running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Sleepless) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:38:40 PST

dancudayo wrote:
It always seems like a good idea to do to me, just thought like Frank said, no oil no lubrication. I don't know, sort of seems to me like the engine dies right away without the gas/oil mix so maybe there isn't any harm.

The question is about running a small 2 cycle engine dry after use. The pros and cons have been discussed dozens of times but I have never read or heard a real definitive answer. However, as dancudayo mentions, the engine dies right away without the mixture. That is a very important point. When you purposely run a small 2cycle out of gas, you are doing it at idle speed, and residual oil from the mixture will keep the engine from actually turning dry or seizing. The real possibility of damage is when you are using the engine under load at relatively high RPMs and you suddenly run out of fuel. Then, the potential for damage is greatly increased. ...

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (wishiniwasfishin) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:46:13 PST

for the federal govt. to run the same experiment as you, they would have to add about 4 zeroes to your cost figure. Yup 1.2 million should do the trick. You just need a lobbyist to get it for you, lol. I for one can't wait to hear your results.

Mike

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Jigmaster) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:35:51 PST

Sound information! Frank
As far as those of you running them Dry there is a risk. I warned my neighbor, he has been burning out the fuel for 15 years same engine....90hp Johnson
this year was the first he had to have the carbs done--- so apparently there is enough Fuel residue from ethanol left behind to corrode up the carbs anyway.
IF you have to run em dry and purge all lines I would suggest a shot of spray winterizing fogging oil directly into the carb itself for lubrication and prtection just before it begins to stall out. The top cyl usually runs dryer anyway and is usually the first to go... for some gravity reason- oil doesn't like to reach the top bearing. Without lubrication the rubber bearing seals will crack and dry out which then it sucks more Air than it needs causing it to run lean
and wear the engine prematurely two strokes are usually only good for 2500 3000 hrs before a rebuild is needed so why make it 1500-1800
Not only that your Crank...

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (dancudayo) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:15:45 PST

It always seems like a good idea to do to me, just thought like Frank said, no oil no lubrication. I don't know, sort of seems to me like the engine dies right away without the gas/oil mix so maybe there isn't any harm.

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (wishiniwasfishin) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:38:23 PST

Makes perfect sense Frank! Thanks!

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Frank) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:30:32 PST

Before Ethanol, BE, it wasn't recommended to run the engine out of fuel, since when you ran out of gas, you ran out of oil, which is the only lubrication getting to your rings and bearings.

BUT, After Ethanol ,AE I've been running the fuel out of my carbs and fuel lines in my engines if I know it will be sitting for more than a month. This keeps the alcohol from eating up the insides of my fuel lines, and having the fuel separate, creating corrosion in the carb bowl.
I wouldn't do this on a regular basis, but once in a while shouldn't be a problem.

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (Sleepless) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:29:01 PST

retiredmrbill wrote:
I am not a mechanic either but I have always have been told that running out the fuel when you were not going to use it was a good idea. It is what is recommended for engines that are going to be stored for the winter.

I agree with Bill. I began using 2 cycle engines in the Midwest about 60 years ago. Through the years I have owned countless 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines on lawn equipment outboard motors, snow throwers tillers, etc. These were all seasonal use equipment, and it was essential that these be run dry at the end of the season. Neighbors that didn't ended up with varnished up carbs (or worse) while mine would start up right away. Those were in the days when all outboards and other gasoline powered equipment were equipped with sediment bowls and...

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (retiredmrbill) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:58:27 PST

I am not a mechanic either but I have always have been told that running out the fuel when you were not going to use it was a good idea. It is what is recommended for engines that are going to be stored for the winter.

Re: running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (wishiniwasfishin) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:26:38 PST

Not a mechanic, but I inherited a 2 cycle lawnmower that had a fuel shutoff. We used to cut the fuel, and let it run out every time, and that motor ran like a top. Interested to hear what the pro's have to say on this as well. I would think it would be good to not have any extra gas/oil just sitting in the motor.

running 2 cycle engine dry - Bad Idea?

feeds@yuku.com (dancudayo) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:39:57 PST

Is it bad to cut the fuel supply to my little 2 cycle outboard? I have been doing this whenever I know I'm not going to be going out in it for awhile, in hopes of not gumming up the carb.