horizontal outboard storage advice

[Randy Jones]

I've got a 3.5hp two stroke outboard that I'm going to use on my CS17.  I hope to do most of my sailing with the motor stored in the boat rather than hanging on the transom.  Does horizontal storage of the motor create any problems other than the obvious potential for fuel leaks?  I'm a little concerned about getting the motor to start after storing it horizontally.  Are any of you storing your outboards horizontally, and do they start when needed?

[Peter HK]

FWIW I understand most small 2 strokes can let water that is left in the exhaust passages in the leg back into the head if the leg ends up higher than the head. Apart from corrosion this can make them hard to start. It's generally advised to store them at least slightly leg down. If there's an integral fuel tank then closing the vent and outlet will prevent fuel leaks. With a remote tank disconnection is best.

Cheers

Peter HK

[Hirilonde]

Some outboards have a preferred side down as well.  It has to do with oil staying put.

[Peter HK]

Some outboards have a preferred side down as well.  It has to do with oil staying put.

That generally applies to 4 strokes...it makes a mess when the oil leaks from the dipstick. Small 2 strokes with premix don't have that problem (although larger oil injected 2 strokes with a reservoir might)

Cheers

Peter HK

[Konrad]

My suggestion is that you simply recreate the scenario outside of your boat, in your garage. 

I also have a 3.3 hp Mercury, and I use one of those big Rubbermaid trash cans 1/2 full of water to test run it in the driveway at the beginning of a season.

Use a small piece of 2x6 or whatever to help you get it clamped to the trash can.

Than, "store" it horizontally as you've mentioned.  See what happens when you do, and again when you pull it down to re-start it "on the boat".  Dat's what I'd do.