Full or empty fuel tank this winter?
#13
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.
#14
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,480
Likes: 2
From: Wyandotte, MI
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..
#15
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,796
Likes: 659
From: Lakewood, NY, USA
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.
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.
Padraig
#16
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 11
From: Granger, Indiana
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
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
#17
#18
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.
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.
#20
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





