Gas in fuel line to outboard

Discussion in 'Outboards' started by Raptor88, May 2, 2022.

  1. Raptor88
    Joined: Apr 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 4, Points: 8
    Location: Hawaii

    Raptor88 Junior Member

    Have a new outboard motor. When the fuel line from the gas tank to the outboard is disconnected, there's left over gas in it. Does everyone just store it as is or is there a procedure to drain the gas from the fuel line? If drain, how is it done?
     
  2. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
    Posts: 1,851
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    Barry Senior Member

    Should be a check valve in the fuel line where the connecter pushes into the motor. When you push the connector in, you push the spring loaded ball off its seat to permit fuel flow. I am assuming that you have a remote removable fuel
    tank, otherwise you would not be disconnecting the fuel line?
     
  3. Raptor88
    Joined: Apr 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 4, Points: 8
    Location: Hawaii

    Raptor88 Junior Member

    Yes, the gas tank is separate from the outboard.
    So do folks push the the two check valves in, (I assume there's one on both ends of the fuel line), and then drain the gas out of the line if the next outing may be a week or month later?
     
  4. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
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    Barry Senior Member

    I have never seen anyone drain the fuel out even over 6 or 7 months of winter. I would not worry about it for even up to 8 month of no use. If you knew ahead of time that you were going that long without using the motor, you
    would more than likely run a fuel stabilizer in the tank and that would end up in the hose, engine etc
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2022
    fallguy likes this.
  5. Raptor88
    Joined: Apr 2021
    Posts: 49
    Likes: 4, Points: 8
    Location: Hawaii

    Raptor88 Junior Member

    Good to know what the norm is for handling the gas in the fuel line.

    I've been buying non-ethanol gas and add STA-BIL for all of my gas containers that I use for our generator, lawnmower, weed wacker and leaf blower. I'll do the same for the outboard motor.

    Thanks for the help.
     
  6. Paler
    Joined: Apr 2022
    Posts: 6
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Panamá

    Paler Junior Member

    I sometimes go 2-3 months without using my boat and have never drained the lines... never had a problem.

    Assuming its a 4 stroke, gas would remain in the VST, injector filter and fuel rail regardless if the line is drained.

    Water accumulation due to condensation is usually a problem at the tanks, particularly alloy tanks.
     

  7. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    Fuel in the fuel line? The current fuel lines are made to be very resistant to permeation and to all the additives and solvents in current gas formulations, so you really don't need to worry about the hose being damaged. They have check valves built in that prevent the fuel from leaking out. I have never drained mine. I just disconnect it and coil it up. I leave one end attached to the tank.
     
    hoytedow likes this.
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