Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

[brother chris]

I was wondering, if I started my 55hp evinrude I have on my boat every week and let it run for..say...10min or so, is that good enough instead of winterizing it? Will the gas still gum up or should I run it longer to get all the old gas out of the float bowl.<br />I am going to use my boat throughout winter cause I live in Vancouver, Canada, and I can. It never gets that cold here. Maybe below freezing 2-3 times during the winter. Just ALOT of rain, which I can live with. <br />thanks in advance...

 

[ob]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

Chris,That is acceptable.That's what I do.Never goes more than two weeks without a fire up.Just keep some stabil in fuel since you won't be using large volume.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

I know a guy that all he does is pump the bulb up ever week or so just to keep the carbs from drying up. Sez it works for him.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

I have added stabilizer to a 6gal tank and done this for many years. Never had a bit of trouble. Just run for about 10 minutes every couple of weeks. The problem with trying to run the carbs dry is that you never get it all out and it gums up. A carb full of fresh, stabilized gas does the trick for me.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

There ya are.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

Never had winterized my engines. Always started the engines every 3-4 weeks and never had a problem. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

By the way, I do the same thing for lawnmowers, chain saws, string trimmers, etc. Works fine for them, too.

 

[Forktail]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

I would suggest you get the outboard up to operating temp (have the thermostat open). Avoid extended idling. The higher temps will keep the acids from building in the cylinders and the higher rpm will lubricate better and reduce carbon build-up.

 

[brother chris]

Re: Start o/b every week as opposed to winter storage?

So apparently this is okay, and I do appreciate all the replies.<br />What else I was wondering was as well, if by some chance there was water in with the leg oil, and it did freeze, could there be some chance that by having water in with the oil, could the water expand enough to cause breakage in the leg, or am I just thinking too much about this? <br /> I just want to make sure that if I do not winterize my motor, all will be okay. <br />Thanks, Bro C.