I took out my boat this weekend and the outboard (40hp Johnson 2-stroke) didn't want to stay running at low speed (5mph and under) or idle, it kept stalling out. What do you think the problem is? Could it be bad/old gas? I know the gas in the tank is at least 1 year old...possibly 2 with fuel stabilizer in the same tank of gas twice (the past 2 winters) as I haven't used the boat much the past couple of years. If so, I'm thinking of sip[honing out the old gas and replacing it with new gas.

I'm no mechanic but I suspect it could be a lot of things.  My first boat would start stalling out while idling when the spark plugs got old.  That was always my sign that it was time to change the plugs.

Old gas fouling the plugs or contaminate inline filter.

Try running at speed for awhile to burn off the plugs.

Tom

It could be the fuel line is plugged up. With the boat sitting that long, it might be a good idea to change the line, regardless of any other problems. Good luck, hope it's an easy fix

If gas was left in the carburetor(s) (not run empty after last use) you may need to have the carburetor(s) cleaned out.

Maybe try running some Seafoam thru it with fressh gas. That'll clean the carb and help get any gunk out of it.

7 hours ago, Goldstar225 said:

If gas was left in the carburetor(s) (not run empty after last use) you may need to have the carburetor(s) cleaned out.

I had it summerized at the dealer in April so the carbs are all cleaned out. I'm thinking it's the old gas though and i should replace it with some high test to help clean things out.