Shutting off a small outboard motor

[iggyw1]

I have a question that I simply cannot find an answer to on line or anywhere else for that matter. It may be in the manual for my outboard, but I do not have one currently.

I have a 6 H.P. Evinrude motor. It is a 1984 model. It has a kill switch with a tether on it that will shut the engine should I fall overboard if I have the tether attached to my person. The tether clip at the motor end keeps the shut off switch from pushing inward into the handle of the motor. Here is my question: When I am done fishing (this is just my kicker motor used for trolling) what is the proper way to shut off the motor. #1 By disconnecting the gas line from the motor and let the motor run until the gas is burned out of the carb? (it is a 2-cycle motor) OR #2 Am I suppose to just kill it by pushing in on the kill switch as I sometimes do.....However, there must be a preferred way by the manufacturer to shut off the motor. Which way is the PROPER RECOMMENDED WAY??

Thanks for any input you can give me!

 

[roscoe]

kill it by pushing in on the kill switch

 

[iggyw1]

Thank you.

 

[JimS123]

I'm sure the owner's manual says use the kill switch.

But, if you're not going to use the motor for awhile, shift to neutral and pull the fuel line. A 2-stroke has oil in the gas. Eventually, the gas will evaporate leaving only oil. Sound like a good idea?

I have been doing the plug thing for over 50 years and still have motors as old as 65 years old that still run fine.

As an aside, Mercury Marine recommends that their current portable 4-strokes have the gas run out of the carb after each use, by pulling the fuel line.

 

[iggyw1]

I've heard both ways is recommended. Seems like if I were to store it for the off season any any length of time other than between fishing outings, it would be best to disconnect the fuel line from the motor and run the carb dry. Thanks!

 

[Lightwin 3]

I pull the fuel line (at idle) unless I know I'm going to be using it again soon, within a day.

 

[oldrem]

I pull the fuel line (at idle) unless I know I'm going to be using it again soon, within a day.

I do the same on my old 5hp 'Rude. Just takes an extra pull of the cord to fire it back up.

 

[Sea Rider]

If portable Ob's whether 2 or 4 strokes ones will be removed from transom and layed down inside a car, garage is a must run carb bowl dry or unwanted fuel spills will occur and wife will bang you real hard with her personal jet broom LOL!!

Happy Boating

 

[JimS123]

I've heard

That's a problem.

Contact the manufacturer.
Talk to a pro dealer that's been in bizness since 1945 and has Master Mechanics on the payroll.
Talk to the 80 year old codger at the yacht club that's owned a dozen boats.

Don't ask the kid at the local marina that didn't even complete the OMC or Merc Mechanic's course.
Don't rely on Internet info that is 99.5% wrong.

 

[jimmbo]

wife will bang you real hard with her personal jet broom LOL!!

Too bad her broom can't use the premix as fuel. I've wondered what kind of mileage brooms get while in flight

 

[Bonaventure]

I run my engine dry, then close the petcock and the fuel tank vent.

My situation is different from yours however, I dismount the engine and stow it in the back of the car. I do not want any fuel to leak out. I also lay it down so that the petcock and fuel hose is up. I plan it so there is little fuel left in the tank so it doesn't (hopefully) seep out of the filler cap.

The engine is also in a canvas bag with fuel soak up pads under the motor.