Winter months

[richvr6]

For those that have to winterize their motor over the winter months, is it safe or best to have less gas in the tank or should it be full.

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: Winter months

full, with a good stabilizer, especially if there is ethanol laced fuel in the tank. Besure to run it a bit, for the stabilized fuel to reach all the parts of the fuel system.

 

[Part-time]

Re: Winter months

I agree with Blue, full tank leaves no room for condesation to build up.
In the winter months I don't bother with the fuel stabilizer but it sure doesn't hurt to have it and if something will be sitting idle for a few months in the hot weather it's a must!
However, if something is going to be be stored for a longer period of time, I empty all the fuel, tanks, lines and carb/injection system, and I don't mean just running out of fuel, I mean cleaned so no fuel can be left to dry and varnish.

 

[richvr6]

Re: Winter months

full, with a good stabilizer, especially if there is ethanol laced fuel in the tank. Besure to run it a bit, for the stabilized fuel to reach all the parts of the fuel system.

I have a force motor will that matter, since I already have it winterized and stored for the winter will less than 1/4 tank.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Winter months

There are lots of threads on here about it, and no matter what ANYONE tells you, there is no right answer... Even manufacturers are split, you can find one example where merc will say full, and another where they say empty. (in the world of internet forums, there are a number of holy wars that are impossible to win. Full vs empty tank is one of them!)

Personally, my philosophy is that why even tempt fate. I don't have to worry about the gas in my tank going bad, because I haven't bought it yet. (in other words, as empty as possible, with stabilizer dumped in prior to emptying it so it mixes and distributes through the fuel system.) That has worked for many years without problem.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Winter months

Objection. Asked and answered.

 

[richvr6]

Re: Winter months

There are lots of threads on here about it, and no matter what ANYONE tells you, there is no right answer... Even manufacturers are split, you can find one example where merc will say full, and another where they say empty. (in the world of internet forums, there are a number of holy wars that are impossible to win. Full vs empty tank is one of them!)

Personally, my philosophy is that why even tempt fate. I don't have to worry about the gas in my tank going bad, because I haven't bought it yet. (in other words, as empty as possible, with stabilizer dumped in prior to emptying it so it mixes and distributes through the fuel system.) That has worked for many years without problem.

I will follow my first decision and leave whatever gas is in the tank and just add a sta bil and just wait for the spring and run it then. This is my first boat and want to make sure I have everything in tact and know the ins and outs when it comes to boating.

 

[canyonken]

Re: Winter months

I fill my tank in fall - last run of the year. Let it sit all winter.
In spring - right before I use the boat I siphon all the gas out and run that fuel in my truck.
I add new fuel from gas cans to the boat. I'd rather run the older fuel in my truck and always run fresh fuel in the boat.
The truck has not complained yet.....

 

[richvr6]

Re: Winter months

I fill my tank in fall - last run of the year. Let it sit all winter.
In spring - right before I use the boat I siphon all the gas out and run that fuel in my truck.
I add new fuel from gas cans to the boat. I'd rather run the older fuel in my truck and always run fresh fuel in the boat.
The truck has not complained yet.....

I forgot to mention the motor is a force 4 cyl 2 stroke outboard.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Winter months

either full or empty is FINE.... 1/4 1/2 3/4 anything other than full or empty is asking for condensation.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Winter months

My opinion is full tank, with Seafoam added as a stabilizer. It's just that, an opinion - and everybody will have a different one. Likely, how ever you choose to store it, it will be fine over one winter. If you were storing it for 5 years, there would be more of a consensus on the proper method.