starts but will not stay running

[96sla50]

96 Mariner 150 2 cycle will start when I spray starter fluid in the carbs, but dies after short time and will not start. The motor turns over, just wont start. There is fuel past the filter after the pump, and spark at the plugs, as well as new gas. It sat for 2 years without being run. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, stop using starting fluid. you are killing your motor as starting fluid has no lubrication properties and running your motor on starting fluid is simply eating your bearings

next. after sitting for 2 years, you should go thru the fuel system top to bottom. your carbs need some loving. its not running because your carbs are gummed up from sitting.

after that, go thru your cooling system

 

[96sla50]

Ok. Thanks

 

[mtsaz]

Have you ever seen bad fuel? it looks like broken beer bottles---and it gets everywhere- in the hoses- in the carbs, in the fuel pumps, heads, valves, everywhere. (this is 2 cycle) but it gets everywhere. So --like scott said- start with the gas tank- drain it, clean it- check the hose- and do the same for fuel pumps, carbs, and then you should see a change. I used to work at a marine place in new england- (harsh winter)---every spring we had dozens of motors that wouldn't start- we ordered carb and fuel pump kits by the case---because thats what 90% of them needed. good luck.