Ask the Editors: Spring-time Sputtering
Water where water should not be.
The most likely culprit is accumulation of water in your gasoline. You didn’t specify whether you drained the tank & carb before parking it but the cold weather can cause the fuel and water present in most pump gas to separate. Get enough of the water in the carb and you’re going to experience some rough performance.
In a mild case, a fresh spark plug and a capful of isopropyl alcohol (dry gas) ought to get you back up and running.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, drain the fuel tank (including the fuel in the carburetor) and do a spot check. If the jets look corroded or plugged, try a powerful carb & choke cleaner. If this still doesn’t do the trick, replacement of the jets is your only option. Lastly, don’t use the fuel you drained out again.
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