40HP wont start

[magbolt]

I am new to owning a boat and have encountered my first "problem". I have a 19 foot pontoon boat with a 2003 40HP 2 cylinder mercury outboard. I have used it all summer with no problems. Last week I added Stabil to the fuel in preparation for this winters storage. I accidently put way to much stabil in. I added enough stabil for 6-7 gallons when there was only 1/2 gallon in the tank. After adding this I tried to start the engine and could not. I believe I also flooded the engine attempting to get it started. I waited until the next morning and added a few gallons of fresh gas to the 1/2 gallon already in the tank. I attempted to start the engine again and was unable to. I pulled the spark plugs and they were wet. I had to put the boat into storage without being able to start it and am concerned about having problems in the spring.<br />Is it possible that to much stabil in the fuel would prevent the motor from starting? What do I need to do other than using fresh gas in the spring??

 

[jimalsk]

Re: 40HP wont start

Magbolt Top off your fuel tank. With a half gallon in it you will be getting a alot of condesation in the tank over the winter which equals water in the tank in the spring. Drain the carb/carbs and retry starting it. You may have to also change the plugs,they may now befouled. If this is a 2cycle engine did you fog it for storage? If it is a four stroker you don't need to fog it.

 

[magbolt]

Re: 40HP wont start

Thanks. Yes I did top off the fuel tank (which I removed and store in my garage). I also fogged it, but since it was already out of the water I just pulled the plugs and sprayed 1/2 can of fogger into each hole and then turned the flywheel by hand a few times and replaced the plugs. Is that good enough?

 

[jimalsk]

Re: 40HP wont start

The purpose of fogging is to get the fogging oil in the crankcase so it can coat the internal parts of the engine to prevent rust from sitting for an extended period of time. Yes you should also pull the plugs and spray the inside of the cylinder.Did you try to start it after you sprayed a 1/2 can of fogger into each cylinder. That is more than likely why it did not start, you fouled the plugs with to much oil.Have you drained the carbs yet? Do so and then hook up your fuel tank and squeeze the primer bulb to refill the carbs with the fuel you stablized. After that it's hybernation time for the winter.