New Boat....Old Gas....Need Advise!!

Nater1300 · 07-30-09, 12:21 PM

Just got my first boat! 1995 Nitro with a 115hp Merc. It was my uncles and he got sick and the boat sat for 2 years. I got it to start, but it will not stay running. The marina wants $90 just to look at it. Just wanted some opinions. Should I drain the gas, fill it up and see how it runs or take it in and let them work it up?

Nater

nofearengineer · 07-30-09, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nater1300

Just got my first boat! 1995 Nitro with a 115hp Merc. It was my uncles and he got sick and the boat sat for 2 years. I got it to start, but it will not stay running. The marina wants $90 just to look at it. Just wanted some opinions. Should I drain the gas, fill it up and see how it runs or take it in and let them work it up?

Nater

If you can siphon it out yourself and can handle storing the gasoline that's in it safely, I would think looking into it yourself would be a no-brainer.

However, a lot of crap can build up on the bottom of a gas tank over time. Don't ask me how it gets there. I had an old pickup that had all manner of sludge in the bottom of its gas tank. I had a mechanic clean it out, since I didn't really have a good way of doing it.

MississippiBoy · 07-30-09, 12:43 PM

Congrats on the "new" boat. That sounds a lot like something I'd like to get later on down the road.

After two years, it's probably going to need more than just new gas. The fuel lines and various other rubber seals/gaskets may have dry rotted, for one thing. I think it would be worth it to take it in and let a pro look at it. Just be sure you take it to a reputable place. Don't just assume the "marina" knows what they're talking about. Check them out on some local boat/fishing forums, the Better Business Bureau, etc.

Was it in good running condition when it was stored? If not, it might not be worth the time/money/effort. And was it stored inside, or outside with/without a cover? Make sure the floor doesn't have any soft spots, and check all the electrical connections. Might be some corrosion issues there.

Nater1300 · 07-30-09, 12:56 PM

Thanks guys! The boat is in excellent condition. It was outside but was covered by towels, then the cover, then 2 large tarps. It ran great 2 years ago when we took it to Canada.

I have a neighbor that is the service manager at a local car dealership who said I could dump the fuel in their tank.

woody · 07-30-09, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nater1300

Just got my first boat! 1995 Nitro with a 115hp Merc. It was my uncles and he got sick and the boat sat for 2 years. I got it to start, but it will not stay running. The marina wants $90 just to look at it. Just wanted some opinions. Should I drain the gas, fill it up and see how it runs or take it in and let them work it up?

Nater

I would also add a can of Sea Foam (fuel additive) along with your new gasoline.

~Mark

Mac2 · 07-31-09, 07:23 AM

Look for a gas station that sells non ethanol gas and always use the non ethanol. Watercan build up in the tank with ethanol and makes it very difficult to start. Can also cause damage. I also recommend Sea Foam available at Wal Mart.

bonsaibp · 07-31-09, 08:33 AM

I would use the fuel line and bulb to get the old fuel out add two cans of seafoam to a new tank of gas and probably change the plugs, all pretty simple stuff. That may be all you need to do. Good luck.

Abbeysdad · 07-31-09, 10:14 AM

I could be wrong, but I think Sea Foam recommends having a new fuel filter on hand as cleaning may clog the existing filter.

Snake2715 · 07-31-09, 02:14 PM

why clog the new one...

Try it with the old one, then switch filters.

Abbeysdad · 07-31-09, 04:23 PM

uhm...hello McFly...the new filter that sea foam recommends is to replace the old one that gets clogged because of the cleaning.

Nater1300 · 08-02-09, 10:03 AM

Thanks guys! Got the old gas out yesterday....uhm....gravity did not help this endevor as I had to pump out 15+ gallons with the ball!!! Next paycheck I can put some new gas in her and see what happens!

1FASTLASER · 08-03-09, 06:35 AM

Ok read this and see that most have given EXCELLANT advise. If she has been sittin fer awhile and not tun PLEASE ATLEAST change out the main fuel line going from tank to motor and the primer bulb as well. Also make sure you check your tank vent. When ya refuel MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SEAFOAM in her. Only put in about 3 gallons and dump a whole can of seafoam in. This will help tremendously. Trust me you dont wanna have to pay to have that 115 Merc's carbs rebuilt and to top it off those particular model Mercs are the 2+2 models and a bugger to get right.

