Running my outboard engine dry... For many years I owned two-stroke outboard engines that I didn't use frequently, and always removed the fuel line while the engine was running at the...

MoJoe Loc: Springfield, MO

For many years I owned two-stroke outboard engines that I didn't use frequently, and always removed the fuel line while the engine was running at the end of the day to let the engine run dry. I was always told that it's best not to leave the old gas in the engine. Any thoughts on what will happen if I do that with a newer four-stroke?

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

MoJoe wrote:

For many years I owned two-stroke outboard engines that I didn't use frequently, and always removed the fuel line while the engine was running at the end of the day to let the engine run dry. I was always told that it's best not to leave the old gas in the engine. Any thoughts on what will happen if I do that with a newer four-stroke?

I don't think that it is necessary. The oil and the gas are not mixed. The only time I did it with my two strokes would be at the end of the season, but I used them quite frequently. I never had any problem with them not starting at any time.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

End of season - run em dry. Drain fuel from fuel tank and replace with brand new non- ethanol gas. Add SeaBreeze or StarTron and you will not have an issue the next year. Do all the other winterizing also.

D Tong Loc: San Francisco,Ca

You might want to put some thoughts on this if you are letting your boat sit for long periods of time they have a lot of different types of gas additives I personally use three different types of additives in my boat gas tank because I have it stored at times for more than a month between fishing trips

I have a 115hp mercury on my boat and the additives keeps the gas from breaking down

Crappie 007 Loc: Adams Tennessee

MoJoe wrote:

For many years I owned two-stroke outboard engines that I didn't use frequently, and always removed the fuel line while the engine was running at the end of the day to let the engine run dry. I was always told that it's best not to leave the old gas in the engine. Any thoughts on what will happen if I do that with a newer four-stroke?

in my Yamaha 4stroke I use marine sta-bilmarine fuel stabilizer. Yamalube ring free plus. Recommend by boat dealer. Never had a problem. Strictly run non ethonal gas. Leave mine in all winter.

GlsJr40 Loc: Dallas, Tx.

Probably a simple answer to my question: where/how do I find a place to purchase non-ethanol gas? I use sta-bil in my tank (no oil mix). I live in Dallas,Texas and have never seen any station with any signage saying the non-ethonol gasoline was available.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

MoJoe wrote:

For many years I owned two-stroke outboard engines that I didn't use frequently, and always removed the fuel line while the engine was running at the end of the day to let the engine run dry. I was always told that it's best not to leave the old gas in the engine. Any thoughts on what will happen if I do that with a newer four-stroke?

Always did that for my outboard motors, garden teller (shutting of the petcock) so won't have that gas depositing varnish inside the carburetors and gumming up the works.

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

GlsJr40 wrote:

Probably a simple answer to my question: where/how do I find a place to purchase non-ethanol gas?

Try https://www.pure-gas.org/

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

GlsJr40 wrote:

Probably a simple answer to my question: where/how do I find a place to purchase non-ethanol gas? I use sta-bil in my tank (no oil mix). I live in Dallas,Texas and have never seen any station with any signage saying the non-ethonol gasoline was available.

I get Mogas from my local airport. 93 or 91 octane (I can’t remember which) no ethanol. I use it in all my small engines.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

GlsJr40 wrote:

Probably a simple answer to my question: where/how do I find a place to purchase non-ethanol gas? I use sta-bil in my tank (no oil mix). I live in Dallas,Texas and have never seen any station with any signage saying the non-ethonol gasoline was available.

If all else check with the airport.

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

MoJoe wrote:

For many years I owned two-stroke outboard engines that I didn't use frequently, and always removed the fuel line while the engine was running at the end of the day to let the engine run dry. I was always told that it's best not to leave the old gas in the engine. Any thoughts on what will happen if I do that with a newer four-stroke?

Really? For how long are you storing it ? What HP ? My 2stroke 115 gets winterized in December ,,fogged, fuel and oil lines disconnected. I know a guy that never does that with his. But here in NJ I don’t risk having water freeze in it.

DC Loc: Washington state

I used to run mine dry if it was going to set for more than a couple weeks and at the end of the season My boat mechanic told me it was best to just make sure you use Marine fuel stabilizer all the time and at the end of the season fill the tank add extra stabilizer turn the engine off and leave it. He said draining it causes the gaskets to dry out or something like that and a half full gas tank will have more problems with moisture.. Since that time I haven't drained by motor and every spring it starts up no problem. My understanding is gas with fuel stabilizer in it will remain useable for over a year and my boat never has gone any where near that long between use.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Modern,fuel injected, motors don't have carburetors or bowls to drain. If you disconnect the fuel line, the motor will lean out (not good) and possibly throw a code in the computer that controls everything. Do not use 30+year old techniques on modern computerized equipment. Use a quality fuel stabilizer, and fog the motor for long term storage.

Crappie 007 Loc: Adams Tennessee

CRKfish wrote:

Really? For how long are you storing it ? What HP ? My 2stroke 115 gets winterized in December ,,fogged, fuel and oil lines disconnected. I know a guy that never does that with his. But here in NJ I don’t risk having water freeze in it.

Here in Tennessee we run or boats all year just dress warmer. The bigger cats are is easy targets at 50 feet.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Fredfish wrote:

Modern,fuel injected, motors don't have carburetors or bowls to drain. If you disconnect the fuel line, the motor will lean out (not good) and possibly throw a code in the computer that controls everything. Do not use 30+year old techniques on modern computerized equipment. Use a quality fuel stabilizer, and fog the motor for long term storage.

I read n article about 2 strokes sometime ago n said basically the same thing. Running them dry the lubricant things out n can cause damage 👍