Winterization & maintenance - Mercury 25hp efi

[Copperliner]

I have a 2011 Merc 4-stroke 25hp efi.  I usually change the oil, oil filter, and gear lube in October, cover the boat and store it outside for the winter.  I only use ethanol-free gas.   I'm wondering if any additional maintenance should be performed, such as replacing the impeller.  Also, I was told by a marine rep that there is no need to unplug the tank and run the gas out of the engine, something I had habitually done in the past.  Just wondered what your experienced thoughts are on this!  Many Thanks!

[devoknevo]

 I was told by a marine rep that there is no need to unplug the tank and run the gas out of the engine, something I had habitually done in the past.  Just wondered what your experienced thoughts are on this!  Many Thanks!

keep doing it, it's cheap in insurance.

[Bosun Cowboy]

I got a 2013 yamaha 115 and I was told the same thing. Just stabalize the fuel before your last few trips so it gets in the engine. No need to idle it dry anymore like the old carb engines

[devoknevo]

Oops, I missed the EFI part. I was talking carbureted.

You don't want to drain a EFI engine.

[finsntins]

i would add a few more things.even though you are using non-ethanol fuel,i would still add stabilizer to the fuel,i also like to fog the motor and when you are all done running it,spray the whole motor down with wd-40 and dont forget to grease all fittings.as far as the impeller,i like to change them every other year just for a piece of mind,its fairly inexpensive,especially if you can do it yourself.

Edited September 19, 2014 by finsntins

[Copperliner]

Thanks very much, appreciated.  I use stabilizer for storage and still use gas-treatment during the fishing season even though it's ethanol-free gas.  Will check into the impeller replacement, thanks again!