how often to start my motor?

[SirEnvy]

I havent been on the boat for about 3 weeks, been really busy. I was wondering how often I should start my motor? I've heard that starting the motor, and not taking it out to WOT, could be harmful. I use Marine Sta-bil, and I use Seafoam when I run the boat all day with fresh gas. I have an 1990 Johnson 175.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: how often to start my motor?

Started mine today after 8 mos. Fired right up with your precautions taken.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: how often to start my motor?

Practically speaking, starting a boat but not running it is not harmful, but it doesn't do as much good as running it, because running it burns off the oil where idling does not. Theoretically, if all you did was start it and not run it over and over you would get the same build-up as idling around without running it. PLus your battery doesn't get to recharge.

What is bad, is starting it and revving it in neutral instead of running it. Not only does that not serve to burn off the crud, you risk a run-away motor and other bad stuff. Maybe that's what you heard about. And I know that old cranky motors often need that revving.

Letting it sit for three weeks probably isn't going to matter. But I'll tell you otherwise if you need an alibi to go boating this weekend instead of doing yard work. Better to be sitting in front of an outboard than walking behind a lawn mower.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: how often to start my motor?

To have all internal parts remain constatly lubed specially crakshaft area, pistons, start engine frequently with muffs, barrel, flush adapter for a short run at idle speed or go for on water ride. Can you imagine the internal friction of a non winterized engine siting for 6 months and cranking near dry inside. Starting frequently avoids winterization issues in not ice cold wethers and countries and lessens oil gunk formation inside carbs specially when gasoline has evaporated.

Happy Boating