motor, gas questions

[Jim Cate]

As a new Mac26M owner, I have some basic questions regarding care and maintenance of the motor (in my case, a 50-hp 2-stroke Tohatsu). Due to work responsibilities, there may be times when I can't take the boat out for periods of two or three months at a time. - So, the boat is sitting in the storage yard, in the hot Texas sun, with the tank half filled with gas. Is it necessary to empty the tank and refill it with gas after letting the boat sit on its trailor for periods of two months, or three months, or or six months? Do I need to add some sort of stabilizer to the gas in such circumstances? Also, do most owners change the engine oil on a regular basis? The owners manual isn't all that clear, and any suggestions or tips on engine maintenance will be appreciated. Jim Cate

 

[Norm8527]

stabilizer

Gas starts to go bad after as little as a month. You should dump it if it's been longer than that just to be safe. Next time add some stabilizer and it should last a lot longer. Your 2-stroke doesn't have engine oil to change, 4-strokes do. But you should still change lower gear oil every year.

 

[Jim Cate]

Thanks

Thanks for the information. I suppose that I should bring one tank of fresh gas, and another in which to empty the old gas remaining in the tank on the boat. Jim

 

[Norm8527]

old gas

When my left over boat gas approaches a month old, I pour it into my truck so as not to waste it. But your gas has 2-stroke oil in it, or it should. Theres not much you can do other than find a way to get rid of it.