Bad Gas?

[tomoco]

Older Johnson, 1972, 65 horse.

Last Thursday I was out on the lake, and my gas tank ran dry. Usually I try to catch it before it runs dry, but I missed it this time. I had another tank of gas purchased earlier in the day. I connected it, squeezed the bulb, and started up. But it only ran for about 10 or 15 seconds, and quit. I wore the battery down trying to start.

I just barely made it back with my troll motor. By now, the battety had recoveed a bit & I attempted again to start. Same result as before. I gave up and went home. Did my taxes!

Went out again yesterday. Battery was charged, but again, it ran 10 or 15 secs and quit. I conected a fresh tank of mid-grade, Drained the old gas from carbs and lines, squeezed again. This time it started quickly and ran fine.

This has to be a problem with the gas. Right?
Anyone else have a similar experience?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bad Gas?

Probably old,dirty or water contaminated gas, check through your entire fuel system from tank, primer bulb, fuel filter, fuel pump to be sure there's no trash in system. Drain each carb if you can to be sure float bowls are clean and free of debris. Install a fuel/water separator(Walmart $27),very easy install with 2 screws. Old gas can foul plugs, so maybe remove and clean each one. Use Stabil Marine all the time to help keep gas fresh. Good Luck!

 

[Brew2]

Re: Bad Gas?

I'm sure you checked, but I'll ask just in case.....vent was/is open on the "bad gas" tank?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bad Gas?

old bad cruddy gas, you need to atleast remove your card drain plug, and pump clean gas thru the carb.

 

[tomoco]

Re: Bad Gas?

Yes, vent was open on Bad tank.
We checked for water. It was dry. The tank had been used a few days earlier with no problems. It is in a covered slip. We've had no rain for weeks.
The gas (Shell) was purchased earlier that day!
Motor has been running great, starting easlly with both tanks on several previous trips.
Anyone ever dumped excess 2-cycle mix in their truck?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Bad Gas?

Most likely dragged some garbage into the fuel system when you ran it dry. Clean out the fuel system including carb's.
Yes I have used 2 stroke mix in the vehicles. No problem. I actually use it all the time in my lawn mower as I will not have unmixed gas on the premises for fear of it being put in the boat tank. Mix it right at the gas station.

 

[tomoco]

Re: Bad Gas?

It's possible that I dragged in some junk on letting it empty.
I guess I need ro reconnect this "bad" gas again. And see if it will run.
I'll let you guys know what happens.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Bad Gas?

Does the 'bad gas' tank use the same fuel line?

pull the dip tube out of the tank and make sure it does not have 'stuff' restricting fuel flow.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Bad Gas?

It's possible that I dragged in some junk on letting it empty.

Absolutely. Read post 2, 4 and 6 again

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Bad Gas?

1) Does each tank have it's own fuel line or are you sharing one line for all 3 tanks? If you have 3 lines, make sure you use a known good one.
2) Don't forget that the primer bulbs are one-directional.
3) Bet it is not the gas.

 

[tomoco]

Re: Bad Gas?

1) Does each tank have it's own fuel line or are you sharing one line for all 3 tanks? If you have 3 lines, make sure you use a known good one.
2) Don't forget that the primer bulbs are one-directional.
3) Bet it is not the gas.

There is only one fuel line.

 

[tomoco]

Re: Bad Gas?

It's possible that I dragged in some junk on letting it empty.
I guess I need ro reconnect this "bad" gas again. And see if it will run.
I'll let you guys know what happens.

Change of plans. Instead, I put the "bad gas" into another jug, and put new, midgrade in the "bad?" tank.
It ran fine!

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Bad Gas?

According to your first post that "bad" gas was new the day you first tried it.
Seems odd....can you see water or other junk in it?

No matter, my comment " bet it's not the gas" would be wrong....:redface: