4.3 V6, REALLY hard to start

[drun_trucker]

I finally got the boat started today, it's been a test of my patience to say the least.

I got this thing on a trade, that being said it has sat for 6 years. I will do my best to try and break down what I have done thus far.

New Items:
Trim motor replaced (irrelevant, I know)
Starter
Ignition Coil
Condenser

PreTrouble Shooting Steps:
Fuel/Water separator removed and check, was clean
Carb removed and inspected
-was beyond clean, accelerator pump was soft and plyable
Cap and rotor removed
-rotor looked brand new with no signs of wear, cap contact points slightly corroded(more tarnished) but sanded clean
Points also slightly tarnished, sanded with fine sand paper and shined up good

I got is started and checked to be sure it was pumping water. Was a bit concerned that sitting for so long the impellor would be junk, pumped water good. Had a heck of time starting it thought. I pumped the heck out of the throttle and seemed to do more harm than good. I let it set for a few seconds and it starts but won't hold idle.

Need I remind all that it's been sitting for 6 years with the same gas. I really think the gas is bad. All things look good and degraded fuel would be a good reason for the trouble. I'm not 100% sure on the capacity but the gauge shows 1/2 tank.

So 2 questions:
1) Does it seem that bad gas would be the root of my current evils
2) Can a can of SeaFoam help get me through the other half tank of gas or should I top it off with new higher octane fuel

 

[Scott Danforth]

Gas does not last 6 years. Not a chemical on the planet that can help bad gas. Drain and refill

 

[drun_trucker]

I hear that...what kinda of harm will I be doing by running it through? I mean draining will be doable but it hasn't ran in a LONG time, would be running that fuel through be bad?

 

[Scott Danforth]

It's your boat. If you want to run varnish in your motor, than do so. However plan on rebuilding the carb then. Spend the hour of time and drain the tank

 

[Redrig]

Add the gas to your car / truck in 5 gallon increments , then you're not wasting it. haha

Also , check the timing . When you were in there cleaning up the points you probably changed the base timing . So check to make sure its correct now , that right there might result the engine starting right now alot easier .