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Title: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: h2ofowlr on September 27, 2015, 08:40:33 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: hollymaster on September 27, 2015, 08:55:06 AM
Tagging along.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 27, 2015, 08:58:07 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: Man Tracker on September 27, 2015, 09:05:43 AM
What were the negatives about using Seafoam?
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: Crunchy on September 27, 2015, 09:08:11 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 27, 2015, 09:09:12 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: h2ofowlr on September 27, 2015, 09:23:14 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: scottcrb on September 27, 2015, 09:38:38 AM
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.
:yeah:
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: jeepster on October 05, 2015, 10:45:28 PM
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
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: lokidog on October 05, 2015, 10:48:52 PM
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.   :chuckle:
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: cooltimber on October 05, 2015, 10:52:21 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: Whitpirate on October 05, 2015, 11:55:27 PM
Tagging.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: Stein on October 06, 2015, 08:00:08 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: huntnphool on October 06, 2015, 08:05:57 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: C-Money on October 06, 2015, 08:28:16 AM
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.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: PolarBear on October 06, 2015, 08:54:22 AM
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
:yeah: Spot on!  This is exactly how I have been doing it for 35 years and it sure saves a lot of headaches.  Like said above, make sure that all of the water is out of the pump and run the trim and tilt is all the way down to relieve pressure on the unit.  I have had great luck spraying Fluid Film in the carbs, cylinders and on the exposed electrical connection inside the motor cowling.  It really helps with corrosion.  Not many boats have them anymore but for some reason if you do have fiberglass fuel tanks NEVER use or leave ethanol fuel in them.  Ethanol will cause the resin to dissolve, separate and can destroy your motor.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: MADMAX on October 06, 2015, 09:26:04 AM
Seafoam and ethanol free from Cenex

 :twocents:
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: b23 on October 06, 2015, 12:58:28 PM
If you have a smart phone there is an app you can get called "pure gas" that'll tell you where nearly all the  places are to get non ethanol gas.

I'm in complete agreement with those that do not store there tanks, for extended time, full.  Unless it's in a air tight sealed or a positive pressure sealed system, it's venting out and your fuel is degrading and or drawing in moisture. 

My boat was always in our shop and I always capped off the vent.  It helped keep the fuel from degrading as well as kept my shop from smelling like gas.

Something to keep in mind with regard to pure gas vs blended fuel, it's not so much that blended fuel is bad but because it has alcohol in it, it draws moisture much more rapidly causing it to degrade faster than fuel that is not blended.  If you are buying your blended fuel from a source that sells a lot of fuel and always has "fresh" gas, you likely will not have any trouble. 

Also, alcohol blended fuel will act like a parts washer in your fuel system so if you've been running only pure gas then have to switch to running blended fuel, if you have any build up in your tank/s the blended fuel can give you fits because its knocking that stuff loose and sending it through your system.

I'd run your tanks as low as you can get them and add a little Stabil to what's left.  If you can run the system dry, even better.  Pull the plugs and fog the cylinders is never a bad idea if it's going to be sitting for awhile.
Title: Re: Outboard Motor treatment??
Post by: whitey on October 09, 2015, 12:43:48 PM
I will run my threw the winter. Plus Stabil is important if you use regular pump gas.
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