Winterizing question

[rockyrr]

We have a Yamaha 150 4 stroke.

When winterizing, is it best to have a full tank of gas or a near empty tank of gas? If it's the latter, what's a good way to get tank almost empty without running out of gas while out in the water? We're trying to reduce the "ethanol problem".

Thanks

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Winterizing question

You will get opinions on both schools of thought.

However, it seems that the 'trend' is to go empty . . . particularly with the ethanol blends.

I typically will run the boat near empty towards the end of the season and then siphon the remaining fuel out and use it up in the cars, etc.

during my spring prep, I typically run some 'dry gas' additive in the fuel just to get rid of any water that has condensed in the tank over the winter.

Kind of sad that we are talking about this stuff though . . . winter is approaching :facepalm:

 

[Air Traffic]

Re: Winterizing question

I keep my tanks full. I store my boat outside in the Michigan winter and feel that by keeping the tanks full I have less chance for condensation forming from the tanks heating up with the sun hitting the boat during the day and freezing every night. Of course I use the proper amount of STABIL, plus the added extra is when spring comes and it's time to start boating I don't need to drop 3 bills at the gas pump, the pain from the last fill up is long forgotten.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Winterizing question

I winterize with whatever level is in the tank at the time I drive the boat to its winter marina. I add Stabil and run it through the system on the way there.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Winterizing question

because it is difficult, if not impossible, to drain a large tank completely, better to keep full but more important to treat it.

the enemies are old fuel and moist air. Full tank reduces the amount of moist air. But if you store the boat in October with gas you bought in June, you aren't accomplishing much on the old gas issue.

So get out there and boat like crazy with what you have in it, then fill before storing.

you may also be hedging against higher gas prices, and you have a supply in case of major power outage or apocalypse.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Winterizing question

Six of one and a half dozen of the other. Arguments for and against both options.
Personally I usually have less than half a tank and add a load of stabiliser and run it through. Never had any issues to date from our Canadian winters.

 

[rockyrr]

Re: Winterizing question

Sort expected those answers...thanks, folks.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Winterizing question

I winterize with whatever level is in the tank at the time I drive the boat to its winter marina. I add Stabil and run it through the system on the way there.

That's me too. I "prefer" to have less than half so I can get that much more fresh gas in it in the spring. But, I've had 3/4 of a tank, 1/4 tank and everywhere in between during storage. I dump a can of Seafoam(another debate, Seafoam vs other brands..lol), my tank is 21 gals and is usually less for storage, and call it good.......... Starts within seconds on the old gas in spring. I have a 4 stroke too...

And that's having sit in storage for a minimum of 6 months. This year it sat for 10 months before I first fired it up. No problems with the old gas(premium)....

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Winterizing question

FWIW . . . my boat has 160 a gallon tank. . . I never plan on 'filling' it, as it would cost $650 ish.

I do like to pick a time in the spring when gas prices are low to put a substantial amount in, before the typical summer price hikes take effect.