Now I have bad gas - maybe.

S

sbbamafan

Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2001
RO Number
5516
Messages
54
My mechanic rebuilt my upper unit and he lake tested the boat today. This was it's first time in the water in 2 years. He said shifting/unit was great but he experienced some 'fuel starvation type symptoms' right as he took it on plane and took it immediately back to the dock in an attempt to keep from being stranded. Here is my plan. Please tell me if you think I have left anything out and/or are doing something stupid or overkill. For what it is worth I have always used StaBil marine stabilizer.

1. Disconnect the fuel line from the tank and drain all that I can.
2. Change the fuel separator / filter.
3. Possibly replace the rubber lines (but will probably just drain them out).
4. Drain the float bowls of the carb (Holley 4160).
5. Clean all surfaces and orifices of the carb that I can get to without removing it.
6. Not related - but - Oil Change
7. New gas in the tank.

Is there something I should check without going to this trouble first? Easier way? I appreciate your thoughts and comments.
 
You could run an auxiliary tank with fresh gas (a red tank) and see how she runs. If all is smooth than it's your gas or a tank/vent issue. If not, well....take it from there.
 
The easiest 1st step for me would be to try to run it in good conditions with the fill cap off to rule out vent restriction. Then , since the gas may be 2 yrs old , I would plumb in an outboard tank for a test run with very fresh gas as Carverv suggests above. Especially if it doesn't have a new filter/separator, I'd replace that. If it still runs poorly try a fuel pressure test.
Take a sample of the old fuel from the filter, let is settle and see if it looks and smells fresh.

If you have an engine problem it's always helpful if you mention the engine .
 
Here is what I would do and have done many times, this has never failed me. First get a new fuel filter, assuming the one you use is the type that looks like an oil filter and is mounted hole up. Remove old filter, while the old filter is off, disconect the main fuel line from the tank and plumb in a temporary small portable tank. Buy a can of liquid (not spray) B-12 chemtool, you get this at an auto parts store, fill the filter with B-12 and install. Put on the muffs and start the engine, let it run at idell long enough that there is no doubt the carb is full of B-12, but not so long as to run it all out. Shut the engine off and let it sit for a day or two. While it is sitting, drain out as much of the old gas as you can from the tank, fill with fresh gas and add B-12 to it, with a heavier mix than the can recomends, I would at least double it, and would not put more than 5 to 10 gallons of gas in it. After a couple days, start the engine up on the temp tank and let it run at idell for a while, make sure you get to full operating temp. It will run rough the first little while, this is normal and expected, but it will smooth out. After it is running smooth, remove the temp tank and put the fuel line back in. Try a test run and see, worst case is you still have to pull the carb and clean, best case is it worked. I have done this over and over and it has always worked. Letting it soak in the B-12 gives it enough time to disolve the deposits in the carb and jets, then running it flushes the rest out............D..........
 
Don't forget to check the anti syphon valve. That would give a fuel starvation symptom.
 
if your boat sat for 2yrs, DRAIN THE FUEL TANK.. you Will have water in it. if your not certain, dump your water seperating filter into a glass bowl and let it sit for 5 min.. the fule goes to teh top, and the water goes to the bottom.. you will be surprised at what you see.. my guess is 1/2 water in your filter..
 
Get rid otf the 2 year old fuel. Stabil only works for about one year.
 
Dave,
Put some B12 on a white rag and rub your rubber fuel line. See if the rubber is dissolving and making the rag black.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jtybt15

Dave,
Put some B12 on a white rag and rub your rubber fuel line. See if the rubber is dissolving and making the rag black.

Click to expand...


Since I was off today and going to continue getting the engine ready to pull, I did as you asked. I had disconected the fuel line, so I cleaned it up and took a white towel, soaked it in B-12, and rubbed and rubbed the fuel line, at no point did the rubber break down or the rag change color. I have been using it for years with no ill effects at all, none..........D.............
 
D, I was curious.
I once bought a gallon can of B12 and washing parts in it by hand, my hands almost fell off. That sh*t is strong.
 
You got that right! It is strong, dont get it on your face, not gonna say how I know that. I have tried just about everything, and it just works, for me it is better than anything else for cleaning carbs and fuel injectors that I have found. And I think I have tried just about everything. I store my 2 stroke engines over the winter with it in them and never have a problem in the summer when I get them out, at least if I remember to put it in.........D.........
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top