drive your boat.
If you plan a tune up do it after you burn off the fogging oil.
A new Water/Fuel separator and an oil change is not a bad idea

[crittergetter]

I was really only planning on changing the plugs and oil after I burned off the fogging. I already have stabil & seafoam in the gas tank. I'm not even sure if I have a water/fuel seperator? wouldn't even know where to look, except to follow gas lines. I'm not much of a mechanic, and begining to really wonder if an I/O was the best purchase for me! I do thank you for the reply!! I can just see it......froze it last year, and burn it up this year!!! Looking to burn up some good fishing instead!!
Thanks
CG

[TONGA]

Yea Just follow your gas line and you will find it,,looks a lot like an oil filter, so then it sounds like you are all set...burn off the fog,change the oil and plugs,,oh yea check out your safety gear!.
I think you and your I/O will get along just fine and if you ever have any questions this is a good place to come,,,,the people of this site are always happy to help.
Remember the questions you don't ask are the ones that can cost you$$$