Shame on Me

[lncoop]

I have a 2002 90 horse two stroke Merc on my party barge. She lives on a trailer in the back yard. Winters here are typically not that brutal. We'll experience a few weeks (not consecutively) of cold temps (teens) and a snow or to, but nothing to compare with other parts of the country. The extent of my winterization is leaving the motor down, fogging the cylinders, and filling the tank with gas and the stabilizer du jour. This year I did one of the three. Guess which two I didn't do?:redface: So, after a winter of sitting up with little gas and no stabilizer in the tank I assume there's nothing to do other than fill the tank, fire 'er up and hope for the best while being prepared for the worst. Is my assumption correct, or are there measures I can take beforehand to give my Merc a little more well deserved love? She's been really good to us and I'm ashamed for having neglected her.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Shame on Me

I would drain the tank, and refill it with fresh. Especially if it is low like you stated. After that run it and maybe a little carb cleaner.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Shame on Me

Add a can of SeaFoam, fill the tank and go boating. Contrary to popular belief, fuel (even ethanol blended fuel) does not go bad in a few month layup. There aren't many folks here that have had more experience than us up here in the tundra. We've used corn squeezin's since 1997 and it simply is not an issue. The new fuel will mix with the old and there will likely not be any issues. Carbs are another story however but if you routinely used a fuel treatment before (not just for storage but in every tank) then the carbs should remain clean. Change the lower unit lube if you haven't already done that.