I've heard for years about so called "old or crappy gas" problems. Yet, I've not experienced any of it. I had a Johnson 2 cycle 9.9 for 30 years. Most years if I had gas left over at the end of the season, I just let it sit for next season. Much of the time it sat with gas connected for weeks at a time no problem. I would run the outboard itself dry before putting it up for the season; then plug the old gas tank in and the Johnson would start on the first or second pull. In all those years, I rebuilt the carb only once! When I decided to replace it, it was because it quit cooling properly, not for any running problems.

So 2 years ago, I deliberately sought out and purchased a brand new 2 cycle Yamaha. I treat it exactly the same way and have not had any gas or carb problems.

That's my experience. I often wonder what other factors could be involved when others have a related problem.