Winterizing

[SJD]

Sorry to bring up a depressing topic. I read welder's post on how to handle E10 fuel over the winter, suggesting that the tank be left nearly full with stabilizer in it. My practice so far has been to have the tank pumped dry before winter storage. I keep stabilizer in my fuel at all times throughout the season. The pump dry method is recommended by a couple boat mechanics I spoke to in the cape cod area. However it would be easier and makes more sense to me to leave the tank full. Is there any consensus out there on this topic?

[MacCTD]

Empty tank would be my first choice but it is too difficult so I will store it full.

[Chaps]

Wrap your fuel tank vent fitting(s) with vinyl electrical tape to keep moisture out of the tank over the winter.

[welder]

I'm also thinking that a full tank might help keep a ALLOY tank from oxidizing .

[SJD]

Chaps: tank full or empty? If you seal off the vent can the system become pressurized dangerously? Won't sealing trap moisture in the tank as much as keep it out? It seems like leaving the vent open is better. Anybody else have thoughts on this?

[welder]

I like the tape idea If your fuel tank builds pressure I don't think a piece of electrical tape will cause it to split or blow a hose .
Just remember to take the tape off before you run the motor or you will be scratching your head wondering why the motor died.

As far as trapping moisture , well, it will keep the tank from BREATHING moisture in and out.

[SJD]

Welder: quoting the last line of the article you posted: "Finally, never plug up a fuel tank vent - it creates pressure that could cause dangerous leaks in the fuel system."

[Chaps]

Welder: quoting the last line of the article you posted: "Finally, never plug up a fuel tank vent - it creates pressure that could cause dangerous leaks in the fuel system."

Where is the link to that article? I and other boaters I know here locally have been doing the tape thing for years with no adverse effects. And yes, the purpose is to curtail the breathing of moist air into the tank, and it works.

[MacCTD]

Winterized today:
Filled tank treated with Startron
Ran motor dry then drained carb bowls
Changed oil, engine and lower unit
Changed engine fuel filter and external fuel filter
Replaced spark plugs, put a small amount of oil in each cylinder, turned over with lanyard disconnected
Waxed engine
Put boat in shed
Till next year....

[SJD]

Chaps: article was posted by Welder under the "helpful info" category. Guidelines published by boat US on how to handle E10 fuel..

[goatram]

Winterized today:
Filled tank treated with Startron
Ran motor dry then drained carb bowls
Changed oil, engine and lower unit
Changed engine fuel filter and external fuel filter
Replaced spark plugs, put a small amount of oil in each cylinder, turned over with lanyard disconnected
Waxed engine
Put boat in shed
Till next year....

Lower the the motor to drain the bottom end as well

I will be fishing off and on all winter so the motor will be down while in the driveway

[welder]

Here ya go , and Jettywolf is the one that found it .


viewtopic.php?p=23505#p23505

[Sculpin]

Very informative thread for sure. I've been caught in the past before with some problems by letting the boat sit too long but from my parts of the world we boat just about year round. I posted pics of a bad winter here a couple of years ago but besides that there are prawns and crabs to catch . I change my oils twice a year and my Racor 3 times a year. I always add water eater or gas treatment on most large refills. I like the heater tape idea Chaps.

[JETTYWOLF]

Winterized today:
Filled tank treated with Startron
Ran motor dry then drained carb bowls
Changed oil, engine and lower unit
Changed engine fuel filter and external fuel filter
Replaced spark plugs, put a small amount of oil in each cylinder, turned over with lanyard disconnected
Waxed engine
Put boat in shed
Till next year....

The next line in that list for me would have to be.......
-load pistol, insert in ear and pull trigger!!!!!!
(if I couldn't fish any day, all year long I don't know what I'd do with myself. Would remind me of a winter in North Dakota thanks to the USAF, where the rate of domestic abuse would rise 50%, then drop off again, soon as the snow melted)

BTW, I'm not a hunter....

[SJD]

Just used my boat for the last time. I am going to pump out all of the fuel and leave it dry over the winter..

[JETTYWOLF]

Winterized today:
Filled tank treated with Startron
Ran motor dry then drained carb bowls
Changed oil, engine and lower unit
Changed engine fuel filter and external fuel filter
Replaced spark plugs, put a small amount of oil in each cylinder, turned over with lanyard disconnected
Waxed engine
Put boat in shed
Till next year....

Well, there goes any winter fishing pics.
Wow, I am always amazed it's something people do (your list).
You could send that boat to my house and I'd keep her all nice and running for ya.
It would be good practice for me for when I get so old that my 26 is too big and I'd get experience for when I down-size, some day.

[jrogers]

I have never heard of storing with the tank empty, but that does not mean it won't work. I always store full so I don't have a condensation issue. I run diesel, so I think I have less old fuel issues than with gasoline.