Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

[Scali]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

2 things I'll add to this thread.<br />1- before the oil injected motors everybody ran the gas out but after the motors became injected for some models you may risk running it lean if you do this either then or @ start up.<br />2- After 60 days gas may show some signs of breaking down but it normally takes much longer to go " bad "<br />Alan

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

I have had carbs gum up again in less than 2 months. usually its a rebuild they use it one time then leave it sit for a few months then they are clogged again when they come back. quite a bit of what I work on sits for months at a time in a dry stack as the owners live out of the area. its a more common problem on pre-mix rigs and rigs that mix the oil and place it in a fuel bowl or vapor seperator before the intake track. most outboards,EFI and merc,omc/BRP products excluded, inject the oil behind the carb so there are not so many solids in the fuel bowl. that is the problem. the light HC's evaporate and the sediments are left behind. in older outboards the jetting is usually very rich and they may tolerate more solids. most later model stuff is on the verge of lean out when new and wont tolerate much solids built up on the jetting. but yes here in the states,and certain areas are worse than others, gas tends to start spoiling rapidly. especially if its been mixed with oil.

 

[danie]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

In other words, in respect of carburetted 2 strokes parked for a few months:<br />1. Leaving the carbs full will result in the fuel/oil mix in the carbs going bad/evaporating leaving the oil/whatever to gum up the works.<br />2. Leaving the carbs empty will result in the drying out of the carb gaskets/seals/orings to leak on next startup.<br />Now what?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

Welcome to the wonderful world of boats...If it's gonna set for months at a time, it's gonna cost ya in maintenance....<br />Quote from Dhadley on another post..."And make real sure the fuel is fresh and 87 octane. BTW -- 2 month old fuel isnt fresh. No matter how much new fuel you dump on top of it.""......

 

[LazyJ]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

You disconnect the fuel line, the connectors get wet, then you tow home and dust collects all over them. Then you disconnect the next time and run the risk of getting dirt in the system... I feel better leaving the fuel system closed.

 

[DJ]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

I have been told to eave them with fuel, but use a fuel stabilizer.

DITTO!<br /><br />Running the fuel out with OMC oil injection systems gets you a carb load of oil-no gas. Not good. Been there-done that.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Gas: Run it All Out, or not..."That is the question

OMC owners manual says to store engine with stabilized fuel. <br /><br />But what do they know?