Running carb dry, yes or no ?

[kyron4]

On a lightwin 3 hp with the fuel shut off valve should you run the carb dry at the end of each use or is it fine to leave it open with fuel in it ? -Thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

On a lightwin 3 hp with the fuel shut off valve should you run the carb dry at the end of each use or is it fine to leave it open with fuel in it ? -Thanks

A matter of great debate. Personally, I run mine dry. But many will say don't do it. I don't think the world will end either way.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

In the last 42 years I have owned and run over a dozen outboard motors of all makes and sizes (all 2 strokes). I have NEVER left gas in any of the carbs. Run dry EVERY time. One exception - when the boat is in the water for 7 straight days on vacation.

I know the "experts" say don't do that, but that's the way Dad said to do it. Never had a problem yet.

I'm not recommending it one way or the other, just telling my experience.

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

Seloc Manuals say NO! I used to do it because both my Grandad and my Father have always done it.......that being said, fuel used to have more stuff in it that caused them to gum up if you didn't, and the fuels we use now are cleaner and the premix oil is better suited for today. I never run them dry until I get ready to winterize. When I do winterize I add a can of seafoam to a full tank of mixed fuel and run the boat for 10-15 minutes then I disconnect my fuel line from the tank until it starts to run rough then I shut down with the key. Stores in that condition for as much as 8 months here in Colorado and when I go to start up again, it fires EVERY time!! Hasn't failed me doing that for 5 years now......

I don't run it dry

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

I'm another "run dry" person. Not if its going to be used again next day but always when leaving the boat at the end of a week or weekend sailing.

If its small engine that's going to be transported home in the car then running it dry prevents fuel being split in the car.

I understand that running dry is not recommended for engines with more than one carb though as it can result in the upper cylinders running with no oil. (two strokes obviously)

 

[oldgradywhite]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

I have always run my motors dry big or small. I had I 3.3 I would put in the trunk of my car made sure to run it dry or the gas smell was around for weeks!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

O.K. I am going on the other side. Never have yet. Stabilizer run through the entire fuel system before winterizing and it fires up no problem in spring.
Having said that I am not saying draining is wrong !!!

 

[izoomie]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

Dad always ran the 1958 10hp johnson dry before taking off the boat, but spillage was an issue. My new-to-me 1988 90hp johnson was stored wet for the first time this year with sabilizer run through it. We'll see in a few days if it starts or I'm draining carbs.

 

[KB1]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

If you like surprises that can irritate you any more than going to the lake/river on a 95 degree July/August day w/same humidity factor w/no, I MEAN NO!!!! shade around, and it won't start because you DIDN'T run it out,.......... then by all means, be that way. I always love to watch that at boat ramps, while that sweat is running off of peoples TOES in flip-flops on a tar-mac p.lot, Well anyway, you decide.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

If you like surprises that can irritate you any more than going to the lake/river on a 95 degree July/August day w/same humidity factor w/no, I MEAN NO!!!! shade around, and it won't start because you DIDN'T run it out,.......... then by all means, be that way. I always love to watch that at boat ramps, while that sweat is running off of peoples TOES in flip-flops on a tar-mac p.lot, Well anyway, you decide.

So all multi carb motor owners that do not run them out have that issue ???

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

i run my single carbs motors dry. my multiple carb motors, not.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

If you like surprises that can irritate you any more than going to the lake/river on a 95 degree July/August day w/same humidity factor w/no, I MEAN NO!!!! shade around, and it won't start because you DIDN'T run it out,.......... then by all means, be that way. I always love to watch that at boat ramps, while that sweat is running off of peoples TOES in flip-flops on a tar-mac p.lot, Well anyway, you decide.

That is the opposite of the directions in the BRP owner's manuals; click the thumbnail twice, please.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

There is one reason for not doing it and one reason why you simply can't.

1) Running an engine out of fuel means it is also running lean at the end of the run. Lean fuel = lean lubrication.

2) The engine will die before all the fuel is run out of the carb. You cannot completely drain the carb by running the engine with the fuel line removed. So more air in the carb means more of a chance for gum and varnish to build up. However, if your engine is a portable, it may behoove you to run it dry -- but make sure it is at idle only. On multi-carb engines one carb will run out before the others because the float levels are simply not set identically. Close but not identically. If you use the engine regularly there is no reason to run it dry in the first place.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

i run my single carbs motors dry. my multiple carb motors, not.

Same here. Never have a problem restarting, either. That's what the primer bulb if for. I try to cut the motor off just when it starts to sputter and not let it die on its own..

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

That is the opposite of the directions in the BRP owner's manuals; click the thumbnail twice, please.

I second this post !!!!!

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

There is one reason for not doing it and one reason why you simply can't.

1) Running an engine out of fuel means it is also running lean at the end of the run. Lean fuel = lean lubrication.

2) The engine will die before all the fuel is run out of the carb. You cannot completely drain the carb by running the engine with the fuel line removed. So more air in the carb means more of a chance for gum and varnish to build up. However, if your engine is a portable, it may behoove you to run it dry -- but make sure it is at idle only. On multi-carb engines one carb will run out before the others because the float levels are simply not set identically. Close but not identically. If you use the engine regularly there is no reason to run it dry in the first place.

This.



???

 

[F_R]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

Like I said, it is a controversial subject. I have just one more comment, then I'll shut up.

A new motor comes with a 6 gallon gas tank. Depending on the motor, that may be enough to run an hour or so. So, the guy buys a spare tank so he won't get stranded five miles offshore. Now, he is out enjoying his new toy and all of a sudden the first tank runs dry and the motor quits. OK, if that is harmful to the motor, he just now damaged his new motor. Likewise, if that were harmful, the mfr would have warranty claims coming out their ears because people do it not only on occasion but as a regular practice.

It is a simple fact that when it runs out of gas, it quits running. It is impossible for it to keep running without getting any oil. Granted, it may run a tad lean for a few seconds, but I say that won't hurt it. There is still oil going through, just maybe a drop or two less.

Now I am NOT talking here about a multi-carb motor that has one plugged up or a fuel restriction that starves it over a prolonged period of time. That is a whole different topic.

Now, I'll shut up. Y'all do whatever your concience demands.

 

[Sargent Skiff]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

For what it's worth, British Seagull recommended in their owner's manual to shut the gas off so the the motor quit just before you arrive at the dock. The Seagull can't even be tipped out of the water without spilling fuel from the float bowl unless you do. There are scores of 50+ year old Seagulls still running around.
I've looked into the exhaust and intake ports of mine after running them dry and the pistons and rings were still oozing oil ...

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

For what it's worth, British Seagull recommended in their owner's manual to shut the gas off so the the motor quit just before you arrive at the dock. The Seagull can't even be tipped out of the water without spilling fuel from the float bowl unless you do. There are scores of 50+ year old Seagulls still running around.
I've looked into the exhaust and intake ports of mine after running them dry and the pistons and rings were still oozing oil ...

My Dad's old sea bee had to be run out of fuel to stop it as there was no kill switch. Draining the carb was the only way therefore timing was really critical when beaching it. I remember circling many times coming in. Mind you that was back in the mid 1960's
Here's a photo of the same motor.

 

[kyron4]

Re: Running carb dry, yes or no ?

So....... leaveing gas in the carb from week to week Won't harm it any more than running in dry. Correct ?