Is there enough fuel in the tank?

Don't laugh but that question saved me $1000 on a MF 65 I purchased.

Seller wanted $4000, engine cranked and turnned good but would not start. Owner said I put gas in, but there must be rust in tank and the fuel system would have to be replaced. I said cost of carb, tank, lines, fliters and labor is at least $1000. Purchased for $3K.

Took it home, and with a flashlight examined the tank. Clean as a wistle, I see the gas they put in, about 1/2 gallon. The gas didn't even come up to the reserve inlet.

I put in 5 gallons and she started right up, and I haven't had a lick of trouble with the fuel system.

Of course to fill an empty tank all the way would cost around $1000 today.