Re: newbie (just askin ?'s)
many shops provide a 100 hr service ,it includes impeller,gear oil,compression and spark test,new plugs,grease all fittings,change all gas filters,small adjustments to cables,sinc and link,alot depends on the shop,or ,do the service once a yr,not running is the worst thing for an eng,usually carbs become gunked up,even if gas is run out you may still have trouble,all that is especially important in saltwater areas,you may begin to see trouble due to ethnol in the gas,you may have a station in your area offering ethonol free gas,i suggest it ,especially 4 older engines,the various rubber parts including hoses can break down from the ethonol ,if you havent done so already,start by getting new fuel hose designed for alcohol,the trouble ingrediant in the gas,also test your heat horn on occasion,with key on,find the tan wire that comes from the sensor in each head,disconnect(it has quick connect,or should)then ground out the wire from the harness on a clean piece of the block and listen for the horn,if it dont work,change it.Dirty carbs,lack of oil,overheating are the trouble starters,dont know where you live but,if you winterize,fogging the engine and running it out of gas is a good way to do it,you should also put STABIL in your gas,that will help your carbs from gunking,especially use it on your last tank of the season,surely more friends will chime in on that which I forgot or dont know.good luck,and welcome