Full or Empty - Winterization

redman · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:34 am Post subject: Full or Empty - Winterization

Am in the middle of getting C-Tour underway for the new season on the Potomac... cleaning the hull (1st time, thats another story), starting the engine with the "ear muffs", empying the water tank, etc.) Engine started just fine. At full choke, it kicked over quickly... and I backed off on the rpms.

To prep for winter, I filled both tanks and put in a bottle of stabil in each tank. About 2-3 days after I did this, there were a few posts on whether or not to store the boat with full or empty tanks. Had some concern that I made the wrong decision.

So, quick survey... for those that filled your tanks for winter storage:
a. Did you have trouble starting the engine the first time this season?
b. Would you store with full tanks again?

My answer:
a. No trouble.
b. Yes. Given all the articles written (Boat US/posts here) my take away is if you have clean tanks it is likely you won't have a problem with the Ethanol based fuel while in storage - If you use a stabilizer.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Mike on C-Tour.

Lucky Day · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:01 am Post subject:

Mike -
Just saying hello. I keep a CD-25 at James Creek in DC. Getting ready for my first season with her.

tsturm

Levity · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:35 am Post subject:

Mike,
For the winter layup, fuel tanks are filled but carbs are run dry then drained.
This is the fourth season and no problem with restart after winter layup.
Yes, next layup, the tanks will be topped, stabilzer added, and carbs emptied.

It is consistently recommended by knowledgeable persons that stabilizer be added at each fueling.

Although others do it successfully, I am not comfortable with emptying the fuel tanks annually. It sounds like a difficult job to do thoroughly, is messy, and due to the volitility of gasoline fumes, exceeds my risk tolerance.
Mike 'Levity'

tsturm · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:43 am Post subject:

Wefings · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:40 pm Post subject:

We have been using PRIG http://www.priproducts.com/ With good results . Very cost effective as well . I think West Marine carries it .
Marc

Hunkydory · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:40 pm Post subject:

Just finished our 4th full winter.

Twin Honda 40's. Each fall left with tanks full, recommended amount of stable, carburetors ran empty. Following spring motors have always started immediately and ran smooth. Do this with all winter stored motors and have never had a problem since starting this procedure. Learned my lesson years ago with a motorcycle. Cleaning the varnish out of the 3 carburetors was enough for me.

Jay

redman · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone for the feedback... Still going through the "1st time-itis", good to get the feedback from a knowledgeable group!

Lucky Day - You will enjoy James Creek... I was there the first season... nice folks that run that marina. See you on the water.

Mike on C-Tour.

localboy · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 2:00 pm Post subject:

The October 2010 issue of Boating Magazine had a one page article on winterizing rules for ethanol. They contacted Sta-Bil, Star-Brite Star-Tron, Evinrude & Yamaha. A synopsis in the order of the article:

Yamaha: "...we recommend our fuel stabilizer/conditioner be run through the entire fuel system, and then store the tank 7/8's full to leave room for expansion..."

Star-Brite & Sta-Bil: Both advised to store w/ it full [tank]. Their reasoning seemed purely based on local fire-marshall laws since it keeps volatile vapors/fumes from forming in tanks, which lowers the risk of fire.

Evinrude: "It's a debate that will never be settled. Different regions & regs do not allow a pat answer. Cold environments slow the deterioration process, while hotter climates accelerate the deterioration of fuel."

So there you have it. Not much help, but I figured WTH. To quote the author Randy Vance: "I guess that settles it. Or not."

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 2:52 pm Post subject:

My first tactic against ethanol is to not have it in my tanks. even here in the seattle area you can find gas stations with out ethanol. the Costco in mt Vernon does not have ethanol in their fuel. It's on the way back from the islands for many of us. so fill on the way home after your last trip. Look in your local are for non ethanol fuels. areas out side the cites with farm land is a good area to look as often these counties can sell non ethanol fuel. other then that i only fill the tank if i am not going to be using the boat for more then a month, which is seldom. if you live in a area that weather causes you to "put up " the boat I suggest you MOVE to a better part of the country. i love winter and skiing but only after I check my crap pots before heading to the slopes. Laughing

localboy · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject:

Well, I use whatever gas is close & "inexpensive" (of course, of late, that's a relative term Rolling Eyes

). We mainly fill up E10 @ Safeway or Fred Meyer as we get a "discount" on the fuel due to shopping and due to the volume, I'm confident the fuel is fresh and the station filters maintained etc.

I use blue Sta-bil RELIGIOUSLY and ALWAYS add the recommended amount per the label. For winter last yr I filled the tank w/ E10 and the Sta-bil. Boat was stored in mid-December & pulled in early May. Started right up and ran without a hiccup.

I'm doing the same this yr, although I'm not storing it anymore, but instead keeping it in the driveway. I'll be able to use it, weather permitting, but it will be covered by only our Angola cover.

ramos · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:31 pm Post subject:

Agree, full tank w/ blue Stabil. Around here, premium fuel is ethanol free. Tom, pardon me asking.... how often do you have to empty your' "crap" pots? Sounds like a mighty unpleasant job (sorry, could not resist).

matt_unique · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:29 pm Post subject: Fuel

Thus far I just add enough Sta-bil for the amount of fuel that happens to remain in my tank. No problems or hiccups as of yet.

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 4:49 pm Post subject:

again trying to type while talking on the phone while reading another computer screen. sorry for the mis type.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 5:59 pm Post subject:

Our recomendation is empty tanks, or as empty as possible. Run stabilizer / fogging oil cocktail through the fuel system.