Run fuel out of carb or not?

ibfurloughed

Cadet
Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
10
I live on a canal and just pull my boat out of the water onto the floating dock. Sometimes I can go out two or three days in row other times the boat will sit on the dock for a couple of weeks. Is it best to disconnect the fuel and run it out (knowing that there will still be alittle in the bottom of the bowl) or just leave it there. I'm worried about "Varnishing" or fowling the carb up. Is there an additive that I can put in the fuel so I can simply turn off the motor and stow it?
 

HybridMX6

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
676
Re: Run fuel out of carb or not?

I had always heard it's best to run it dry, but after reading on the forum, and learning better, I know it's not a good thing to do. No fuel also means no oil = no lubrication. Best thing I've been told to do is use Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer. Mix it with your gas/oil according to the bottle.
 

Vic.S

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 4, 2004
Messages
4,720
Re: Run fuel out of carb or not?

Run it dry if you are not intending to use it again for a few weeks but do so at idle speed only because as said you will also be running it out of lubrication as well but the level of lubrication at idle speed will be quite high so no bother.

BUT is is recommended that engines with multiple carbs are nor run dry because the upper carbs run dry before the lower ones.
 

HybridMX6

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
676
Re: Run fuel out of carb or not?

Run it dry if you are not intending to use it again for a few weeks but do so at idle speed only because as said you will also be running it out of lubrication as well but the level of lubrication at idle speed will be quite high so no bother.

BUT is is recommended that engines with multiple carbs are nor run dry because the upper carbs run dry before the lower ones.

Ah, I have a 55hp 2 cyl. Must be why I was told not to do that anymore. Thanks for the clarification.
 

ibfurloughed

Cadet
Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
10
Re: Run fuel out of carb or not?

Sorry Bob a 1997 15hp Johnny single carb.

It worked great this weekend except for my fuel consumption post. Thanks for ALL YOUR HELP.

Buck down the road in St. Augustine.
 

wesley pipes

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
39
Re: Run fuel out of carb or not?

mix a fuel stabilizer into your tank and flood the engine to kill it so that everything is lubricated when you turn it off. because with no gas means no oil just like they were saying
 

lowkee

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
1,890
Re: Run fuel out of carb or not?

Guys, keep in mind, adding 2cycle oil to gas also preserves the gas. A few weeks in mixed fuel's lifetime means nothing. You can have gas sitting around for months before it begins to thicken, let alone 2cycle. Leaving the gas in these for even a month won't hurt you. If it makes you feel better to run it dry, do it, but know it is an unneeded step.
 
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