To Fill or Not to Fill?

[wolfeman131]

So, have we ever come to a definitive answer, or at least consensus, on the question of having the fuel tank full or empty at the end of the season?

[brain_rinse]

Fill 'er up, add some Stabil.

[mmandley]

fill it because even with no fuel you can get condensation in the tank and it will effect the system next year

[moombabound]

Was there ever anything other than a concensus?
Thought it was a given that the tank should be full and stabilizer added and the engine run so the stabilizer circulates thru the fuel line. The owners manual states this, only exception being if the fuel contains alcohol.

With some toys (i.e. dirt bikes) complete fuel drainage is as easy as a turn of a screw. But with a boat, how would you ever completely drain the fuel?

Research I did years back suggested it's the interaction with air that causes the fuel to go stale, so if you top it off that won't happen and in fact that theory further suggests stabilizer is not required. But it's cheap, so might as well.

PS (After years of draining the fuel on my bikes, I've reversed course after seeing the inside of the float bowl on one of them. Full of fuel from now on).

[cab13367]

I always add Stabil and fill it up. Have never had an issue come spring.

[sandm]

fill up to the brim and add stabil.. never had an issue yet in any machine..

[moombadaze]

stabil and fill it, reminds me that I need to go do mine--lack of use

[jmvotto]

ditto, fill and add stabil

[NCSUmoomba]

What does the owner's manual say? It says to fill it up and add stabilizer, and that is what I do.

[bergermaister]

One more for fill and add stabilizer.
Plus right now gas is around $3 a gallon here. Next June who knows where it will be!