running it dry

[grey_inflatable]

Hi all i have a 30hp mariner should i run it out of fuel or just switch it off. and if i dont use it as much as i would like to would that be any facters thanks all

[trueblue]

I don't think it matters what size engine regards this issue. If it is a carby engine, it should have at least most of the fuel run out of the bowl.

I have a valve fitted in my fuel line, just after the fuel filter. After sufficient flushing time, I leave the engine running and close the valve. one minute 25 seconds later, the engine starts to splutter. Then I turn it off for storage.

This leaves a little fuel in the carby to stop the gaskets etc drying out, and removes most of the potential for oil to gum up the bowl and jets.

Cheers

Mick

[Roughasguts]

I alway leave fuel in the float bowls and fuel lines.
I pump the fuel bowl very couple of days to keep the carbs wet and stop gaskets and seals from drying out and cracking.
After a few months of the boat not being used I will drain the fuel bowls, pump the bulb a few times to flush out any crap, and maybe drain the fuel tank and put fresh fuel in. Works for me, stops every thing drying out and keeps the needle and seat clean.

Still starts first time after sitting idle for months.
Or better for the motor if you strart it every 3 weeks in a flush tank and also fully charge the battery on the home charger first. This way your water pump don't dry out and get to much out of shape as well.

[Kerry]

Run it out of fuel .... NO serves no purpose what so ever.

[marty+jojo]

My mate is an outboard mechanic. He says with a two stroke it is ok to leave fuel in the carby if you use your boat often. If you leave two stroke fuel in the carby for too long it will gum up the jets etc.
Marty.

[blaze]

if ya run it out of fuel you are starving the engine of lubricant, if you must get rid of the fuel, turn it off snd drain your carbies, but why you would want to has me buggered. Do ya drain your lawn mower (most of you guys probable only use that every 12 months) do ya drain your car after an extended holiday.. I have never drained an outboard of fuel and had no problems even after a couple of years Just undone the drain and pumped a bit of fresh through
cheers
blaze

[Kleyny]

This could be a post that will be argued for and against as all previous posts are valid.
I personally run my dry or very close to it.
My thinking behind this is, I'd rather have a possibility of a fuel leak than a motor that will not start at the ramp, or play up when you most need it.

I'll read what my Owners manual says and get back to you.

[Kleyny]

OK
Just checked what my Merc 04 60hp manual says.
Not much it cant talk!!

Seriously it has an "Important Message" that reads something like this.
If your fuel used has Alcohol or methanol drain your fuel as it can cause an acid affect with the carby parts.
Then it goes on about using "stabilised Fuel" when putting your boat in storage. I've never heard of this type of fuel.

Storage in Mercs eyes seems to be after 2 Months

Looks like I'll be running mine dry still. Can never tell what petrol companies are running what additives.

Hope this helps

Neil

[gunnabuild1]

The fuel stabilizer is added to the fuel for long term storage usually for winter in those places where winter shuts everything down[Snow,ice]Brrr glad I dont have to worry about that.

[Kerry]

The myth continues !

[Dory4.1]

Hi All

I disconnect the hose from the tank and run the motor while flushing it until it first misses due to starving. I then hit the kill switch. This means that when I refuel next time before heading out, I 'm pumping fresh fuel from the tank. Having said all this, my engine regularily sits for months between runs. It usually starts second pull. I probably wouldn't do all this if I was using the motor weekly.

Rgs
Michael

[Roughasguts]

To be honest leaving your motor for a few weeks, you will still end up with dry carbs. Fuel will evaporate in a pretty short time maybe 3 or 4 days at the most.

Guess that's why I prime mine every few days, and swing the motor to the other side, that way I avoid a steering issue aswell.