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How to Care for Your Parsun Outboard Motor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: Sep 24

Owning a Parsun outboard motor means enjoying powerful, reliable performance out on the water—whether you’re cruising local harbors or exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand. But to keep things running smoothly season after season, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here’s everything you need to know about winterising and storing your outboard motor and battery so it stays ready for your next adventure.

Winterising Your Outboard Motor


1. Flush with fresh waterAll Parsun outboards are water-cooled. First things first: thoroughly flush the engine with clean, fresh water. If you have a smaller motor (2-6 hp), you can use the optional flushing plug or simply immerse the intake ports using a large enough bucket. For larger motors (8 hp and up), install an ear muff or flush hose attachment over the water intake ports. Run the engine at idle speed for 5–10 minutes to remove salt and deposits.


2. Stabilise or drain your fuelIf you plan to leave fuel in the tank for short seasonal storage (up to ~3 months), top up and add a fuel stabiliser to reduce evaporation and condensation. For longer storage, empty the fuel system completely. In carbureted or manually mixed 2-stroke models, it’s especially important to avoid leaving fuel in because gas and oil may separate, which can harm engine performance.


3. Use fogging (storage) oilSpray fogging oil into the carburetor or through the spark plug holes just before shutting the engine down. This protects internal parts—crankshaft, pistons, bearings—from rust and moisture. If manual fogging, remove spark plugs first. For electric start models, turn the engine in short bursts while spraying to distribute the oil internally.


4. Grease critical moving partsLubrication is key. Apply water-resistant grease to the prop shaft, prop shaft threads, and all joints, bolts, nuts, and plastic fittings. This helps prevent corrosion and frees up components that could seize during storage.


5. Change oilsFor 4-stroke models, change both the gear oil (lower unit) and the engine crankcase oil. Fresh oil removes moisture, acids and other contaminants that may have built up over time.


6. Clean & protect the exteriorWipe the exterior clean; remove dirt, grease, salt, and any debris. A light coat of spray-lube or oil helps guard against corrosion. For extra protection, a high-quality automobile wax can keep the finish looking sharp.


7. Proper storageStore your motor vertically in a dry place. If storing the boat in water, there are trade-offs: moisture, algae, and corrosion are more likely. If out of the water, protect from freezing temperatures and ensure water is drained so ice doesn’t damage parts. Removing the propeller when storing the boat tilted up helps prevent theft and damage.

Battery Storage Tips


When the motor is stored over the off-season, don’t forget about the battery. Take these steps:

  • Disconnect and clean terminals: Remove battery cables and clean off any corrosion or build-up.

  • Re-charge regularly: Fully charge it before storage, and top up once a month to avoid discharge and preserve battery life.

  • Store in a dry place: Moisture accelerates corrosion. Keep the battery somewhere dry and protected.

  • Protect the terminals: Apply a light coating of grease or something like Vaseline to prevent corrosion on terminals.

Final Thoughts


A little effort now goes a long way. Winterising your Parsun outboard—and its battery—correctly means safer, smoother starts when you’re ready to get back on the water. If you’re ever unsure, your local Parsun dealer can help with advice or perform the work for you.

Let’s keep your Parsun performing season after season!

 
 
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