Shut-off valve in fuel line: does it work w/o causing problems?

[kippstakes]

Thinking about installing a valve in my fuel line on my 85hp Johnson outboard. It's a standard line feeding standard carbs. It would be nice to have a convenient way to switch off gas flow at the dock and run my carbs dry (without having to unhook the main plug and wear out the seal).
The question is, will installing a valve that will close off one end of a vacuumed line cause seizure in fuel flow between the valve and the carbs? In other words, will the carbs still be able to burn off the gas in their bowls with the valve closed?
Thank you

 

[Tim Frank]

Not sure what you are trying to accomplish, but I've never found that the carb runs dry doing this....you just get to a point where there is not enough fuel in the bowl for the engine to run. The way you are proposing to do this IMO will result in even more residual fuel.

One school of thought that you see in here is that multi-carbs will not necessarily run down at the same rate and you'll have one or more cylinders running lean....with the accompanying lack of oil and potential damage. (I'd think the time that the engine might be exposed to this would be so short that it is no big deal, but OTOH, why chance it?)

 

[kbait]

Your carbs likely have drain plug on each. Just empty 'em out before storage. No need to empty carbs during boating season. Agree w/above poster about running multiple carbs dry.. could be inviting other issues.

Good luck!

 

[kippstakes]

Perfect. Just the advice I was looking for. Think I will cancel the plan and just let her ride.
Thanks, guys.