Do you fill your fuel tank during storage?
- Thread starter JWS
- Start date
markfarley
Crew Member
I drain mine and burn it in my truck. Fresh fuel in the spring.
trophywife
Crew Member
fill to the brim, stabilizer and run some through the motors. add octane boost in the spring. run it down a quarter tank and fill.
Rayvon
Well-Known Member
I did all of the above.Filled it and added stabil and seafoam.Then drilled a hole through a bulkhead for bilge and hit the fuel tank,it was emptying in a hurry so I stuffed a rag in the hole to slow it down as it filled the bilge.Ran to Sherwood and Barry gave me a 45 Gal. tank and I emptied the tank.Remove tank cover,fwd.bulkhead,foam ,tank,more foam.Now have new stringers in to support tank,will have tank repaired and reinstalled with no foam this time. Just my regular winter routine,GGRRRR.
Whole in the Water
Well-Known Member
When winterizing I fill it full and add fuel stabilizer, octane booster and some methyl hydrate. Run it for a while and check the fuel separator for any water then check it again when I run it again in the spring. Done it for years, works well.
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I have both an on deck tank and below deck tank. The on deck tank collects water, albeit slowly. Took ~ 1/2L out this season after 6 years. I assume from condensation. The below deck tank doesn't have the same issue. Figure I'll probably just pump any accumulated water out every few years and try to keep the tank full.
Fuel stabilizer won't do anything for condensation. It can be important, but not water related. My kicker (2017 merc 9.9) hardly runs if I don't get stabilizer in it at the end of the season. Have to clean the carb to get it running properly the next year.
Fuel stabilizer won't do anything for condensation. It can be important, but not water related. My kicker (2017 merc 9.9) hardly runs if I don't get stabilizer in it at the end of the season. Have to clean the carb to get it running properly the next year.
Aces
Well-Known Member
Correct
No need to fill, but what if its mostly empty? Which is how I have left mine so far this winter, first with this new to me boat. Had motors fogged and winterized, and fuel stabilizer is in the tank but tank is probably 1/4 full at most currently. Partly because I intend to redo my bilge pumps and hoses this winter, and I will need to pull my tank to do so.
pescador
Well-Known Member
I leave mine at 1/4 of a tank usually.
Sea Chaser
Crew Member
What do you do with your gas during winter boat storage?
Curious what everyone does with their "extra" gas when they put the boat away for the winter. I'm running an outboard with two external/above deck gas tanks and have a fair bit of gas left in both tanks. Is it preferable to use the gas into my car? ...or maybe add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel...
sportfishingbc.com
Foxsea
Well-Known Member
Suppliers say gasoline is fine in the tank for up to six months. I don't have my boat stored that long. Condensation in the tank can only occur if there is an air exchange. At stable, indoor winter storage temperatures, that is minimal or zero if you tape over the tank vent. Just remove the tape before launching.
Fogging the engine is likely worthwhile before an extended storage. You could also run a 2 stroke mix for a few minutes into a 4 stroke engine for added cylinder protection.
Fogging the engine is likely worthwhile before an extended storage. You could also run a 2 stroke mix for a few minutes into a 4 stroke engine for added cylinder protection.
ab1752
Crew Member
What are you using for stabilizer? Stabil? I usually don't to anything much at all either as I run the boat often during winter but at the same time, stabilizer seems logical to me. I had my tank "polished" dockside this season and they inspected it, said it was super clean and not much junk inside at all. Clearly, nothing to do with my diligence haha
Aces
Well-Known Member
Pretty sure that’s the stuff. Previously I used the Quicksilver brand for over 30 years as that’s all that was available over there
