I read a lot of mixed feeling through a google search about my topic. Didn’t find anything on OSO. Im 29 and it seems like my OCD gets worse every year about doing things right so I dread when I’m old.

Anyways this is my third fountain and I’ve always changed the gear lube before winterizing in fear of possible water in the oil. Still very unlikely IMO because I had a propsaft seal leak only out of the water. When in the water, the pressure of the water and oil appeared to neutralize each other. Oil was fine when drained.

For the motor oil, what should I do? I haven’t been consistent when I change so what’s the experts’ opinions? I’m thinking now so I won’t have “containmented oil” in my motors sitting until April. On the other hand, will the cold condensate my oil?

Boat is is stored in a block insulated garage. Not heated yet.

Change before winterizing and storing. New oil is good to go come spring boating time. Going on 20 yrs doing it this way.

Agree, before winter storage

Change it when it is due or when you want.

Thanks guys. Simple question but I like other opinions to reassure my decisions.

So now we need an oil change expert to chime in..........winter is here

Just don't change it and then not start engine till next year. I've heard a few of those motors start up in late spring. Kinda makes you want to cry.

If you change it make sure to run min for a minute or two before you store.

Good suggestion.
I winterize late because I’ve been on the water in November. Unwinterize in April.

Boot'n.........Im just messin with ya, its great to see younger guys in our hobby, ......but your OCD is not to be taken lightly .......

up north (lake erie) every fall right around apple cider and hay ride season started we would;
change oil and filter, tune it up, check it all out, run and winterize engine.
gear lube, grease any/all zircs, check alignment, bellows and gimbal bearings, outdrive o-rings, props,
prop hardware and zincs.

any issues can be addressed over winter when dealers are slow and looking for work.
or if you can perform what ever it may need.

sucks finding gear lube on outdrive in early spring because fishing line got the prop shaft seals
and a few ounces of water froze and cracked the the lower and the dealer is back logged to late may early june.

knowing she's good to go come spring is only way to barely contain the ocd