if it is best to run the carbs dry, or to keep fuel in the engine and pump the fuel ball everyone few weeks if not in use… Does anyone know what is best for keeping the carbs clean? any outboard mechanics on here?
Two schools of thought and it’s a good question. Conventional wisdom is to run the carbs dry, and from experience that works pretty good in an old or conventional type engine. The problem we avoid with this approach is the gum left in a carb when fuel evaporates since it doesn’t evaporate clean. The problem we potentially create is a dry carb can corrode internally. Another potential problem is that an oil injected engine may cause a problem by injecting oil while the engine is running out of fuel.
I’ve tried the squeeze the bulb route myself with pretty good results as well. The problem is remembering to do it often enough for it to be effective. There is also the issue of the fuel progressively getting worse and worse in the carb, but that’s going to take a while.
I suppose, bottom line, it’s up to the individual. Either way is better than leaving untreated fuel in the carbs too long, which brings up the third option; adding fuel stabilizer. That works pretty good too.
In the boating industry for over thirty years.
Give Chris V a call.Advertisement at the top of page…Charleston Marine 843-225-BOAT.Between Tom and Chris you should get an answer.
Double D.
Best possible solution is to put that sucker in the water and run it every day!!!
Slap the flush kit on and run it for 5-10 minutes once a week or so. All engine parts need the exercise otherwise they’ll get lazy when you really need them.
Sea Fox 187CC
i try to run them 15-20 mins every 4wks when not otherwise being run.
jan