Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

[Bearcamp]

Should you run all the fuel out of the carburetor when done for the day? Say if you run like every other week.

 

[AndyL]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

I would not like to say you should, but I always do and have never experienced fuel related problems. Maybe coincidence but that is just my viewpoint.

 

[ob]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

If this is a two-stroke you're talking about the answer is negative.Not a bad idea to drain carb bowls when stored for a spell,however,running the engine dry is not recommended as it starves cylinders of lubrication before stalling.In time it will show its effects.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

This is an interesting subject, and I think that when you turn the motor off, the last induction/exhaust sequence will have some mixture left in the cylinder, whether you run it dry or not. I always run it out of fuel to avoid residue being left in the carbs, but I also start and idle the motor every couple of weeks (run it out each time) to keep it lubricated. As it's cold an wet here at the moment, the periodic running of the motor has a bit of oil dripping from the exhaust after a few days, so I know that it's getting lubricated.

 

[JB]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

Hi, BC.<br /><br />Theory says don't do it. <br /><br />Many do anyway and claim no problems. Well, none that they connect to running cylinders dry, anyway.<br /><br />It is probably safe on a single carb engine, but definitely not on a multi-carb engine.<br /><br />OB's recommendation is probably the best advice you will get.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

Well my Merc is an early 80's model and as far as I know it's always been run dry before storage.<br />It still seems to be running OK, so guess it doesn't hurt.<br />Long term damage, for me would be better than trying to get at those 2 carbs a couple of times a year ... I'm told that they take about an hour to remove.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

I run mine allmost dry. I run it for a while (usually flushing the salt out of her), until I hear a slight change in RPM. Sometimes, it will be a slight INCREASE in RPM, and others, a slight mis, or stumble. The carbs are close to dry at that point. <br />But no fuel, no lube for sure.I'd never let it run completely dry.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

I've got multi carbs and don't run 'um dry. If it's going to be setting for a week or so, I'll pump the bulb a couple of times every day or so and keep the carb bowls full of fuel so they don't dry up and get all gummy. <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[papasage]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

i never run my carbs dry . it will take a long time for the carbs to dry out . i will go fishing befor that . you cant run all the gass out . that litlebit you leave will dry up in a week . that will leave a little varnish in thim . that is wors than leaving thim full. that is a personal prefrence leave it or not have tried it both ways . i will leave it in the carbs.papasage

 

[wayne h]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

papasage is right i never run them "dry". <br />i also use a fuel stabilizer in my tanks

 

[Bearcamp]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

The reason I asked is I've heard of doing it either way. But from experience with a street rod I had.............It had the 2 Holleys and if I left it set for 2,3 months without starting it, it would dry up the gaskets so bad that they needed replaced. Which I thought might be the same problem here. Also if you run it til it runs out of fuel, how is it running without lubrication? It gets oiled until it shuts off. Right? I guess different people do it different ways and either seem to work. I'd just like to thank everyone for their posts on this subject.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

If you run a vro model dry, would it not continue<br />to pump oil into the carbs while running out of <br />fuel.And increase the chance of fouling your <br />carbs by having a rich oil deposit left in the<br />carbs?

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

That's what I said bearcamp.. I have a pre-owned Merc 50 4 cyl and the prev owner said he always runs it out. He bought the boat from his uncle and they have owned it since the 80s. He gave me most of the service records and receipts and I see no evidence of damage. This motor is 20 years old and has had no major work done.<br />Suppose it's a personal preference. I have a chainsaw with a 2 stroke which sits around all year with no fuel in it. I fire it up and it goes every time. Not much difference.

 

[troublemakerboater]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

You probably wouldn't hurt your engine running dry for a quick period of time, you may feel better after watching this video of running your engine dry.

 

[troublemakerboater]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

Whoops, forgot the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsCCPUUXbGE

 

[JustJason]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

You just replied to a 7 year old post, hopefully the original poster found his answer by now!

 

[380voltz]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

well ... respect and thx to the guy made that video ... myth buster

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Should you or shouldn't you run outboard dry.

I vote for dry for everything except DFI closed systems....It should be dry for them as well, but people would freak out if they had to go to the trouble to bleed the fuel system with each use.