Hi... thought I'd report back on results of gas tank problem....
Was able to drain all but bottom of tank, maybe 5 gallons of my 35 gal tank, and what a pain in the ### that was ! Only way I could drain was to remove the cover of the pickup tube, and anti-siphon valve connect, then insert palstic tubing through cover hole.
Ran siphon tube from that point via 1/4" plastic tube, down through bilge,
out through drain hold at back of boat. Long and tedious task. Trust me I had the fire extinguisher beside me at all times. 35 gals of gas and one spark, and I wouldn't be writing this message. KABOOM! Hope I never have to do this again ! $($@&$(@&@)
BTW, I used every drop of gas in my vehicles without any problems.
I checked gas before using, and it all looked clean, and also checked for water... None!
At the advice of 'Just-4-Kiks', I added a can of 'Seafoam', then fillled tank with 'High-Test, at least 89 octane.
I started boat only after cranking a couple times, started right up !
Took the boat out for it's first run of season, and it appeared to run extremely smooth! No hesitation, coughing, or stalling. Ran the boat for 30 min, then brought her in without issue. Beleive me this is 100% better performance than my last few times out on the water. Almost need to get towed in from last Oct Fall outing.
Hopefully, my original issue I was battling was just bad gas from last year.
I may have had some water in gas, not sure, but could never identify in several tests. ETHANOL ! I HATE IT WITH A PASSION !!!!
I had to rule out the Carb in my problems, as this was just rebuilt, with all new parts, including float.
Anyway, hopefully all my problems are behind me now? TBD?
I still have to change my impellor over the next few weeks, and I should be set for the summer season.
Thanks everyone, I really value your opinions and suggestions, especially 'Just-4-Kiks' for recommending the 'Seafoam'. I'll be using this gas additive on a regular basis.
See you on the lake !
Bigdog