After expensive repairs at shops, learned lessons the hard way!

[wiperhunter2]

I got four non-vehicle motors that ALL needed service: lawn mowers (John Deere, walk-behind); 40 hp and 2.5 hp boat motors. I'm talking over a grand for non-starting! Culprit: old gas left in each most likely the problem that screwed up the carbs. Granted, I used Sta-bil in gas cans and in tanks of all four (something I found not advisable for use in 2- and 4- stroke motors. Annual storage lasts 5 mos. with gas sitting in each carb. My boat motor and lawn mower mechanics said the same thing: gum and varnish in the carbs preventing gas flow. Now I know to run the gas out of each and dump any gas-can gas into my cars and truck. (I don't know how to empty the gas in my snow blower unused for up to 9 mos.)

One very frustrating and very expensive repair was done by four shops on my 2.5 hp Merc 4-stroke - three of which took my money and didn't repair a thing! Finally after a year, I not only found why the motor wouldn't start, but how to start the motor by NOT following the owner's manual. The manual said to:
1. pull out the choke knob
2. open gas tank vent
3. open gas flow knob
4. put throttle handle in start mode
5. pull the cord

I use Sea foam on all my two stroke motors, especilly those that sit for long periods of time. But I also use sta-bil, and you are saying that it's bad to use it?