i been told by a few that greasing it is the worst thing to do. on my bayliner i just hit it with pb blaster and wipe clean then shoot a little wd40. every month or so and no prob for about 3 years. keep in mind, i fish. we are talking about a boat that spent at LEAST 10 or 15 hours a week in the water before katrina. maybe a little less during deer season. but, that may be the reason, it never got a chance to freeze up.