[Rhodes22-list] Ethanol problems

[Susan Crane]

I posted a query last fall about the problems I was having with my Mercury
outboard and received several very helpful replies that basically indicated
that my problems with stalling and erratic idling were due to buildup of
ethanol residue in the carburetor.  So I have tried unplugging the gas line
and letting the motor run till it stalls, but I am still having problems.
This is probably a silly question, but when one does that with the gas line,
do you leave it unplugged until the next time you use it or do you reattach
it after the motor stops, or does it matter?  Just in case anyone wonders, I
have been adding fuel treatment to the gas.  Next question:  I have found a
local gas station which sells ethanol free gas and am going to switch to
that.  Will using it help clean out the carburetor or do I need to have it
cleaned or replaced?  I had a new carburetor put in last summer and the
motor ran perfectly for a few outings before the problems recurred.
Obviously, I know nothing about outboard motor functioning and the mechanic
at my marina has been less than helpful.  He doesn't seem to believe that it
is an ethanol issue.  I am trying to avoid buying a new outboard, but am at
my wits end with this.  Just the stress of the motor stalling while docking
takes some of the fun out of sailing.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Susan Crane

s/v Whimsy

Bohemia River

Chesapeake Bay