Fuel tank winterizing

[Snap43nib]

What is the best way to winterize my fuel tank? Should I fill it up and ad stabil, should I drain it and flush it in the spring?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

Fill it up, add stabil/SeaFoam/Whatever and then run the engine long enough to get the stabilized fuel into the fuel system.

 

[skargo]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

Fill it up, add stabil/SeaFoam/Whatever and then run the engine long enough to get the stabilized fuel into the fuel system.

This works for me too! I don't top it off, just fill it and leave enough room for expansion. I use Marine Stabil. I use it every time I fill up, and use more when I winterize.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

With the present fuel quality, as empty as possible and with stabilizer.
Before re-commissioning, remove the fuel-sender and 'suck' up what is at the bottom until you get clear fuel.
The fill up with FRESH fuel.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

Fill it up, add stabil/SeaFoam/Whatever and then run the engine long enough to get the stabilized fuel into the fuel system.

yep, that's where i'm at too. i use the red sta-bil. i've been running it (red sta-bil) for a couple weeks now. i'll top her off after the last use (which may be today) w/sta-bil added..

 

[skargo]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

yep, that's where i'm at too. i use the red sta-bil. i've been running it (red sta-bil) for a couple weeks now. i'll top her off after the last use (which may be today) w/sta-bil added..

The green Stabil is supposed to deal with ethanol. My fuel is perfect in the spring and my boat starts right up.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

Tank as full as possible. I put stabilizer in on the last fill. You can add the stabilizer if you fill it on the trailer after you pull the boat out and are going to trailer it a bit so the fuel gets mixed. Mine sits ten months without a problem.

 

[MPII]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

Opinions vary on this topic. There is a lengthy thread on this very issue:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=438569

 

[Dick Sorensen]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

I'm a trailer boater and don't want to have fuel problems....the 2nd most common problem causer on boats behind electrical...could be the first...anyway, I always use high octane gas from a busy station...towards the end of the season I start adding Sta-Bil....then as the final run approaches I add the final dosage of Sta-Bil and top the gas off to full capacity. Never had any problem with spring starting...

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

I usually leave 1/4 or less of StaBilized fuel. My theory is it's easier to top off the tank with fresh juice than it is to drain it if it goes bad.

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

Since my tank is removable, I drain it. Fog the motor, and store both in my insulated, though not heated garage for the long cold winter months.

 

[Coastalguy]

Re: Fuel tank winterizing

I don't think it's good to leave the tank partially full because with this
ethanol mixture air enters through the vent system which then
condenses and becomes moisture which the ethanol portion of the fuel
bonds with and can create phase separation.
Best to either drain the tank or if not practical keep it almost full
(to allow for expansion) and add a good stabilizer as you guys have
been doing. On the last run of the year use stabilized fuel at the storage
mixture, and pull the fuel hose on carburated engines to run the carb as
dry as possible. I also shoot some fogging fluid into the carb just before the engine dies to fog at the same time. This procedure I learned from a number
of sources including owners manuals, dealers etc and it's always worked out
well.