Old fuel

leespark

Recruit
Joined
Jul 27, 2002
Messages
4
I took possesion recently of a 140 Evinrude that has not run in almost 2 years. I will bet dollars to donuts the previous owner did not store the boat properly (no stable in fuel). Before I try to start this thing is there anything I should do to try to get good fuel such as suck the old gas out? Is there any type of additive that can help prevent this thing from clogging up??
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: Old fuel

Welcome to the forum, Leespark.<br />You are one step ahead of the game, as you know what will happen, just as soon as you turn it over with that goo in the fuel system. Dump it.Syphon or pump it into an approved disposal site, like an oil-recovery firm. Or better still, call your local sanitation department.The staff there are trained to know where to despose of anything in the right way. It will most likely be free, but if not, be less then 5 buks to drain the tanks.<br /><br />Sta-Bil werks great at preventing fuel from souring in the tank.But after about a year, all bets are off,even with additvies.<br /><br />Drain and inspect the lower unit ,to make sure it wasn't put away with contaminated lube.Here is a link, that gives details;<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=011919 <br /><br />Get a can of spray type decarb cleaner from a marine supply house. ValveTect is good, but costs abt 6 buks a can.<br />Remove the plugs,and spray abt 4 second blast into each plug hole. When you get it ready to fire off, ground out the switchbox (by removing the lanyard switch,or physically grounding the plug wires to the engine chassis, and turn it over for abt 30 seconds worth. This will hopefully free-up any stuck rings (and desolve some carbon at the same time).<br />If you turn it over without grounding out the ignition system, you run the btter-than-average risk of smoking the expensive ignition system.<br /><br />Finally, replace the plugs,and spray 3 or 4 seconds worth of decarb into each carb. This will help unstick everything on the other side of the rings .<br /><br />Good luck with your new acquisition.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Old fuel

You are on the right track. I would go a tiny step farther and get every drop of old fuel out - lines, primer bulb & fuel pump.
 

leespark

Recruit
Joined
Jul 27, 2002
Messages
4
Re: Old fuel

I'll do just as you had suggested. Thanks to both of you for your advice!<br /><br />Great website!
 
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