Saving Old Seagulls

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?

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!

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.

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.