OK this will really show how pathetic I am but whatever, I need some input. I never winterized my 15hp Yamaha 4 stroke. It was run out of the water a month ago to empty the fuel lines. I don't know how to get to the carb because the owners manual says anything carb related should be handled by a service center. My yard is full of snow so getting the boat to the shop this month is probably a no go for them to winterize it. My stupid question is can I run it on the muffs to keep things from getting nasty? I read on some other posts that guys here run the engine throughout the winter. I realize my engine is a lot smaller than most but I didn't know if the same general rule could apply. I plan on getting it to the shop in the spring before I use it again but in the meantime i thought running it would be better than letting it sit. I'll save everybody the pleasure of saying I should've thought of this before it got cold. I know I'm idiot but thanks for your input. :bc:

Don't sweat it, it's a 4stroke, just like a car, think of all the cars that sit in a dealers lot all winter. in the spring, fresh fuel, oil/filter change, change the lower end lube oil, and I'll bet you'll be in good shape for the '08 season.

The most important thing to do is change the lower gear lube. If some water got in via a bad seal, it could freeze,expand and crack the lower unit. It's a slim possibility but it could happen.

OK I feel a lot better now. Would you guys run the engine every now and then till spring each time running it dry each time or is that just a waste of time?

Just give it a good bye til Spring kiss and let it be. All should be fine. As stated before, change everything in the Spring.

Take it off and bring it in the house. Preferably the cellar.
I did that for years when I had a small boat and a 25 HP.

Then you winterize nothing, you already ran the gas out so your good.

Throw a bottle of Startron in the gas, shake it up and run it for 10 minutes... if you can change the oil and filter that would be good. The lower unit is also important... Leave the engine down... Spray with WD40 or equivalent...

The reason you want to change the motor oil is so the small metal particles in the oil don't sit in the engine all winter...