Fuel problem?

Got a 2001 Merc 75 4-stroke carbeurated motor. Left fuel in it for several months, but with Stabil in it. Started the motor (had to use starting fluid) and let it run for 2 hours. Took it out on the water and it died. Could not get it started to save my life. Back at the dock, I replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, anti-siphon valve and squeeze bulb. Old fuel in the tank had run down to about two gallons, so I added five gallons fresh fuel, some fuel stabilizer and let is sit overnight. Still won't start without starting fluid. Got it running once for about 30 seconds and it sounded like it choked out. Now it only fires with starting fluid and won't keep running. I live on the lake and I can't even get it running so I can get it to a ramp to take it to a mechanic, otherwise I would have already. Any ideas?

Thanks

[QUOTE=charlie1;421856]Got a 2001 Merc 75 4-stroke carbeurated motor. Left fuel in it for several months, but with Stabil in it. Started the motor (had to use starting fluid) and let it run for 2 hours. Took it out on the water and it died. Could not get it started to save my life. Back at the dock, I replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, anti-siphon valve and squeeze bulb. Old fuel in the tank had run down to about two gallons, so I added five gallons fresh fuel, some fuel stabilizer and let is sit overnight. Still won't start without starting fluid. Got it running once for about 30 seconds and it sounded like it choked out. Now it only fires with starting fluid and won't keep running. I live on the lake and I can't even get it running so I can get it to a ramp to take it to a mechanic, otherwise I would have already. Any ideas?

Thanks[/QUOTE]sounds like carb jets might be gummed up a bit possibly

[QUOTE=charlie1;421856]Got a 2001 Merc 75 4-stroke carbeurated motor. Left fuel in it for several months, but with Stabil in it. Started the motor (had to use starting fluid) and let it run for 2 hours. Took it out on the water and it died. Could not get it started to save my life. Back at the dock, I replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, anti-siphon valve and squeeze bulb. Old fuel in the tank had run down to about two gallons, so I added five gallons fresh fuel, some fuel stabilizer and let is sit overnight. Still won't start without starting fluid. Got it running once for about 30 seconds and it sounded like it choked out. Now it only fires with starting fluid and won't keep running. I live on the lake and I can't even get it running so I can get it to a ramp to take it to a mechanic, otherwise I would have already. Any ideas?

Thanks[/QUOTE]
say what lake your on, and I'll bet someone will tow you to a boat ramp. if your close enough, I'd tow you to a ramp. something you may try, remove the drain plug from the carbs. and use a can of starting fluid with the little straw. stick the straw inside the drain hole, and flush the carbs out. it may remove enough gum for it to run and clean itself out.

I'm on Watts Bar. I can get my brother-in-law to tow me, I just hate to ask. Do you mean carb cleaner instead of starting fluid? I know a fellow that goes by the name of waterdog. His name is Don, from Oak Ridge.

that still aint gonna clean the jets out, which is where it draws fuel through

[QUOTE=charlie1;421869]I'm on Watts Bar. I can get my brother-in-law to tow me, I just hate to ask. Do you mean carb cleaner instead of starting fluid? I know a fellow that goes by the name of waterdog. His name is Don, from Oak Ridge.[/QUOTE]
your 2 hours away from me. no I'm a different waterdog, I live in ky. you will have to take the carbs apart to clean them out good. but when you drain them, the float will drop down. and the shut off needle will drop as well. so when spraying the starting fluid inside the carbs, it may wash away enough sludge for it to start. if it starts for you, it might clean it's self out. anyway it would be a cheap fix if it works, if not then take it to the shop.

Add some sea foam and keep it running with the starting fluid until it pulls your fuel through with the sea foam . 99.9 percent of the time this will work

keeping a 2 stroke running on start fluid is a bad idea...not much lube in that...lol. take the carbs apart...its not rocket science

[QUOTE=Embrey;422792]keeping a 2 stroke running on start fluid is a bad idea...not much lube in that...lol. take the carbs apart...its not rocket science[/QUOTE]
Its a 4 stroke-treat it same as a car-other than taking apart the carbs treat with starter fluid and carb cleaner,make sure to choke in the begining.Sounds like not getting gas,and that may be all the problem there is.
The gas treatment additive is a good idea,keep it up.
About 15 min of solid running on treated gas after starting with the starter fluid and treating with carb cleaner.should cure any minor carb problems.

ah scratch that...forgot is was 4 stroke...lol