(07-01-2025, 09:30 AM)wiperhunter2 Wrote:(07-01-2025, 08:52 AM)SENKOSAM1 Wrote: 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?
The three sources that I've been learning a lot about my motors - 2-stroke and 4-stroke, say in general that it's not beneficial considering the time gas is used and then run out from each motor's tank at the end of the season. Rather than fill a 5 gal. gas can, I'll fill it halfway because the tank on the 2.5 hp is only .3 gal and used maybe twice a week in hot weather.
Like you, I used Sta-bil for years and still needed expensive carb repairs. But since I bought STA-BIL 360 Marine Ethanol Treatment and Fuel Stabilizer in June, I may as well use it for the 4 gal. still in the gas can.
Note: For some reason the motor wouldn't start today.