jamesf@bayarchitects.com (Fauver, James) wrote:
Howdy Gang,
A hopefully quick question:
Some people say that when you are done using your motor for the weekend,
you should shut of the gas, and let the gas run "out of the system".
1. Why is this?
2. What can happen if you don't do it?
3. IF not doing this is part of the reason my motor will not start, what
can be done to correct it?
Thanks in advance,
James Fauver
P19 Southern Star
Lake Conroe, Texas
>>
Judy Blumhorst (JBlumhorst@aol.com) wrote:
"Since the oil is mixed in with the fuel on most OB's, it is probably not wise
to shut off the gas and run it til it's dry. You'd be running the motor with
no lubrication. I'm no expert on OB's, so please seek a second opinion."
Solar Fry writes:
Judy is absolutely, positively, right! For not being an expert she does know
her outboards...
Running motor dry used to be true in the 50's and 60's when outboards used
automobile oil mixed with fuel and there was no way to keep the fuel from
drying up in the fuel lines and carburator. This is no longer recommended...
We now have specific additives to keep the fuel from going "foul" and/or
drying in the lines and carburator.
OMC expressly states: "DO NOT RUN engine dry. Doing so will wear out your
engine faster and allow rust to form on internal parts. This will void your
warranty"
They recommend specific fuel additives to keep the fuel from drying up if you
are storing for more than 30 days... They even recommend spraying "Storage
Fogging Oil" inside the combustion chamber to prevent corrosion. Check your
motors manual...
If you must absolutely/positively drain the carburator (this will not drain
the fuel lines), do it without running the engine dry... When you shut off
your engine normally, with the button provided, fresh fuel is injected into
the combustion chamber.... The fuel/oil is required to keep the parts
lubricated...
If you are having problems starting the outboard motor, make sure you are
following the manufacturers recommendations:
1. Open fuel shutoff valve
2. Open fuel tank vent
3. Pull choke (when cold)
4 Set throttle to start position
5. (if a primer is available) prime until bulb is firm.
6. Pull cord softly until resistance is felt. Then pull strongly
7. Push choke in after engine starts.
If its does not start on one or 2 pulls you may have other problems... Such
as:
Clogged fuel tank/filter
Clogged fuel lines
Varnish in fuel lines
Varnish in carburator
Bad carb float/gap
Clogged jets or injectors
Fouled spark plugs
Broken spark plug wires
Bad points/condenser/coil/cdi
Etc...
I realize its hard to do... It's a lot easier to ask...
But...
READ you outboard motor's manual "Storage instructions"... If you do not have
one go to a dealership and borrow one for your specific engine... You can read
it right there and not have to pay for it...
Amen..,
SF