Storage and Injectors

[ticondo46]

Last summer, my brother took his Johnson 50 HP 4-stroke (actually, a Suzuki 3-cylinder under Johnny wraps) out of storage and put his boat in the water. The motor has only about 6 seasons on it (in salt water) and has been more or less professionally winterized every year. This time, hell broke loose. The thing started OK, but wouldn't take any RPM. Coughs and splutters etc. It turned out that the fuel injectors had seized up. Somebody goofed while refueling (this is a family boat, i.e. many people in the family use it but none does any real contribution to maintenance). There was about a cupful of salt water in last year's leftover ethanol-laced gas.

To cut a long story short, the mechanics at the yard managed to ressuscitate the three injectors by way of ultrasound cleaning and cleared the mess. That, plus new filters plus the installation of an in-line water/fuel separator, put the bill to around $500.

The question is:

-When putting the boat away for storage at the end of each season, is it better to add some two-stroke TCW-III to the fuel (like 50:1), run the thing for 10 minutes or so for this oily gas to reach the pump and injectors, and then turn off the engine?

-Or is it preferable to add stabilizer to the fuel? Does it have the same lubricating and corrosion-proofing qualities as TCW-III?

And, of course, we all agree that it's best to drain the gas tank completely. That's the best time to find out if some idiot has let it get soaked while refueling!

Thanks !

 

[robert graham]

Re: Storage and Injectors

A heavy dose of Stabil or Seafoam in that last tank of gas, and run the motor sufficient to circulate treated fuel through the injectors, and you should be good to go at start-up. I don't see how a bit of 2 stroke oil in that last tank of gas could hurt anything....maybe it would help some, but create some smoke at start-up? Good Luck!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Storage and Injectors

And an empty gas tank can result in more moisture buildup than a full one that has had a fuel system treatment like Stabil or SeaFoam added. As was pointed out, adding a fuel system treatment takes care fo the fuel but unless the engine is run long enough to get the treated fuel throughout the system it does nothing to protect the engine. No - do not add oil to the fuel. As for many family members using the boat -- someone needs to take the lead and instruct others how to properly care for this engine. 1) who is checking the engine oil? 2) How often is the oil being checked? 3) Does everyone know and understand what the various engine warning lights and sounds are? 4) who adds the fuel treatment and how often 5) Is the engine "making oil"? If you don't know that that means you are advised to find out as that can destroy a perfectly good motor. When nobody takes charge, nobody does any preventive maintenance and when something breaks everyone complains about the repair cost.

 

[99yam40]

Re: Storage and Injectors

The fuel/ water separator filter is a good thing to have but someone will have to check it on a regular bases to see if there is water and if some is found then the tank needs to be drained and cleaned to remove the rest of it out of the tank and lines.

Read owners manual and see what all Yamaha recommends for maintainance and then someone needs to be doing that.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Storage and Injectors

use a pint of sea foam in your gas (I assume you are using a 6 gallon gas tank, you can adjust the portion to whatever you have.) on the last tank before storage.

 

[Ldavidgrover]

Re: Storage and Injectors

Yamaha makes a EFI winterize oil like fogging oil that you add to a small tank and run for about 15 min until it starts to smoke. Its simple and a whole lot less then replacing the fuel system. Also use NON Ethenol fuel in your boat and it will save a lot of trouble in the long run

 

[ticondo46]

Re: Storage and Injectors

Thanks guys! Will do that!