Nater1300 · 08-09-09, 09:06 PM

OK guys, dumped the gas, put about 4 gallons and a whole can of seafoam in. Fuel line and bulb are in great shape. Cranked her over and seems to run somewhat normal but only 2 or 3 seconds. Pump the throttle a couple times and she will run for a few more seconds. Put everything away and read troubleshooting...checked the tank vent and it was closed! Could this be the prob?? I had already put the boat back in the garage and don't have time to mess with it again tonight.

1FASTLASER · 08-10-09, 06:55 AM

Certinaly. The tank vent being closed or restricted will cause probllems like you have posted. Run the mix of Seafoam like you have in it and watch your bulb. If the bulb trys to suck shut the vent or the check valve in the bulb is bad. I replace my main engine fuel line about every 2 or 3 years just for insurance reasons.

Nater1300 · 08-10-09, 08:21 PM

No dice even with vent open. Bulb pumped a ton easier with it open! Ran for about 5 seconds and then quit. Pumped the throttle a couple times and fired up again. Bulb did not try to suck shut in short time it was running. Would it do me any good to back it into the water somewhere so I can give it some throttle? I tried in the driveway and it just shoots my water all over the place

Maybe time to let a professional look at it. I was trying to avoid the $90 just to look at it

1FASTLASER · 08-11-09, 06:19 AM

Before going there maybe take her to the water and see ifn you could get her to run. If the low speed jets are stopped up .....and it does soundlike a possiblity.....then the seafoam will bust em open. Thats what I would do before taking to a dealer. Sitting for 2 years with fuel in her has caused some ports in the carbs to clogg from old gas-varnish.....Seafoam if allowed to work will bust it out. The motor has to reach operating temps for the mix to really start working.

Nater1300 · 08-12-09, 07:04 PM

No go Laser

Just runs for a few and dies. I found a local marine service and called them. Hopefully I can get away without spending an arm and a leg! Thanks for your help!!

Nater1300 · 08-15-09, 09:12 PM

Ok, decided to try myself

Took all the carbs off and cleaned em up real good.

Put it all back together and YEAH...she purrs like a kitten

nofearengineer · 08-15-09, 09:14 PM

Awesome, Nater. I always love a "did it with my own hands" story, especially when it turns out well.

07-30-09, 12:21 PM	#1
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	New Boat....Old Gas....Need Advise!! Just got my first boat! 1995 Nitro with a 115hp Merc. It was my uncles and he got sick and the boat sat for 2 years. I got it to start, but it will not stay running. The marina wants $90 just to look at it. Just wanted some opinions. Should I drain the gas, fill it up and see how it runs or take it in and let them work it up? Nater

07-30-09, 12:43 PM	#3
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	Congrats on the "new" boat. That sounds a lot like something I'd like to get later on down the road. After two years, it's probably going to need more than just new gas. The fuel lines and various other rubber seals/gaskets may have dry rotted, for one thing. I think it would be worth it to take it in and let a pro look at it. Just be sure you take it to a reputable place. Don't just assume the "marina" knows what they're talking about. Check them out on some local boat/fishing forums, the Better Business Bureau, etc. Was it in good running condition when it was stored? If not, it might not be worth the time/money/effort. And was it stored inside, or outside with/without a cover? Make sure the floor doesn't have any soft spots, and check all the electrical connections. Might be some corrosion issues there. __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

07-31-09, 02:14 PM	#9
Snake2715 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 249	why clog the new one... Try it with the old one, then switch filters. __________________ -Josh

08-03-09, 06:35 AM	#12
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	Ok read this and see that most have given EXCELLANT advise. If she has been sittin fer awhile and not tun PLEASE ATLEAST change out the main fuel line going from tank to motor and the primer bulb as well. Also make sure you check your tank vent. When ya refuel MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SEAFOAM in her. Only put in about 3 gallons and dump a whole can of seafoam in. This will help tremendously. Trust me you dont wanna have to pay to have that 115 Merc's carbs rebuilt and to top it off those particular model Mercs are the 2+2 models and a bugger to get right. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

