Yamaha 15hp 4 stroke fuel leak

[rginflateil]

Made the 1st timer mistake of taking engine off the boat and putting on its side for the winter. When I tried to use it for 1st time this spring, when I prime the gas bulb it doesn't stiffen and fuel is leaking from the carb. And of course the engine won't start. What's the cause and solution?

[robert graham]

The fuel probably leaked down into the cylinders. Mount motor upright in normal running position, put on muffs or put foot in a drum of water up to the intakes, remove spark plugs, drain all fuel from carbs and fuel lines, pull motor over with rope to be sure it turns and to blow out any old oil or gas in cylinders, add fresh gas, clean spark plug and re-install, prime fuel system from tank through to the carbs, pull rope and it should start right up but will smoke some right at first. Probably no harm done.