Should I run engine dry after use?

skyemutt · 23 August 2013, 12:41

Hi

Thanks everyone for answering my earlier questions - I'm learning a lot from this forum and really appreciate your help!

I have another quick question that I'd like your opinion on...

Should I empty my engine of fuel (a 2006 15hp Mariner 2 stroke) after each use by disconnecting the fuel supply and running the engine until it stalls? The guy I bought the engine from recommended that I do this however I've read one or two threads elsewhere that suggest this could do damage to the engine?

The engine needs to be transported, on it's side, in the boot of my car before and after each use so emptying the fuel from it seems to make sense to me (as wouldn't I run the risk of petrol leaking into my boot otherwise?).

Just wanted to check whether this would do any damage to the engine??

Thanks in advance!

Ian

Sunstreaker · 23 August 2013, 12:57

After spending the summer going to and fro with same engine to an engineer and being told all its problems were due to problems with old fuel in carbs, even after being cleaned,The advice I received was to disconnect and run and empty as much fuel from the carb as possible to prevent varnishing and gunge in jets. Although it does seems to be the default answer to many two stroke starting and running problems. If it does any good do it as you don't want a wasted summer like me.

paddlers · 23 August 2013, 13:05

ALWAYS run mine dry, never had a problem ! (2003 15hp Mercury 2 stroke).

Welcome, I hope you like dry humour.......

whisper · 23 August 2013, 13:43

It's a good idea to empty the carbs after use, however I don't know if running it lean on fuel for that short period would damage the engine.

Some engines have a drain tap but not many, although you might be able to fit one

May be the 15hp rnli engines have a drain?

uncle al · 23 August 2013, 14:07

I used to just run them dry in the test tank, and drain the carb and fuel line/s

Fenlander · 23 August 2013, 14:55

And the other side of the coin.... for 40yrs plus I've never bothered to run one dry and I've not suffered starting issues over a whole load of makes/sizes.

jyasaki · 23 August 2013, 14:56

If you have a dry-break fuel connector (the kind with the pin and ball on both sides), disconnecting and running til it dies won't do much. It'll die when a vacuum forms in the fuel line, rather than when the float bowls go dry.

jky

m chappelow · 23 August 2013, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

If you have a dry-break fuel connector (the kind with the pin and ball on both sides), disconnecting and running til it dies won't do much. It'll die when a vacuum forms in the fuel line, rather than when the float bowls go dry.

jky

I usually push a plastic golf tee in the end to stop the air lock .

The Gurnard · 23 August 2013, 16:57

I run my engines until they stall..when Im home and flushing them in the water tub. Two generations of my family have done this.. with no ill effects.

I generally strip the carbs during winter storage and have never found any signs of two stroke oil varnish or gunk in them.

However ... I often have the smell of petrol in my car though..but as I dont smoke any more ..it doesn't really bother me :-D

Nick Hearne · 23 August 2013, 17:18

I have always done this too, never had a problem from it!

frankc · 23 August 2013, 18:27

We had a 150 HP with a permanent gas tank which was not rigged to run the fuel out of the carbs. It only cost us six pistons, rods, assorted bearings and gaskets, etc when the jet got gummed up.

thomas · 23 August 2013, 19:44

I've never run my car dry and never had a problem so never even considered running the outboard dry.

The only time I would is if I had a portable one, wanted to stick it I'm the car and didn't want fuel all over the boot.

IanH · 23 August 2013, 19:57

I don't have the luxury of running dry or flushing immediately after use. But when I flush at home, possibly 2 weeks later, I always run it dry as its probably not going to be run for some time. Always surprised how long engine will run after disconnection - probably 5 minutes or more.

ShinyShoe · 23 August 2013, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas

I've never run my car dry and never had a problem so never even considered running the outboard dry.

The only time I would is if I had a portable one, wanted to stick it I'm the car and didn't want fuel all over the boot.

But how often do you run your car on two stroke and how often do you park your car up for weeks on end letting the petrol evapourate out and leaving the gunk behind...

Bigtalljv · 23 August 2013, 20:57

I was told to do this when I purchased a new Honda 90 4 stroke back in 2001. I was told to just let it idle, no reving, and then crack the drains on the bowls. Did it regularly for 12 years without any issues. Only time I had a problem was when I forgot to before a period of non use but $400 and a good ultrasonic cleaning later they were fine....

jason

cptsideways · 23 August 2013, 21:05

I would not suggest to do it if you use your engine frequently, but putting it away for winter it would be a good idea.

tehguy · 23 August 2013, 22:14

Always run mine dry when flushing in the fresh water tank

frankc · 24 August 2013, 01:16

IF I had run the 150 HP as often as I drive a car, there would be no need to run the fuel out of the carbs.

Years ago, an 85 HP had a jet plug, and we were able to run it at slower sped with the manual choke engaged until we could pull the boat out of the water. When I pulled the jets, they looked clear, but when air pressure was applied, a thick, clear gel blew out of the jet. The high speed jet was completely plugged.

If you feel it is not worth the time to run the fuel out, please go ahead and do that with my blessings. A rebuild may be in your future, but it is only money. The best way to learn is to pay money for experience.

Davidlan · 25 August 2013, 08:54

Hi,
Is this a 2 stroke engine issue only or should I be doing this with my BF20 4-stroke as well?

Davie · 25 August 2013, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

If you have a dry-break fuel connector (the kind with the pin and ball on both sides), disconnecting and running til it dies won't do much. It'll die when a vacuum forms in the fuel line, rather than when the float bowls go dry.

jky

Why would it stop?

Not that very long ago there was a Mariner rep who run his Mastercraft dry and forgot to switch off the ignition when the engine stopped. I seem to remember the clock added approx 600 hours before the battery went dead. I would never name him on an internet forum.....