Re: Outboard Motor Question

SolarFry@aol.com
Sat, 19 Sep 1998 22:49:19 EDT


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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In a message dated 98-09-18 21:27:42 EDT, you write:

<< Subj: Re: Outboard Motor Question
From: JBlumhorst@aol.com
To: wwpotter@tscnet.com
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I have a 1992 4 hp 2 cylinder Evinrude 2 stroke OB. In the manual it says
(emphasis is original, not mine)

" Press the stop button until engine stops. DO NOT stop motor by shutting
off
fuel. close fuel shut-off valve by turning choke knob from fuel ON to fuel
OFF. If equipped, close vent screw on fuel tank filler cap."

There's no explanation.

Judy Blumhorst
Danville, CA
P-19 "Redwing" >>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SF writes:

They want you to shut off the engine with the shutoff switch, not the fuel
petcock.
They don't want you to fuel starve the engine.

Pre 196x outboards (pre TCW 2 or was it 1?) used automotive oil mixed with
fuel... In those it was recommended to run engine dry of fuel before storage.
Later it was discovered that doing so caused motor innards to rust and engines
to wear out sooner. Somewhere along the way OMC started recommending that
outboards NOT be run dry of fuel as this would cause corrosion and undue
wear...

All OMC and MERC outboards require that you shut them off by a button. This
button disconnects power to spark plug. So motor runs on without spark and
lubricates with unburned fuel.... Preventing formation of rust... After you
shut if off they recommend you shut the fuel supply off (NOT BEFORE) to preven
gas spilling out of the motor...

It is recognized that fuel dries up in fuel lines and carburator, if engine is
stored for more than 60 days or so... In those cases, there is a fuel additive
(Sta Bil at K or W mart) that prevents gasoline from going bad or evaporating.
OMC & Merc recommend that this stuff be added to fuel, if engine is not going
to be used for more than 60 days or so... (Check the long term storage
instructions chapter in your manual)

Under no circumstances should you follow advice to run engine dry to prevent
formation of gum/varnish in fuel and carb. Use a fuel stabilizer!

Many of these people recommending you run outboard dry are basing this on old,
old info from old outboards. (Sea Gull [uses 1940 technology] still does
this). Yes, even some old mechanics still recommend this method. Bad habits
are hard to correct.... These individuals have not read their owner's manuals.
Read you owner's manual and follow its directions... Your manufacturer has an
interest in your outboard performing adequately for as long as you own it...
They want you to buy their brand next time...

Best
SF
BTW: They also recommend you store engine with powerhead higher than propeller
to prevent water from dripping from exhaust (usually submerged) into
combustion chamber...
I purchased manufacturer service manuals and parts manuals for my three
outboard motors (130, 8, 3.3). Yep, I do read those manuals...