Just an update:
We went on vacation and took my other boat/motor. It was working fine prior to the trip. First time I took it out, it started to stall and I had to play with the choke to try and keep it working. Got to the far end of the lake, and couldn't get it restarted!
Glad I had the trolling motor, but it took a while to get back (did I mention the name of the lake? It was "Long lake"....and danged if it wasn't!)
Took the outboard in today; Lady behind the counter pretty much said the same thing that was said here re: the ethanol. I guess my question is: can you get gas w/o ethanol in it, or is this another govt. sponsored conspiracy? Would it do any good to use a higher Octane (premium) fuel, or won't that make a difference (my one outboard manual says NOT to use premium fuel....doesn't say a damn thing about ethanol
)
Anyway, hope to get 'em fixed and tried out prior to duck season....bought a little Evinrude "Mate" 1.5 hp for the boat I built. I plan on using Hyde&Powells recommended mix and see if that helps matters.
Thanks to all for your input...............