How long between fire ups

[T_Herrod]

I know that letting an engine remain idle for a long period of time is not a good thing. I haven't used my boat in 5 weeks now. Should i put it on the muffs and let it run for a couple of minutes? I'm sure i'll be using it again before putting it away for the winter so i was just wondering how long it can set before i'm looking at possible problems.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: How long between fire ups

once every few months is fine.

if it sits too long and you have E10 fuel, the fuel starts to break down. the other issue with engines when they sit for long times is the valves that are held open can have the springs take a set.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How long between fire ups

It'll be fine, people let boats and cars sit for 6 months every year and then pull them out and use them.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How long between fire ups

It'll be fine, people let boats and cars sit for 6 months every year and then pull them out and use them.

Have to agree with this one.

 

[81_chapparel194]

Re: How long between fire ups

if it makes you feel better apply stabil in yourfuel tank and run boat for a few minutes to allow flow to the carbs and disconnect fuel line and allow engine to run out of gas.. no gas in carbs it cant gel up and clog small jets.. but if you have an inboard it may be difficult to do.. if its fuel injected no worries just use stabil in fuel tank to stabilize fuel.. when i winterize my motorcycles or lawn mower (any small engine i let the carbs sit empty no issues so far
just dont let fuel tank sit empty.. try to keep full less moisture intrusion that way and tank wont corrode.

 

[5150abf]

Re: How long between fire ups

Concur, 5 weeks isn't a problem, get stabil in it for sure and start it is you have the time and let it get to full operating temp.

 

[pmillar]

Re: How long between fire ups

If you do fire it up at least let it run long enough to fully warm up (4 stroke engine). You want the oil to get warmed up enough to burn off any condensation inside the case.

 

[ricohman]

Re: How long between fire ups

If you do fire it up at least let it run long enough to fully warm up (4 stroke engine). You want the oil to get warmed up enough to burn off any condensation inside the case.

It can take 20 minutes of driving in a vehicle to bring the oil up to temp. I would think that it could take a very long time to bring the oil up to operating temp in an i/o on muffs.
Of course if the OP has a two stroke outboard this isn't even a concern.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: How long between fire ups

You guys have any lakes left in Iowa?

 

[1ArmBandit]

Re: How long between fire ups

You guys have any lakes left in Iowa?

who needs lakes when we have the mississippi??

 

[bonz_d]

Re: How long between fire ups

If this is a 2 stroke do not run it out of fuel. Could scorch a cylinder, break a ring.

 

[bgc]

Re: How long between fire ups

DON'T run any system treated with Stabil run dry.
You will be fine letting it sit. If you do run her, run her lone enough to get her up to temp.
I keep fogging oil on each boat. If I know it's not going out again soon I fog it.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How long between fire ups

Go ahead and fire it up and let it come up to operating temp... you'll feel better just listening to it run.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: How long between fire ups

I have been running my 2 strokes dry of fuel since 1970 , and never have had any ill effects , and it was the recomended thing to do for may years , and still is.

 

[Cajun Captain]

Re: How long between fire ups

I was going to say the same thing. I've ran the fuel out of my engines for years. During the winter if I'm not going to get the boat in the water, I'll put some fuel stabilizer in the tank until spring.

 

[5150abf]

Re: How long between fire ups

The problem with running it dry is you don't really run it dry.

There will always be some gas left in the carb and unless you are getting ready to store it for a long period there is no reason to run it dry at all but this is like the Chevy/Ford or Harley/Honda debate, I really don't think thre is a right answer and nothing I or anyone else says is going to change your minds so carry on.

I personally drain my carb once at the end of the year and I do it with the drain plug on the float bowl.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: How long between fire ups

You guys have any lakes left in Iowa?

Our lakes are getting plenty shallow.Thanks for all the advice i think i'll put some stabil in it today and let it run for a few minutes.

 

[Maxum21]

Re: How long between fire ups

its so easy to run a motor on muffs for a few minutes every other week so why not. it seems motors that are run on a consistant basis have longer life spans and need less repairs along the way. just my opinion.

 

[mommicked]

Re: How long between fire ups

I try to run my carbed, 4 stroke about once a month for 10 mins. when I can't take it out on the water. It seems to take longer to start and idle smoothly if I go 2 months wo cranking.

 

[JEBar]

Re: How long between fire ups

I have been running my 2 strokes dry of fuel since 1970 , and never have had any ill effects , and it was the recomended thing to do for may years , and still is.

same here ... well except the 1970 part, I've done so since the 60's .... have never owned a 4-stroke outboard so I have no clue about them

Jim