motor cover off, engine runs/cover on motor dies

[HukilauMike]

Fuel additives

I have used at least three different brands of fuel additives made to keep gas "fresh". With each, I have had no problem keeping and using gas from the previous season that is at least nine months old. The one brand I can remember is "Sta-bil". I bought a big jug of it at Wal-Mart. I don't remember the exact price, but I do recall it was about half of what West Marine was selling it for.

 

[Alan]

If fuel is your problem....

...it's most likely water in the fuel. Gasoline does age but it takes many month to degrade to the point where it is unusable. Fuel stabilizers certainly do work. A very tiny amount of water can sit right in front of the main jet in your carburetor and block fuel flow. A can of isopropyl alcohol will fix that.

 

[NautiDuck]

It's OK to use a mechanic

I know it is great to understand all of the systems on our boats but sometimes it is the correct course of action to call in an expert. I'm guessing that you didn't get a boat in order to become an outboard motor mechanic. If you can't find and fix the problem on your next try I'd sugget you get a pro on the scene so you can get out and be sailing again. My two cents.

 

[Ross]

I have a two cycle lawn-boy mower. I think at one

time they were made by OMC but that is beside the point. When I want to use it, I prime ir and pull the rope and it runs. When I am finished with it in the fall I shut the gas off and push it into the shed. In the spring I give it a shot of starter fluid and pull the cord and mow the lawn. What ever gas is left in the tank is what is used for the first cutting and I refill from what is left in the can from last year. Gas doesn't go bad if you don't leave the can out in the rain.

 

[aa.aunins]

bad gas

gas can and does go bad. It takes time for it to happen, less likly if your tank is full. In the case of a two stroke lots of two stroke oil is starting to have fuel stabilzers built into it so that people don't have the spring time blues.