Unexpected long term storage

[T/O]

I'm down with major back issues that will require surgery and might be laid up for 3 to 6 months. I have a pontoon with a 1 year old Mercury 90HP 4 stroke the boat is stored outside at lake Pleasant just outside Phoenix. It has about 1/4 tank of 87 ethenol fuel in it maybe 8-12gal it's been sitting about a month currently. When I can get it back on the water I was going to start filling it with the non ethanol at the marina, but can't for a while. Any suggestions on what to do with it before I run it for the first time after I recover? Drain it? Just run it to the fuel station at the marina? It does currently have stabilizer in it. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you can drain the fuel, do so

 

[roffey]

why not use fuel stabilizer and just run the motor for a bit? Or even better take it out for a little ride before putting it away.

 

[JASinIL2006]

why not use fuel stabilizer and just run the motor for a bit? Or even better take it out for a little ride before putting it away.

I agree. I would not worry about a 3-6 month layup, especially if you use a stabilizer.

 

[T/O]

why not use fuel stabilizer and just run the motor for a bit? Or even better take it out for a little ride before putting it away.

I currently am unable to get around and don't have anyone else to do it. I use stabilizer whenever I fill up and had it on the water a couple times since then so it's all through the system. Just didn't know if I needed to do anything to it before I run it after it sits for 6 months without a full tank. Not sure if I needed to drain it in case it gets water in it. I'm pretty sure I can't put a hose down the filler because there's probably a screen but not sure if there is a way without removing something off the tank?

 

[airshot]

Chances are you will be fine due to the fact you have stabilizer in the fuel already. Hope your surgery goes well, get yourself recovered and dont worry, sounds like you have been doing the right things with your fuel anyway. Nothing wrong with E10 no matter what the fear mongers want you to think.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Chances are you will be fine due to the fact you have stabilizer in the fuel already. Hope your surgery goes well, get yourself recovered and dont worry, sounds like you have been doing the right things with your fuel anyway. Nothing wrong with E10 no matter what the fear mongers want you to think.

As long as you put an additive in.

 

[roffey]

I don't think you have anything to worry about but recovery. 6 months with stabilizer, you will be fine.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. I found ethanol fuel in my tank to cause an issue with my 2016 115 version. Even after using with super unleaded for ages afterwards. Still causes issues.
In your case…next season on the first sail…I’d go prepared. See how she goes as she is…but take fresh fuel in a can with you, with a mind that you might have to run the engine off the fuel can as a source, worst case.

 

[T/O]

Thanks for the advice everyone
Sounds like I'm probably worried about nothing. When I get back on my feet I'll add a can of fresh fuel and run it to the marina and fill it up.

 

[Lou C]

Here 6 month storage is what we do every year. Stabilized fuel change fluids & fogging if your storage conditions demand it (high humidity)….