Lawn Mower Advice---Free of Charge, please take note!

[+subby1]

Today's gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol (alcohol) which can wreak havoc on small engines. To keep your mowers and other outdoor equipment running in TOP SHAPE, please make sure that you have FRESH gas in your gas can. Plastic containers are much better than metal ones. And most importantly, use a stabilizer in your outdoor equipment gasoline!!! I use a product called STA-BIL. A $12 bottle of this will last you for a few years, because it only takes 2 oz's to treat 5 gallons of gasoline. I would recommend getting TWO containers. Most department stores have a deal on getting a 5 gallon tank that will include a 1 gallon tank. Use the 1 gallon tank for your mixed gas for 2-stroke engines, so you don't get confused. Putting straight gas into a 2-stroke engine (weed eaters, chainsaws, trimmers, etc.) will burn the engine up. Likewise, accidentally putting a gas/oil mix into a 4-stroke (most all lawn mowers) will also cause a big problem, fouling plugs and trashing the carb/fuel system.

 

Fill your 5 gallon container up, then add the STA-BIL to it. From there, you can pour a gallon into your 2-stroke (gas/oil mix) container and you're good to go. Stabilizers counter the problems with ethanol. Only 10% ethanol not only swells the rubber parts into not working, but also allows up to 1+% of WATER to invade the gasoline....not good!!!

 

This thread is a public service to help people maintain their small engines.

 

Remember...STA-BIL is your friend!!!

[Animal]

Thanks for the information,that was great info

[granny ma]

Listen to the man, he knows what he speaks.I have a 25 year old weedeater that never failed me until last year. After doing normal checks, I figured its little carburetor had given up. Because of its age, and manufacturer being long gone, was unable to locate parts. I called Subby to see if he could perform a miracle, not really expecting one. Three days later he brought it back to me running like a champ.

. Yesterday tried to start it after sitting for 6 months, no go. Checked plug, firing fine. Getting fuel to plug. Poured out what was in tank got rid of mix in can. Made new mix with fresh gas. Pulled twice, started fine and went to work.

[drphilofdogs]

This problems is why I only use high grade gas in my motorcycle, after having the carbs cleaned out [again] the repair shop said ethanol was causing my problems.