08-10-09, 06:55 AM	#14
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	Certinaly. The tank vent being closed or restricted will cause probllems like you have posted. Run the mix of Seafoam like you have in it and watch your bulb. If the bulb trys to suck shut the vent or the check valve in the bulb is bad. I replace my main engine fuel line about every 2 or 3 years just for insurance reasons. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

07-30-09, 12:56 PM	#4
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	Thanks guys! The boat is in excellent condition. It was outside but was covered by towels, then the cover, then 2 large tarps. It ran great 2 years ago when we took it to Canada. I have a neighbor that is the service manager at a local car dealership who said I could dump the fuel in their tank.

07-31-09, 07:23 AM	#6
Mac2 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 389	Look for a gas station that sells non ethanol gas and always use the non ethanol. Watercan build up in the tank with ethanol and makes it very difficult to start. Can also cause damage. I also recommend Sea Foam available at Wal Mart.

07-31-09, 08:33 AM	#7
bonsaibp BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northridge, CA Posts: 98	I would use the fuel line and bulb to get the old fuel out add two cans of seafoam to a new tank of gas and probably change the plugs, all pretty simple stuff. That may be all you need to do. Good luck.

07-31-09, 10:14 AM	#8
Abbeysdad BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central NY - Finger Lakes Posts: 1,307	I could be wrong, but I think Sea Foam recommends having a new fuel filter on hand as cleaning may clog the existing filter.

07-31-09, 04:23 PM	#10
Abbeysdad BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central NY - Finger Lakes Posts: 1,307	uhm...hello McFly...the new filter that sea foam recommends is to replace the old one that gets clogged because of the cleaning.

08-02-09, 10:03 AM	#11
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	Thanks guys! Got the old gas out yesterday....uhm....gravity did not help this endevor as I had to pump out 15+ gallons with the ball!!! Next paycheck I can put some new gas in her and see what happens!

08-09-09, 09:06 PM	#13
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	OK guys, dumped the gas, put about 4 gallons and a whole can of seafoam in. Fuel line and bulb are in great shape. Cranked her over and seems to run somewhat normal but only 2 or 3 seconds. Pump the throttle a couple times and she will run for a few more seconds. Put everything away and read troubleshooting...checked the tank vent and it was closed! Could this be the prob?? I had already put the boat back in the garage and don't have time to mess with it again tonight.

08-10-09, 08:21 PM	#15
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	No dice even with vent open. Bulb pumped a ton easier with it open! Ran for about 5 seconds and then quit. Pumped the throttle a couple times and fired up again. Bulb did not try to suck shut in short time it was running. Would it do me any good to back it into the water somewhere so I can give it some throttle? I tried in the driveway and it just shoots my water all over the place Maybe time to let a professional look at it. I was trying to avoid the $90 just to look at it

08-11-09, 06:19 AM	#16
1FASTLASER BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: crossett,arkansas Posts: 2,777	Before going there maybe take her to the water and see ifn you could get her to run. If the low speed jets are stopped up .....and it does soundlike a possiblity.....then the seafoam will bust em open. Thats what I would do before taking to a dealer. Sitting for 2 years with fuel in her has caused some ports in the carbs to clogg from old gas-varnish.....Seafoam if allowed to work will bust it out. The motor has to reach operating temps for the mix to really start working. __________________ Laser's rule with Merc's doing the pushing..........KEEP THE WETSIDE DOWN AND THE DRY SIDE UP!!!!!!

08-12-09, 07:04 PM	#17
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	No go Laser Just runs for a few and dies. I found a local marine service and called them. Hopefully I can get away without spending an arm and a leg! Thanks for your help!!

08-15-09, 09:12 PM	#18
Nater1300 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 49	Ok, decided to try myself Took all the carbs off and cleaned em up real good. Put it all back together and YEAH...she purrs like a kitten

08-15-09, 09:14 PM	#19
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	Awesome, Nater. I always love a "did it with my own hands" story, especially when it turns out well. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

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