Keeping a spare aboard

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

I spotted an advert pinned on my sailing club noticeboard and, being unable to resist, acquired a second Forty Plus - FP986CC6. This little engine has led a remarkably sheltered life and has its original plug cap, etc and no corrosion at all.

FP1710J2 is my workhorse for getting to and from the mooring, and is fine, so I was idly wondering about stowing FP986CC6 down below on the big boat (the tank is quite empty after thirty years of non-use, and the carburetter is clean) as a "spare" engine, for the handful of occasions when I leave the dinghy on the mooring.

Now, the question is:

a) do I leave FP986CC6's tank empty and just assume it will run if I add fuel and pull the cord when needed?

b) should I check it first and run the tank dry before stowing it below?

[Hugz]

It is generally accepted that an auxillary motor is more important than the primary as when you are required to use it is the last resort but then again as a dinghy motivator that probably isn't an issue.

Personally I would alternate between the two. I always empty the fuel from my gulls between use. I unbolt the tank and pour the fuel back into the jerry can. Never had a problem with fuel.

cheers Hugo

ps: Went to school for a year or two at Brandeston Hall a few decades ago, that would be near you if it is still there? Wasn't fun!

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

No, I don't suppose it was! Still going, I think. I went to CRGS (which was fun) and we played rugger against Fram - can't recall who used to win.

Thanks for the very sensible advice.

[charlesp]

Worth remembering that the most common cause of a Seagull failing to start is dodgy fuel

Modern unleaded petrol seems to lose its bang quicker than the old stuff.