Draining the tank

[sailor55330]

I have about a 1/2 tank and it’s time to winterize. Is there any good way to siphon the tank on the r series? My old boat had an access hatch that I could get to the sender unit and siphon.

I like to leave as little in the tank as possible for the long cold winters up here—7 months

Thanks

[Big Block Power]

Just leave it in there for me to burn up next year
Add stabil and your fine. Some fresh gas next year and go.

[Norris_Boating]

I thought you were supposed to leave the tank full and put fuel stabilizer in. Is that not accurate?

[Big Block Power]

I thought you were supposed to leave the tank full and put fuel stabilizer in. Is that not accurate?

In the old days with a metal tank. It helped keep the condensation and rusting away. Now the tanks are plastic. Run them down. So you can start off the next season with fresh gas.

[Silverbullet555]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Or, go out for an afternoon of WOT fun.

[tgrace98]

Yep I plan on leaving mine about 1/4th a tank with some Stabil in it. Then top it off in the spring.

[Ytmsn]

I guess I'm old school then. I fill that sucker to the brim and add stabilizer.

[cmattj]

Fill ? Don’t fill. All works ! BB is right as plastic tanks don’t humidify moisture as bad as metal.


I’m old school and fill it . Still a open system and ethanol is a water maker.
I use an additive that displaces water and call it done. Also helps with ethanol.

[Ytmsn]

Yeah, I'm not so sure plastic prevents condensation anyway. I know it helps a lot, but I also know I've found a tad of water in my red 5 gallon gas jugs from time to time if they're not full. Maybe it came from the underground tanks, and maybe it came from condensation?

Either way I still keep it full. Even after a weekend of use, I never let it get below half a tank before a fill-up, so it sits through the week with a full tank.

So Matt, knowofallthingsmechanicalguruyouare, do you think that stuff is any better than Sta-bil?

[sailor55330]

I always used non ethanol and a stabilizer and subscribed to the leave it full method. After having issues on 3 small engines and their carbs and my last boat, I startrd draining at the end and haven’t had an issue since. I think it’s because of the length of time in storage. My boat will be wibterized in the next 10 days and then not started till next May. Couple that with temps that can approach -30 and it’s tough. Most who have lived here all their lives seem to go with the draining method.

I don’t know what’s right or wrong, just what has seemed to work for me. I appreciate the insights

[cmattj]

So Matt, knowofallthingsmechanicalguruyouare, do you think that stuff is any better than Sta-bil?

I think they both work well. But with different intents. I’ve used the stabil for storage. Regardless of ethanol fuels , The moisture in these open systems still draw moisture when sitting.

But I’m using this brand this season to remove and maintain no water in fuel then I’ll store it with it blended.


Ever get that 1/4 tank strange surge sputter for a brief moment? Mostly in light acceleration at the beginning of the season?

That’s water.

I’ll take a fuel sample in March and we’ll see then.

I know I know the suspense..

[Ytmsn]

Ha! We need a holding our breath emoji!

[thunder550]

FWIW, the Merc service manual recommends storing the tank full, with no mention of tank material.

[Big Block Power]

FWIW, the Merc service manual recommends storing the tank full, with no mention of tank material.

What do they know
Just do what you always do that works for you.

[Big Block Power]

I have about a 1/2 tank and it’s time to winterize. Is there any good way to siphon the tank on the r series? My old boat had an access hatch that I could get to the sender unit and siphon.

I like to leave as little in the tank as possible for the long cold winters up here—7 months

Thanks

Sorry sailor I don't think any of us answered your real question. Oh I have no clue on the r series. Sorry. Lol
But I know on mine is under the rear seat in the middle under the carpet back there. I would check there or in the engine compartment just in front of that engine. Just a fair warning you might get a fuel smell after that. Lol