How often should I run my outboard engine on my boat that's parked in my driveway, when not in use regularly?

Question

I have a 21' 2004 Wellcraft V21 with a 150 Yamaha (outboard). I rarely use the boat. I know I don't want the fuel to stagnate. Should I run it once a week, bi-weekly - how long each time? 10, 15, 20 minutes?
Until I can sell it I want to keep the engine running smoothly.

Sorry guys - I am in South Florida - I use the ear muffs as well and run the water with the motor running for about 15 minutes a week in order to get the fuel through the motor (V6) - so far all of you have given great information, I really appreciate it. The fuel stabilizer is an excellent suggestion.

Answer 1

Good answers. Once a week be good, maybe 10 minutes and rev it up a little now and then. Get the ear muffs as they not expensive and easy to use.
http://lakesidecanvas.com/images/earmuffs_on.jpg
I would run it long enough to heat up good, this helps moisture to evaporate (Like condensation inside the cover etc.) so I guessing 10 minutes should be good. Keep a small amp charger to connect after running for about a day. 2 amp plenty. Running for 10-15 minutes may not fully charge your battery and over time it go down. Connecting a charger after running get it full up in a day, so, no need to connect 24/7, but that just my way and there others that all work.

Answer 2

fuel stabilizer is a good idea, just make sure you run it through the the carbs otherwise it does little good in keeping your engine running smoothly. i used a 13 gal. kitchen trash can full of water to run my little 6hp motor in... i cut a hole in the bottom side of the trash can and plugged it with a boat plug ( for draining after use ). you should run the engine at varied rpms... ( it's not specific ) to engage all running parts. I would do this at least every 30 days and it does hurt, if you think about it, to give the bulb a couple of good squeezes once a week or so to keep fresh fuel moving.

Answer 3

I have used many fuel stabilizers and find the best one is SEAFOAM. It not only stabilizes your fuel but helps clean motor and carbs or injectors. Fill your tank, add Seafoam and run motor for 10 to 20 min. You don't say where you live but if it is warm climate you need to do nothing else. In cold climate I would get a battery maintainer and keep it plugged in. You do not need to run it weekly but monthly would be fine.

Answer 4

Well you don't need to run it at all.
If you winterize it and stabilize the fuel and keep the battery topped up it should be ready to go at any time.
It does the motor more harm to run it for short periods than not runnning it for a long time.

Answer 5

If it is going to be setting for an extended length of time you should put stable in the gas tank and take the spark plugs out and squirt two cycle oil into the cylinders and turn the engine over a couple of times and put the plugs back in .

Answer 6

You can run it for a few seconds to pump the water out of the passages but, most outboards self drain when all of the way down out of the water. Running it dry risks melting the impeller that is the water pump.

Answer 7

How Often Should I Run

Answer 8

Hello. save yourself alot of time and go to any auto parts store. buy some sta-bole (gas additive)it will keep gas from gumming up.or better yet go to marine store and get water muffs thay hook on to garden hose to motor and keep motor from over heating. only 10. 00 for muffs&4.00 gas treatment.

Answer 9

add some fuel stablizer to your gas tank, and start once a week, use some muffs on a garden hose. you dont need to let it run too long. this will help keep you from having hard starts when you go to sell. also keep help keep your carbs cleaner.

Answer 10

You need to run it at least every 4-6 weeks if it is a two stroke. A four stroke is a little more forgiving.