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Psneeld · 01-04-2023, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Ps...
But you reinforce the point that with proper procedures it can be done correctly.
Running it monthly or even weekly can be done incorrectly and cause more harm than not running.

Best to learn What and Why and do what works for for you in your case.
Many / most boats don't have the luxury of running once out of the water and many have no power available for heating / charging and yet boats continue running for years and years

True... but like you also seem to agree with, with proper winterization techniques, you have a better chance than many who don't winterize properly and then lose much of the season due to repairs.

My post was to point out that those who say don't worry about letting them sit for long periods need to be careful they aren't one who needs repairs after a casual layup....or just roll the dice.

Talloaks · 01-10-2023, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatesway

...I have heard different things regarding idling for an hour or so and wanted some of your input.

Thanks!

Great question to ask. You are getting some "expert opinions" from people, some of which have likely never seen the inside of any diesel engine, much less one that has been operated outside of the designer and manufacturer's guidance. Which leads me to my advice: if you have not already done so, find the manufacturer's operating manual for your engine and read it thoroughly. It will answer your question. Hint: Wolfe has read the book.

John Jones · 01-10-2023, 10:00 PM

I usually let my engine sit for the winter, but I do exercise my generator monthly.

lonfu · 01-11-2023, 06:15 AM

One of the enemies of DP moho's is the storage of the fuel. Condensation collects in the tank and contaminates the fuel. That is why it is recommended that it be stored with a full tank. Running the engine does nothing for the engine and unless you are going to add fuel to the tank each time, running the engine just encourages water in the tank. Store it full and put a charger on your batts, the rest of it will be fine.

So, MIL wouldn't listen to me and would start her coach every 3 months to "exercise" the gasser engine. According to the local park moho experts "exercising" would keep the engine in perfect running condition... She ran the thing out of gas and drew all the crapola in the bottom of the tank up into the fuel pump which now needs to be replaced. I don't even want to look at the injectors... Dumping 5 gallons of fuel into the tank is not going to dilute the alcohol varnish.... She did the same thing to the gen set and the carb now needs to be replaced too.

I had to replace the carb on one and the injectors on 2 other vehicles due to the "fuel stablizer" that I added according to the instructions... when I pulled these they were totally gummed up...

the only thing that I recommend these days is Seafoam when you take it out of storage for your first trip. It cleans the injectors in both diesel and gassers and smooths out the idle... and for pete's sake, run the entire tank out if possible...

Unplanned Tourist · 01-11-2023, 07:14 AM

After 40+ years working on trucks, I would suggest doing a full service (oil, filters, lube, coolant check and DCA test) before you put your rig to bed for the Winter. Top up the fuel tank with Winter fuel if it's going to cool down below -10C.

No need to run it until Spring. Sure sitting for extended periods can cause some seals to take a set and possibly leak, but that's usually only from years of sitting.