Run out gas after use

Dave-R

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Messages
441
Hello All: I was wondering if I needed to run the outboard out of gas after each use. It does sound like a good Idea.
Thanks Dave R
 

Jlawsen

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
810
Re: Run out gas after use

Hello All: I was wondering if I needed to run the outboard out of gas after each use. It does sound like a good Idea.
Thanks Dave R

You'll get mixed responses on this. My theory is that its better to keep the gaskets and fuel lines wet and only run it dry for long term storage. I have never had a problem.
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Run out gas after use

One of the many answers and opinions.


It will make little difference in what do, running it dry does not empty the carb, it only lowers the fuel level, so either way works out about the same.
 

ajgraz

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 1, 2010
Messages
1,858
Re: Run out gas after use

I run mine partly "dry" because if I don't the needles tend to stick shut. But not all the way "dry" because I fear lean running.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Run out gas after use

I do that only on single carburetor engines that are not oil injected. Otherwise you risk running one or more cylinders dry or loading up carb(s) with oil.
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Run out gas after use

This question makes the baord at least once a month and I would say opinions run 70/30 don't/do.

I am in the don't camp, the problem is this isn't a 4 stroke lawn mower, it is a 2 stroke boat engine and the only source of lubrication is in the gas, if you run it out of gas you also run it out of oil also you will never be able to actually run the carb dry, there will always be gas left in it.

There are guys on here that say they have done it for 55 years on the same engine 20 times a week and it runs fine but I would rather not risk my engine worst case leaving gas in is I have to clean my carbs, worst case running dry, I score the clinders and have to rebuild engine, for me that is no brainer.

If you are going to store the engine for longer than a month or 2 either drain the carb at the float bowl, which actually removes all the gas, or use stabil/Sea Foam to treat it and leave it full.

Final point, when was the last time you ran your car dry when you were done driving it and why is your baot engine any different??
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Run out gas after use

My conclusion is that back when the motors were more cantakerous you ran it out and now you don't. That was back when you changed the plugs more often, too.
 
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