F250 4 stroke outboard - intermitent loss of power

[nortonpk]

I am having 2 issues with my F250 4 stroke outboard.

1. It runs fine for a while, maybe and hour or so, then I start having lack of power, in on instance I could barely get the boat up on plane, then when I eventually did it seemed to run ok. In another instance after running at nearly full throttle it started cutting out intermittently. This happened as I was coming into the no-wake zone so I had to slow down anyway and it ran fine at low speed. Do you think this could be bad gas or is it something else? I did not get the boat in the water all year, so I have 100 gallons of 2-year-old but treated gas. I replaced the 2 first fuel filters when I winterized it 2 years ago. Have not replaced the 2 inner filters in a couple of years. Is there any harm in running out the old gas? Assuming that is the problem?
2. Second issue is that most of the elements on my tachometer are not working. Could this be an electrical connection problem? Or does the unit need to be replaced? Does this interact with the engine and could it be affecting above problem?

Any help or advice on this?

[rejesterd]

Stabilizer won't last longer than 15 months or so. I think it's safe to assume the fuel is bad after 2 years, and that could certainly cause problems like you described. It's not a good idea to run that fuel through your engine. I would get the fuel out first, then clean out the rest of the fuel system (change the fuel filters, have injectors/carbs cleaned, change the VST filter, etc).

[nortonpk]

thanks, that's what I figured, any advise on how to get the fuel out and what to do with it?

[rejesterd]

Never had a tank that big to worry about, so I'm not the one to ask. But I expect you can hire someone who can extract it from the tank and dispose of it.

As for the tachometer.. If most display items on it don't work, and you know your engine actually has connectors/sensors for those items, then the unit is probably bad. Otherwise, it's a wiring issue, in which case you'd need the service manual or the Yamaha Rigging Guide. But either way, your tachometer won't affect how your engine runs and cause the issues that you described.

[99yam40]

None of us know what motor you have, do you?
post a complete ID

\
is the fuel in the tank non e?
if so it might still be OK,
but if it is e fuel, you can pump out most of it using the regular pick up tube and lines, but you will still need to remove the level sensor and suck out the rest off of the bottom.

tank will need to be cleaned if water is found.
flush out all lines, and then replace all screens and filters

getting rid of the old fuel depends on what it is and how bad it is.
might be able to run it in lawn mowers or even your truck if not too bad
do not just dump it out, find someone to take it and dispose of it properly

a better explanation of what is wrong with the tach is needed
along to what tach you are talking about

[nortonpk]

i'll post additional details this weekend, off course its e fuel, where can you get non e fuel? i'll recheck the water separator filter to see if there is any water in it, smelt he gas while I'm at it. The tank was topped of when it was winterized so I would not think there is much water in it? I used Sta-bil 360 marine fuel stabilizer in it. this was done in Nov 2017

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I'd dump that fuel... No way it's still good...

You have to start with the basics first- Good fuel being #1..

You can get most of it out just with the primer bulb and longer hose. Disconnect from the engine, put your extended fuel hose down and into a catch container. Prime and let it flow... Check the fuel especially towards the end to see how much water and nasty it is...

If you still think it's good, put it in the car. The OB seems to be more sensitive to nasty fuel. You may give your auto running issues doing this...


BTW, most marina's (at least down here), only sell non-E fuel...


As for the tach, might want to check / clean connections at the back of the tach and any plugs / grounds going to it...

[99yam40]

i'll post additional details this weekend, off course its e fuel, where can you get non e fuel? i'll recheck the water separator filter to see if there is any water in it, smelt he gas while I'm at it. The tank was topped of when it was winterized so I would not think there is much water in it? I used Sta-bil 360 marine fuel stabilizer in it. this was done in Nov 2017

E fuel will not be good after 2 years, and probably not after even one year.

I use old fuel to start brush piles on fire, just have to be careful.
but then 100 gallons is a lot of fuel to use use like that or store for longer .

look into companies that will dispose of it for you