RUN THE CARBS DRY?

[ChalkBoy]

Hello all,<br /><br />I have an 85hp Force w/ 3 carbs.<br /><br />While winterizing it, I disconnected the fuel line allowing it to run dry while spraying fogging oil in each carb. Is this better than leaving gas(w/stabilizer) in the carbs, along with the fogging oil treatment?<br /><br />Thanks....

 

[Dunk]

Re: RUN THE CARBS DRY?

You are better off leaving the carbs full of stabilized fuel. Think of it this way...what's going to evaporate faster, a few drops on the bottom of the carb or full bowl?? The best thing you can do if the boat is handy is to squeeze the ball and fill the carbs once a month while it's in storage.

 

[fishthebay]

Re: RUN THE CARBS DRY?

A lot of controversy on this topic. I have been running them dry for years and have had no problems. With your Force (I have an 85HP also) you obviously should just change the gas at the beginning of the season. I would assume you have an external tank.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: RUN THE CARBS DRY?

I don't run my carbs dry, but I do remove the plugs on the bottom of the carbs that house the main jets and let the bowls drain out. This way the engine interior is still coated with the oil from the mix, but the engine hasn't been run dry. Don't know how much of a difference this way makes, but thats how I do it. I also drain the tank completely and leave the cap off so it can breath and dry out (its covered, no moisture can get in). I also drain all fuel lines that I can. This of course is for a Merc, but may be useful for the Force.

 

[Diesel]

Re: RUN THE CARBS DRY?

WINTERIZE!!!!! <br /> <br /><br />Ok, maybe you need too if you are in a lake area and they freeze up in the winter. Up here we tend to use our boats year around (even when there is snow on the ground) as the ocean doesn't freeze up and the fish bite all year long.<br /><br />Interesting topic though. I had never thought there might be something I should do if I were going to, say, not use my boat for a few months straight. Thanks for the info

 

[TONY H]

Re: RUN THE CARBS DRY?

I do as Jason J does. I turn the motor off then crack the screws to let them drain.<br />The problem with running carbs dry without oil injection is that the upper carbs run dry before the lower ones so the engine is still running while the upper cylinders are out of gas and not being lubricated.<br /><br />My 2 cents