Empty Tank or not for winter storage?

[dletson]

I have a 2019 Z185, and I live in Michigan. I store the boat inside during the winter months, but it is not heated storage. Should I store it with an empty tank, or fill the tank and add stabilizer? That is the question. Thanks in advance!

[jc2bg]

The replies to this question always seem to be 50/50. I’ve never emptied my tank or filled my tank for winter storage, and mine also is in an unheated space. Stabilizer does the trick for me. Usually have around 1/2 a tank through the winter, as I don’t like to run too low in my last tournaments of the season, so I err on the side of too much gas. Fill the tank to the top with fresh gas in April and have not had a single issue in 40 years.

[Rick H]

50 gallons of old gas or 50 gallons of new.

Myself one stored outside and one stored inside. Empty

[Ken-Nuk]

When a gas tank is stored with less than a full tank it can allow condensation to form inside of the tank From constant temps changes thus contaminating the fuel with water. Best bet is fuel stabilizer and a full tank.

[Dropdeadfred]

well best thing would be if you have the capability to drain it,,, do so..
Then in the spring, throw a half gallon of gas in it,, then drain that.
Soooo no bad fuel for the drain it guys,
No water for the keep it full guys,
No stabilizers for the snake oil guys.

[krindgen]

I'm empty as can be with the new, improved and crappy fuel. I try to be at around 1/4 tank, 5-8 gallons.

[fishfarm]

Ive Always heard to fill your tank with non-ethanol or if you cannot get non-ethanol still so your tanks all the way to the top and use a fuel stabilizer if you’re still your tanks up moisture will not build up inside

[X19Indy]

I empty mine in the spring and use it in the mower all summer. I usually run it down as low as I can in the fall.

[bloodman]

Full

[kcg202champ]

1/2 to 3/4 tank with Sta-Bil marine additive.... never had a problem (but I've only owned a boat for 5 yrs now)

[Fishysam]

When a gas tank is stored with less than a full tank it can allow condensation to form inside of the tank From constant temps changes thus contaminating the fuel with water. Best bet is fuel stabilizer and a full tank.

Yes this is the theory , but for us up here where it snows our relative moisture is like 5%, there is virtually no water to condense in our air.

[mikesxpress]

Full tanks to the neck and top off during storage months. No additives/stabilizers.
FYI additive ingredients:
www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=864900

[bloodman]

Yes this is the theory , but for us up here where it snows our relative moisture is like 5%, there is virtually no water to condense in our air.

Its not the water, its the evaporation thats the issue.

[TomzRanger]

The replies to this question always seem to be 50/50. I’ve never emptied my tank or filled my tank for winter storage, and mine also is in an unheated space. Stabilizer does the trick for me. Usually have around 1/2 a tank through the winter, as I don’t like to run too low in my last tournaments of the season, so I err on the side of too much gas. Fill the tank to the top with fresh gas in April and have not had a single issue in 40 years.

Yep

[Rick H]

Just to add with my empty tanks. Once emptied they are sealed including vents. So other then the fuel fumes nothing is going in the tank. In the spring I fill with fresh fuel. Water separator has never shown any signs of water. Its worked for me for decades. When I spoke with Don about it he didn't have a problem with it. Asked if I should drain anything on the engine either.

Don't over think it.

[Dropdeadfred]

guess I am fortunate enough not to really have this problem, I tend totop off with ethanol free if i know I will be sitting, but not a huge deal, tends to sit with whatever I put in it.
I really dont put it up for the winter,, Usually decent fishing till nov,, then do some cat fishing in DEc an Jan a couple times, Maybe a road trip in Feb,, guess my bat doesnt sit all that long at a time. ALthough I dont recall fishing Jul-SEP this year,, weather was just bad every time I was off. Boat was about 3/4 full of whatever,, eventually just went out and boat rode around a new lake just to explore and hang out with the wife and burn some of it up.

[JR19]

Always treat your fuel with stabilizer...if storing non ethanol fuel don't worry about fuel level. If storing 10% ethanol then fill up the tank. Ethanol is more prone to absorb moisture, hence fill the tank so there is no room for condensation.

[LennyB]

I always fill the tank and add stabilizer the last trip off the season. Then run it so the treated full goes through the engine. The smaller the amount of fuel, the easier it is for it to sour. With a bass boat and a half filled tank, it would still take a long time for it to sour, especially if it had stabilizer in it. If you are just storing for the winter (just 4 months or so), that's nothing. If you were storing for a entire year, then I'd be more concerned. Small engines like a mower or chainsaw that have a small amount of fuel can sour a lot easier. Those I like to fill with treated fuel and start periodically during the off months just to keep things like the diaphragms from drying out and causing problems. If that's not an option then I run the unit totally dry of fuel.

[mmusky]

[Rick H]

Interesting!

Think I'll keep doing what I've been doing!