How to Prevent the Number One Repair Problem in Lawn Equipment.
By far, the most common repairs we see are fuel related repairs. Ever since the government mandated ethanol be added to gasoline in 2007, we have seen an increase in the number of fuel related issues. Current gasoline is only good for about 30 days. Using gas older than that can damage the carburetor. To prevent carburetor repairs we recommend:
#1) use Midgrade (89 octane) or higher grade gasoline. The higher octane gasoline has more additives to help keep the gasoline fresh longer.
#2) When you buy gas from the gas station, put fuel stabilizer that treat gasoline (we sell Star Tron Fuel Stabilizers) with ethanol in it. That way if you leave gas in your mower for up to 90 days, it's still ok. If you are going to let the gasoline sit more than 90 days in your lawn equipment, follow the instruction for long term fuel storage bellow.
For more information on Ethanol related issues see the articles below:
1) Fuel stabilizer could help prevent carburetor problems
2) Consumer Reports on Ethanol Problem in Gasoline
How to Prepare Your Lawn Equipment for Long Term Storage
Properties of gasoline with ethanol can quickly lead to stale fuel causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system if precautions are not followed. You will lose time and money.
1) Do NOT use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol in your lawn equipment.
2) Add fuel stabilizer to your gasoline. Then fill your fuel tank with fresh gasoline to full following the manufacturer's instructions. Air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage.
3) Run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline through the fuel system.
4) If storage time is more than 90 days, start the engine and allow it to run long enough to empty all the treated gasoline from the entire fuel system (including the fuel tank).
5) If you have some fuel left in your storage container at the end of the season, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends adding the gasoline to your car's gas tank, provided your car's fuel tank is fairly full.