Merc 15 HP - Pulling out of storage - Fuel Leak, then leak stopped...

[XS-Skeet]

2008 15hp Ser # 1B523764.

I pulled this little rascal out of storage (about 9 months) and fired her up. Prior to storage, we ran the unit dry of fuel (Non Ethanol), changed oil and filter and foot lube.

Upon pulling out of storage, another oil and filter change, after pumping the fuel bulb I spotted a little fuel seeping at gasket on the fuel pump. Engine fired and ran normally and leak quit. I also spotted a leak in the carburetor area, again at the gasket. Brought the motor up to operating temp and shut it down leaving fuel in the system.

Next day, I reconnected the fuel hose and pumped up the bulb. I no longer see the leak around the seal on the pump or the carburetor. game plan is to let it sit another 24-48 hrs with fuel in the system and then restart and leak check.

What I'm wondering is if the gaskets were "Dry" as there was no fuel in the system. After introducing fuel back to the system, the gaskets swelled and sealed.

Thoughts on this reasoning? All screws were tight on pump and carb.

[Nova Kaw 650]

Your reasoning is correct.
Keep an eye on them, and don't be surprised if you need to install new gaskets next spring.

[EuropeanAM]

Probably a very good idea to address these now. They WILL leak again... only question is when. Leaking fuel is a Fire and Explosion Hazard.

Running the engine out of fuel is not a good idea. This "theory" was pushed at one time, but that was about 3 decades ago.

[XS-Skeet]

Running the engine out of fuel is not a good idea. This "theory" was pushed at one time, but that was about 3 decades ago.

LOL... You saying I'm an old fart? Your right!

[Nova Kaw 650]

LOL... You saying I'm an old fart? Your right!

Me too!
Running the carbs dry usually leaves a little fuel in the carb bowls to gum up, right about at the level where the bottom of the main jet draws it's fuel from.

[EuropeanAM]

Can't help but laugh at the "old fart" comment... guess I fall in there, too (I recall it in several classes in my early years).

[SilverFox579]

Running the carbs dry usually leaves a little fuel in the carb bowls to gum up, right about at the level where the bottom of the main jet draws it's fuel from.

Precisely why I never run carbs dry anymore, fuel stabilizer is cheaper and less hassle than messing with gummed up carbs. Old? Only if you wanna be. My brain still thinks I'm 20 but my body tells me otherwise.