engine troubles this weekend

[tightstripes]

I tried to take my boat out most of this long weekend, and had some problems, I was wondering if anybody can try to do a quick diagnosis of what the potential issues might be.

I have a 50HP outboard

On saturday (first time out this season), it started right up, worked fine, then it would start, idle for a little while, then die. After our fishing trip was over, i realized the the gas tank vent was closed all the way. I opened it up and put some stabalizer in the gas.

On Sunday, we took the boat out for a couple of hours and we had absolutely no problems.

Today we tried to go fishing again and the engine started, idled for less than a minute, then died. I tried to start it numerous times after and it would just try to turn over, but nothing.

Anybody have any ideas?

The person that i bought the boat from last summer, probably didn't maintain the thing that well and probably didn't do too much maintenance.

I don't know a lot about outboards, but if any of you more experienced boaters have some suggestions for things that I can try before taking it to a mechanic, i'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: engine troubles this weekend

You need to put stabilizer in the fuel when the fuel is fresh.

You may have water in the fuel, it's very common with ethanol but can happen anyway with tanks that are not filled and tightly sealed.

Hook up a portable tank with a different line and fresh fuel. Then try removing the drain plugs from the carburetor bowls one at a time and squeezing the primer bulb to flush the carburetor bowls. Then see if it will start.

You might want to look into installing a full-sized water separating fuel filter; it's a practical necessity these days.