running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

[pennyanman1]

I normally disconnect the fuel hose and let the motor run till it dies, since I don't go out every week. I am wondering if I'm causing harm.<br /><br />I always assumed (hold your comments...) that a little oil was still around to keep things lubricated.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

The 88hp has two (2) carburetors.<br /><br />This pertains to any engine that has more than one carburetor, keeping in mind that the engine's lubrication is derived from the oil mixture within the fuel.<br /><br />If the fuel line is removed and one lets the engine run out of fuel, the top carburetor will run out of fuel before the bottom one. This eliminates the proper lubrication from that carburetor that the related connecting rods, main bearings, wrist pin bearings, piston and cylinder walls require.<br /><br />The result is that (in your case) at least two aluminum pistons will be running up and down a steel cylinder wall without the proper lubrication. Really not a good idea.

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

Joe, with apologies for jumping in on a thread, can I seek your opinion in this as a sort of final word?<br /><br />From what I've read and understood, what you're saying is that this idea of running the carb dry isn't a good idea on multi carb engines but something like my old Evinrude 25 (1973) single carb model would be okay to do?<br /><br />cheers and thanks, I always appreciate the advice that a pro gives.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

Stan.... I'm not going to act as the final word of authority on the single carb running dry scenario, but that has always been the general rule of thumb.<br /><br />When that single carburetor runs dry, the engine simply stops.

 

[pennyanman1]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

It sounds as though I should not let the engine run out of fuel, period, like when the kids are out skiing and let the tank run out before switching over. Sounds like a bit of retraining is in order...

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

Cheers Joe, I just wanted someone with a bit (okay a lot!) more experience than me to tell me how its done.<br />Daft thing is the way we were taught in the Coastguard school and on multicarb units and argued black and blue that it wasn't a good idea. The logic was that it was for "fire safety" but the tanks were left full of gas and in the boats LOL !!<br /><br />thanks again Joe

 

[whitejamie99]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

I have read somewhere, either this forum or in the Seloc manual, to disconnect the hose and run the engine until it begins to sputter and then immediately shut it down. This, in theory, would clear most of the gas in the lines and the carbs but leave the lubrication in the cylinders. Again that's "in theory". Anyway my $0.02.<br /><br />Jamie

 

[cvx35]

Re: running motor out of gas after use, Evinrude 88 SPL

I suggest to just switch the engine off after use. I know it's a hassle, but it's best to drag that boat out about once a month, hook the flusher to it and run the engine for about 4 or 5 minutes. This keeps the engine lubricated and keeps fresh fuel mix in the carbs. It doesn't take long for fuel to evaporate and leave the oil there ponded in your highspeed jets to dry up and get gummy.