I count 14 small engines here, most of which get limited use. When I do fire one up chances are it'll work ... maybe. If not it means pulling the carb, cleaning out the "snot", blowing the ports and we're ready to go. Of course this takes time and adds frustration. All the dry gas, Marvel Mystery, Seafoam, Marine Staybil, etc. does little and costs a lot. I tried shutting off the fuel supply and running the engine dry ... Doesn't always work.
Yesterday I tried to crank up my neglected genset which had set with a couple quarts of fuel in the tank. Wrong! The fuel was 25% water, the tank rusty, the carb sick ... you get the message. A couple hours labor, a new tank, and we're off to the races 'til the next time. What a waste of time and money.
I've started using ONLY ethanol free 91 octane gas even though I have to drive 20 miles to buy it at $4 a gallon. If it works without all the expensive additives it's worth the effort. Don't know if it will bring back the good old days ... I wish. Next, I'll probably be fogging the engines.
