Old Gas In The Carbs And Tank

[Laney]

Anyone got an idea about the chemical or additive to use to clean old gas from the carbs of a 5 HP Johnson outboard? This one has been setting up for two or three years and I know the old gas was not run out of the carb or expect that anyway. I haven't even checked the tank yet to see what shape it is in but it still has old gas in it. Probably just replacing the tank and hose would be the best thing to do here, but still have the engine to clean out. So any ideas would be appreciated.

LaneT

[Dutch]

I have had success in the past with gasoline motors that had gummed up. I used seafoam in new gasoline. Sometimes they were hard to start and would only run for a few seconds at a time but over several starts they ran like new. However, none of them were water cooled outboards.

[edwin]

IMHO, it depends on how you want to use the outboard. if it's just to putt around a small area and you have a trolling motor to get you back, the Seafoam idea is worth trying. That said, if you need to ensure it's good to go / reliable, only way (again, IMHO) is tear it down and give the carb a thorough cleaning. Lots of places that gas varnish will build up...can cause some real funky running conditions.

[fishinwrench]

What he said ^^

[MOPanfisher]

Agreed. Definitely dump out the old fuel, and replace the gas line and spark plugs. If it will run then put NON-Ethanon fuel in it and load it with sea foam or similar product and run it it will get better. But yeah if you are going to rely or trust your life to it take it to a marine mechanic to work on.

[Laney]

Thanks everyone for your advice! I haven't got to start work on it yet, wife in hospial with kidney stone and a lot of pain. They got it broke up but still in pain. So haven't had the time just yet.