Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

[Beeg31]

I winterized our 2006 Glastron bowrider, Volvo Penta 4.3 litre, last fall 2011.We haven't had time to take the boat out. Now in Colorado, the summer is dwindling fast, and there may not be much time left. The engine and gear oil were changed out last fall, fuel stabilizer added, fogged the carb, pulled all plugs to drain the block, manifolds, etc. during the winterization process.

Would you be comfortable just leaving the boat winterized as is until next spring? Or one thought I had, even if I don't put the boat on the water, to put the plugs back in, attach the earmuffs and at least start it up, flush some water through it. Then not necessarily change the oil again, but add some more fuel stabilizer when running, then pull the plugs again to drain the water, fog the motor and dream of next spring. The gas going bad is one of my main concerns and whether I should just siphon it all out or if it will last for 12+ months with some added fuel stabalizer.

Thanks for the time. -Brian

- I'll add that I've checked on the boat and it's covered well. Also this winter it will be stored in a garage so the interior and exterior is fine and cared for. It's just the lack of use on the motor that I'm questioning.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

Should be fine. If you decide to add more stabilizer pull it for a few miles to mix it up in the tank.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

You may be stretching the fuel stability issue to the limits! Most say only good for 12 months. Startron claims it works for 24 months. I've not tested that!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

I am in the same situation doe to knee surgery. My boat is remaining in storage. The biggest cost is going to be replacing the gas. I would not even consider trying to save the fuel unless there was a way to drain it now and use it up in my lawnmowers etc.

It is a small price to pay but worth it.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

Concur, the gas is your only issue, the rest of the engine can sit for a ong time and not be hurt but the gas will go bad for sure, drain it or maso of it and you will be fine.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

I also agree that the fuel is your only issue. I recently got my R1150GSA running after it had sat for over two years. And it sat with a full 35l tank with no stabilizer. The bike fired right up and maybe I got lucky with the fuel.

 

[Beeg31]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

Thanks for replies. Sounds about what I was thinking.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

My son's boat was winterized properly, except that he forgot to fill the tank so it had only 1/2 tank full. The following year he got sick and didnt use it, so I added 1/4 tank of 89 octane plus the right amount of stabilizer for that amount, then ran the engine on the hose for a few minutes. Re-drained the water and fogged again. This year filed the tank up and it started in 2 seconds and ran like a top.

That's all with E-10 and garage storing.

 

[Leardriver]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

There's an entire month of summer left. Winterizing isn't that tough. I would use the thing!

If not, bump the starter to move the parts around.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

in addition to your fuel probably going bad (stabil can only do so much) your going to want to at least crank the engine over a bit - valve springs can take a set after long storage naps, plus circulating some oil helps a lot.

 

[bgc]

Re: Ok to leave winterized for 12+ months?

Agreeing with the others about the fuel

Just make sure the boat is ventilated, condensation damage from long term storage is a PITA.