Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > General Discussion > General Boating Discussion
Full or empty fuel tank this winter? >

Full or empty fuel tank this winter?

Notices
General Boating Discussion

Full or empty fuel tank this winter?

Thread Tools
 
Old 09-22-2016 | 11:03 AM
  #11  
ben
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 49
From: Wright City, MO
Default

I leave mine full of non-ethanol with stabil, it stays in my heated shop if that makes a difference and doesn't go unused for more than 5 months during the winter.
ben is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 11:05 AM
  #12  
boatfreak's Avatar
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 252
From: Indy
Default

I prefer to just keep mine in Florida through the winter and use it. It's a great way to keep the gas from going bad.
boatfreak is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 11:06 AM
  #13  
Dave M's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,664
Likes: 140
From: Hollywood, MD, USA
Default

Originally Posted by Knot 4 Me
I start adding Sta-Bil (blue) around this time of year and the tank level ends up where it ends up. Top off in spring. Never an issue.
Me too.

I used to do the full tank thing. But, I noticed that if you get some real warm temps during the winter, the fuel expands and comes out the vent.

Now that I have OB's, I'm debating about actually winterizing.
Dave M is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 11:34 AM
  #14  
Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: Wyandotte, MI
Default

I leave as empty as possible and use the Stabil 360 (which is what others are referring to as Blue) which supposedly lets off a gas/vapor that is supposed to protect your tank... It has worked well for me over the past 2 years so I see no reason to deviate from it. And I use pump gas (E10). Mine is indoor stored and kept at around 50* all winter..
low_psi is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 11:39 AM
  #15  
Registered
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,796
Likes: 659
From: Lakewood, NY, USA
Default

Originally Posted by Sydwayz
There is no issue with going empty. Go ahead and drain it as best you can. With an outboard this is pretty easy by hooking up an electric fuel pump for less than $40 bucks from Advance auto or similar. Just make sure that whatever goes through the motor last during your winterization process is stabilized.

You do NOT want to mix ethanol fuel with non-ethanol fuel; to try to "whittle down" the ethanol content by adding non-ethanol fuel.
Why, please?

Padraig
Padraig is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 12:09 PM
  #16  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 11
From: Granger, Indiana
Default

My first year with a boat - 1976 - we filled the tank to the brim with a stabilizer for winter storage. The next season had nothing but gas issues. From that day forward we left the tank(s) almost empty and have had ZERO issues with fuel, dirt, etc.

I really try to keep the tank as empty as possible when it goes in for storage - however, I still dump a stabilizer in the remaining fuel.

First thing in the next season is fill the tank up and run the snot out of it!!

3pointstar
3pointstar is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 12:11 PM
  #17  
Sydwayz's Avatar
Forum Regulator
20 Year Member
Super Moderators
VIP Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 24,211
Likes: 1,608
From: Worldwide
Default

Originally Posted by Padraig
Why, please?

Padraig
I've read a couple articles both ways about it, but a couple of marine mechanics have told me to avoid it. It's also been mentioned on here before.
Sydwayz is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 12:37 PM
  #18  
On Time's Avatar
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,581
Likes: 3
From: Houston
Default

This will be my 13th year with the same procedure on the Fountain. Approx. November to April. Boat kept in a covered shed. We use the other boats year round.

1) Run out gas to 1/4 or so at end of season. If more than this left use it in the cars since some might be several weeks old.
2) Fill to top with 93 octane and full dosage of marine Sta-Bil.
3) Use bilge heaters.
4) Ignore until April.
5) Change fuel filters and off we go.

Last edited by On Time; 09-22-2016 at 12:46 PM.
On Time is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 12:37 PM
  #19  
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 2
From: rock Island wa
Default

Originally Posted by Padraig
Why, please?

Padraig
If you mean mixing the two fuels , some have said they can cause precipitate to form and cause problems.
buck35 is offline  
Reply
Old 09-22-2016 | 12:54 PM
  #20  
cigrocket's Avatar
Registered
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 173
From: Endicott, NY
Default

Non Ethanol 91, run it down to about 10 gallons on each side. I put blue stabilizer in the fuel along with seafoam. Then I pull the fuel and water separator and put 3-4oz of 2 stroke oil in there. I run the boat for a minute and shut her off so I coat the cylinders with oil. Works as a good fogging for the cylinders. In the spring, I run the boat for a quick run and try to burn about 5 gallons off each side, quick ride and then change the fuel and water separators and fill the boat up with 91 non ethanol fresh gas. Have had no problems, and I have owned 8 powerboats and some outboards too
cigrocket is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.