Hunter 216 fuel storage?

[Lee C - H31]

For those of you who keep your H-216 in a slip or on a mooring, what do you do with your gas tank when the boat is not in use? Two years ago I left it sitting in the cockpit, exposed to the weather. I had engine problems and am convinced it was due to fuel problems/breakdown. I don't want to leave it in the cuddy. Last year I hauled it to and from home every time I went sailing, but don't care to do that.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would suggest that you add fuel stabilizer to the fuel. Be sure to close the vent. Cover the tank with a light colored piece of canvas.

Always run the engine out of fuel after each use. Leaving fuel in the carb can cause varnish build up and clogging of the jets.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

You might think about how much gas you're keeping in the tank. We only use 2 to 3 gal. per season for our 5hp Nissan. A few years ago I bought a 1 gal. plastic gas can, which is enough to fill the outboard's internal tank about twice. That gives me a quick enough turn over in the gas can that I don't have any issues arising from old gas. It helps that the h23 has a fuel locker in the cockpit that provides some shade while allowing any fumes to escape through the cockpit drain. Good luck.
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[Paul Wash]

Re: Fuel Storage

Lee, are you talking about the gas "can" for the outboard or the fuel tank for the outboard? Regardless, there are a few things that may help...

I agree stabilizer is a must especially for these small horsepower outboards. The 4 stroke seem to be highly tempermental and sensitive to any inconsistencies in the fuel.

The way I understand it, the high ethanol content in the fuel has increased the fuel's propensity to attract moisture. Hence, attracting condensation - water condensating into the fuel. Water in the fuel is a bad thing. This causes really bizarre behavior in the performance of the engine. Sometimes everything is fine, other times you can't even start the motor.

So...based on this notion, there are a few things listed below that deter the engine problems:

1. Keep the fuel can in a controlled environment. I never store fuel with the boat more than 1 or 2 nights at the dock. I always bring this to a controlled environment. During the summer months the dewpoint is increased so the dips in high temps vs low temps is minimized. End result is condensation - if the fuel is out by the dock or even on the boat there is a greater chance for water condensation inside the can that you will pour into your motor.
2. I always top off the fuel in the motor's tank upon returning to dock. This has to do with #1. The way I figure it, if I minimize the space where water condensation can build up inside the motor fuel tank, then it will minimize the possibility of water buildup mixing with the fuel. The same applies if you are using a remote tank.
3. Treat with stabilizer. Enough said. The gvt prescribed ethanol increase in fuel has added some additional variables. Any fuel for a boat motor needs stabilizer or ethanol treatement of some sort. Diesel is another subject...
4. When not in use...Ensure the motor fuel line is always closed. Ensure the motor vent valve is closed. Carb based motors are very sensitive with changes in position and atomosphere. Restricting any unintended access through the vent or fuel line minimizes your chance for engine problems and restricts the introduction of water or condensation.
5. Movement and transport of the motor...Always transport the motor tiller side down - double check your manufacturer's recommendation...

HTH...

Paul.

 

[Clark]

I'd like to offer a couple of tips since I've owned several OB powered sailboats. One of my previous boats was a Cal 25 that had no "good" place for the portable tank. One week, I thought it would be smart to close the tank vent - the one in the fill cap. Well, the next weekend, I discovered that the temperature fluctuations between day and night had pumped the gasoline out of the tank, into the cockpit and out the drains. Ugh! I had the tank covered and in a part of the cockpit that stayed in the shade but the daytime temps increased tank pressure and forced the gas out the fitting (seal may have been weak - the setup had a number of years on it). At night it cooled down and the next day it started all over again. If you leave the tank in the cockpit (light-colored cover is good idea), leave the vent open; it'll not draw in enough moisture to be a worry, especially if you use an additive made for gas with 10-15% ethanol.

 

[Lee C - H31]

Thanks for your input.

NM