Short term engine storage?

[mercerfisherman]

Does anyone know what Mercury recommends when storing your boat / engine out of water for short periods of time? (1 to two weeks). I've heard conflicting reports that you should always run your engine dry and disconnect fuel lines and others that say it makes no difference if fuel remains in engine and fuel lines stay connected as long as fuel is somewhat fresh and it isn't for long periods of time. Any hard and fast rules here?.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Short term engine storage?

Engines with multiple carbs should not be run out of fuel as one or more cylinders will run out of fuel before the other so those cylinders run dry. One to two weeks out of the water is a non-issue. Disconnect the fuel line and park the boat. You should be using a fuel conditioner regardless so always run Stabil, Seafoam or similar products to help keep fuel fresh.

 

[dj01pass]

Re: Short term engine storage?

See The Mercury FAQ site on Ethanol. Surpirsingly they add at the bottom of the page to run the carbs out of fuel for long term storage. I have never seen that before.

I agree, you should always use a fuel stabilizer and keep the tank full.
FAQ site:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/ethanol2