Outboard Motor treatment??

[h2ofowlr]

I wanted to see what the preferred winterization method for outboards and fuel.  Do most use stabil or use the SeaFoam stabilizers in there fuel when storing there boats???

I have used both, one may be a better option.

[hollymaster]

Tagging along.

[fishngamereaper]

If anything Marine Stabil...I used to use Seafoam but got chastised by a couple very reputable marine mechanics. Also Non ethanol fuel only. Keep the tank full so condensation cant accumulate.

[Man Tracker]

What were the negatives about using Seafoam?

[Crunchy]

I use non-ethanol fuel only.  Top the tank off. You could also pull each plug and squirt in a little oil and re-insert the plugs if you wanted to go a step further.

[fishngamereaper]

Seafoam is a decent treatment option for ethanol based fuels in older cars and trucks but used in conjunction with non-E fuel and outboard motors it actually has negative effects. Especially in newer outboards. It attracts water and can clog filters and gum the whole system up.

[h2ofowlr]

I didn't use ethanol free fuel as I was using it frequently unfortunately.  Higher grade Costco fuel.  May have to top it off with ethanol free fuel and run it after using stabil.

[scottcrb]

If anything Marine Stabil...I used to use Seafoam but got chastised by a couple very reputable marine mechanics. Also Non ethanol fuel only. Keep the tank full so condensation cant accumulate.

[jeepster]

The problem with storing any fuel with ethanol, is that eventually the ethanol will absorb condensation, alcohol and water mix, and when the alcohol is blended in the fuel, it will mix. Products like seafoam help stabilize the fuel, but even then, it will have a shelf life. The most important thing is to make sure your fuel likes are clear of the fuel, your llines and bowls empty. Even with a stabilizer like stabil, you can still get build up, and condensation. The proper way to store fuel is to top off your tanks. Seafoam is great because it breaks down the varnishes and carbon build up n your systems, and can help the fuel clean the inside of the motor, but personally, I like to drain my tanks (start my season on fresh fuel, no worries), run my motors on some good clean fresh fuel, get the engines warmed up, remove the fuel source, and let the engines consume whatever fuel is left in the system until the motor dies, and once out of fuel, spray fogging oil into the intake and cylinders while cranking the engine. Remove the battery, take it inside, and drain your lower unit, if you have an inboard, don't forget to pull the caps on your heat exchangers and coolers to remove all water capable of freezing and busting the ends on your coolers.... I also use a primary fuel water separator like a racor, I will have up to 3 fuel filters on a has engine

That's how I've done my boats before, now I have a 14 footer with a 50hp outboard, which gets used year round, so no winterizing for me anymore

[lokidog]

I would run the carb dry and then transfer the rest of the fuel to my truck, but then again, I've never winterized my boats as I use them year around.   

[cooltimber]

 

[Whitpirate]

Tagging.

[Stein]

I run non-ethanol exclusively with Stabil in every tank.  Once or twice a year I will run a tank with Seafoam in it.  I don't do anything for the winter as it doesn't sit for more than a month or so.

[huntnphool]

I run non-ethanol exclusively with Stabil in every tank.  Once or twice a year I will run a tank with Seafoam in it.  I don't do anything for the winter as it doesn't sit for more than a month or so.

 +1, try to only run ethanol free fuel, that will help a lot.

[C-Money]

Ethanol free is hard to come by where I live. Ephrata has some 89 octane that is advertised as ethanol free. Last time I went to Banks I filled up there. I will probably fill up there before I put the boat away for the winter. I use the marine Stabil every time I fuel up. I also disconnect the fuel line and run the gas out of the motor after each use. As far as winter storage, I crack the screws on the lower unit, to let any drops of water out. I turn the motor over a couple time with the starter hoping any water left in the cooling system will be pushed out. Top off the tank with marine Stabil. I always store with the motor down, hoping any remaining water drains out.