Fuel management for outboards

[skeeta]

Hi I hope someone can help me, I have a 35 HP 1987 Mercury 2 stroke outboard. A neighbour has advised me to run the engine out of fuel when cleaning up and washing down, I also heard not to do that from another friend.Can someone please advise weather or not I should run the carby out of fuel or just turn it off after washing down.<br />Thank you.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Fuel management for outboards

I've always run motor out of fuel after every use when flushing w/ hose adapter. Current motor has ~ 700 hours and the carbs have never been off the motor. Some people recommend NOT running dry on the theory that the motor is dry of lube at next start. My thinking is that if, for some reason, the motor goes unused for a long time, there's no gas to gel in the pump or carbs. This was the case last year, when my boat sat unused all season. This spring, it fired right up and ran well for a week of fishing, after 1 1/2 years sitting. Your choice.

 

[skeeta]

Re: Fuel management for outboards

Thanks Jim,<br />I will continue to run it out of fuel after use.