Cold Weather Start Up?

[whisker]

How do you guys start your outboard motor the first time in the spring, when it's still this cold outside? Do you just gas up and crank it over? Try to warm the motor and lower unit somehow before firing it up? I remember I once cracked a head on an aluminum motorcycle engine trying to start it up when it had sat outside in zero temps. I've been assured they can take the punishment, but maybe someone has a tip other than the basic spring "once over"?

[fishnguy]

I don't start up an outboard water cooled engine when it is this cold. I wait until it warms up enough to not have to be concerned about water freezing in the lower unit and engine. If you have a small air cooled boat engine it should be just fine to fire it up know.

[whisker]

I did get some advice from a boat mechanic who recommended this:

After pulling your boat out of the water,.... with the outboard in the "down" position,...pull (or bump) the starter through just a couple inches. This will allow any water that may have pooled in the lower unit to pass through.

[Maze]

I put it in the water and start it as is. Then I let it warm up before taking off.