How should I store my engines for the winter?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How should I store my engines for the winter?
Most of my experience is with glow engines. But this spring I started flying a gas engine I installed on a plane I had completed. I have not seen much information on storing these engines for long periods of time. Can I use the same after run engine oil I use on my glow engine or is there something else I should use and where and how should it be used?
#2
Moderator
You don't need it. The only thing that's really needed is to not store them with ethanol blended fuel if you can help it. Run some pure gas with standard 2 stroke oil for a few minutes and it'll make it just fine. If it doesn't start up for you in the spring pretty easily, you may need to get the diaphragm and pump wet with fuel again.
#5
My Feedback: (14)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Noblesville,
IN
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll just pass this along as information. A couple years ago , those of us who use gas engines talked about how to store them for any length of time. Of course many opinions. I decided to ask an expert. I went to the local Stihl dealer and ask if I could talk to their engine repair tech. Here is his answer on 3 questions. #1: Should I seek out non alcohol gasoline. Answer. Doesn't matter any more. All carb manufactures have been using material resistant to alcohol in gas for many years now. Just use pump gas, no problems. Question 2. Should I run the engine dry for storage. Answer: No, running the engine dry will allow the gaskets and membranes to dry out and if stored for any length of time crack, For storage, stop the engine by chocking. This will keep the maximum amount of fuel in the engine. Then leave gasoline in the tank, about 1/4 full. #3: Should I use high octane gas . Answer: No, high octane gas has chemical adders to prevent preignition in high compression engines. Does nothing for the 2 stroke engines we use.
This is for info only. I'm not debating any of this, just passing it along.
steve
This is for info only. I'm not debating any of this, just passing it along.
steve
#6
My Feedback: (158)
Well I disagree with your tech on leaving fuel in it,, what happens is the gas evaporates anyway and your left with oil residue that can clog stuff up, and that's can be a problem in the spring, I've always run mine dry,, from my weedwacker to my outboard motors,, it's worked well for me
#7
Moderator
I can report there is a difference of opinion among engine mechanics over the harmful effects of alcohol. The last time I took my weedeater in for service, it needed a new carb. The reason was the check valves for the primer bulb had swollen and hardened. The labor cost to repair would have been more than the parts cost to replace so I got a new carb. The mechanic told me he almost never saw those kinds of problems before ethanol, but now it keeps him in business. My own personal experience agrees- my dad had a chainsaw he used every fall to cut firewood. It probably went 15 years without a tuneup or any kind of service. Now my weedeater needs a carb kit about every 3 years, as do many of our plane engines.
I do realize there are alcohol resistant rubber parts for 2 stroke carbs now, but I still am not convinced that they stop all of the problems that ethanol causes.
I do realize there are alcohol resistant rubber parts for 2 stroke carbs now, but I still am not convinced that they stop all of the problems that ethanol causes.
#9
Well I disagree with your tech on leaving fuel in it,, what happens is the gas evaporates anyway and your left with oil residue that can clog stuff up, and that's can be a problem in the spring, I've always run mine dry,, from my weedwacker to my outboard motors,, it's worked well for me
Ken
#13
I store my glow engines by giving them a spray down of marvel mystery oil, flipping them over a few times to make sure the marvel is well distributed, then put them in a baggie and on the shelf they go. never had any problems in the spring ,....new plugs of course. in the spring take them out of the baggie spray them down with carb cleaner, wipe them off and put them on the plane. I don't like leaving my engines in the plane if stored for a long time. just as important is getting the residual castor oil out of the tanks,.....again a shot of marvel keeps the castor coagulation down . if the tank comes out of the plane easily, take it out in the spring and give it a couple ounces of methanol, swish it around and dump it out and you're ready to go. save the used methanol for mixing break-in fuel..... or throw it your car's gas tank.