Ameer Randolph
Winterizing outboard engines is an important process to ensure the longevity of your boat's engine. One of the key steps in this process is disconnecting the fuel line, but it is important to do this correctly to avoid damaging the engine. In this article, we will explore the reasons why disconnecting the fuel line is necessary, as well as the correct procedure to follow to ensure a smooth and effective winterization process for your outboard engine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should I disconnect the fuel line? | Yes, but only from the front of the engine. |
| When should I disconnect the fuel line? | While the engine is still running. |
| Why should I disconnect the fuel line? | To prevent gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline and clogging lines and jets or injectors. |
| What happens if I don't disconnect the fuel line? | Oil will fill the fuel lines, making it impossible to start the engine. |
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What You'll Learn
How to disconnect the fuel line
It is recommended to disconnect the fuel line from the engine when winterizing an outboard. This is to prevent gasoline from being left sitting in the fuel line over the winter, which can cause gums to form and clog lines and jets or injectors.
To disconnect the fuel line, first, start the engine. Then, disconnect the fuel line from the front of the engine only. Do not disconnect the fuel line on an oil-injected 2-stroke engine and then run it out of gas, as this will fill the fuel lines with oil, making it difficult to start the engine in the spring.
Once the fuel line is disconnected, bring the engine to 1300 rpm and spray about 8oz in the carburetor bores. As the engine dies due to lack of fuel, spray the remaining 2 oz in the carburetor bores. This will ensure that the fuel delivery components are empty, preventing any potential issues with gum formation or clogged lines.
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Where to disconnect the fuel line
It is recommended that you disconnect the fuel line from the front of the engine only. This will allow the engine to die and prevent gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline, which could clog lines and jets or injectors.
It is important to note that you should not disconnect the fuel line on an oil-injected 2-stroke engine and then run it out of gas. This is because, as the gas is running out, oil is still pumping full tilt. This will fill the fuel lines with oil and, when you pump the primer bulb in the spring, the oil will go into the carbs first and settle at the bottom of the bowls. Although this doesn't harm anything, it makes it almost impossible to start the engine.
To disconnect the fuel line, first, start the engine, then go to 1300 rpm and spray about 8oz in the carburetor bores. As the engine dies due to lack of fuel, spray the remaining 2 oz in the carburetor bores.
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What to do after disconnecting the fuel line
It is recommended to disconnect the fuel line from the engine while it is still running. This will cause the engine to die, and you can then spray fogging material into the carburetor bores. This process prevents gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline and clogging lines and jets or injectors.
After disconnecting the fuel line, it is important to take the following steps:
- Ensure that the engine has completely died before proceeding.
- Spray the remaining fogging material or stabilised fuel into the carburetor bores.
- If you have an oil-injected 2-stroke engine, do not disconnect the fuel line and then run it out of gas. This will fill the fuel lines with oil, making it difficult to start the engine in the spring.
- If you have a quick disconnect feature, use it to disconnect the fuel line.
- Flush the motor with freshwater after each use, or at a minimum, before winterising the boat.
- Empty the fuel out of the lines and carburetor to prevent gasoline, especially ethanol-blend gasoline, from sitting in the fuel line over the winter.
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Why you shouldn't disconnect the fuel line on an oil-injected 2-stroke
It is not recommended to disconnect the fuel line on an oil-injected 2-stroke engine and then run it out of gas. This is because, as the gas is running out, oil is still pumping at full capacity. This fills the fuel lines with oil as there is no gas being pumped for it to mix with. When you pump the primer bulb in the spring, the oil in the lines goes into the carbs first and settles at the bottom of the bowls. This doesn't harm anything, but it makes it almost impossible to start the engine.
To winterize an outboard engine, it is recommended to first flush the motor with freshwater. Then, while the engine is still running, disconnect the fuel line from the engine. This will empty the fuel delivery components, preventing gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline and clogging lines and jets or injectors. It is important to note that you should only disconnect the fuel line from the front of the engine.
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How to empty the fuel line
It is recommended to empty the fuel line when winterizing an outboard engine. This is to prevent gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline and clogging lines and jets or injectors.
To empty the fuel line, first start the engine. Then, disconnect the fuel line from the front of the engine. The engine will then die, and the fuel delivery components will be empty.
It is important to note that you should not disconnect the fuel line on an oil-injected 2-stroke engine and then run it out of gas. This is because, as the gas is running out, oil is still pumping full tilt. This fills the fuel lines with oil, and when you pump the primer bulb in the spring, the oil in the lines goes into the carbs first and settles at the bottom of the bowls. While this does not cause any harm, it makes it nearly impossible to start the engine.
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Frequently asked questions
You should disconnect the fuel line from the engine while it is still running. This will cause the engine to die, and you can then spray a fogging material into the carburetor bores.
Disconnecting the fuel line will prevent gums from forming in the stagnant gasoline and clogging lines and jets or injectors.
You should disconnect the fuel line from the front of the engine only.
As the gas is running out, oil is still pumping full tilt. That fills the fuel lines with oil and when you pump the primer bulb in the spring, the oil in the lines goes into the carbs first and settles to the bottoms of the bowls. It doesn't harm anything, but it's about impossible to start them.
After disconnecting the fuel line, you should start the engine and go to 1300 rpm. You can then spray about 8oz in the carburetor bores and then, as it dies, spray the remaining 2 oz in the carburetor bores.
