During spring and summer, your lawn mower gets a lot of use. To keep your mower running all season long, certain precautions should be taken to ensure maximum productivity and years of trouble-free operation. If not properly maintained, your mower can experience fuel-related problems that cause starting or running problems and damage to the fuel system. To avoid fuel-related problems, follow these fuel recommendations for your lawn mower.
Fuel Recommendation #1 – Properly store your gasoline
Store your gasoline in a clean, plastic, sealed container approved for fuel storage to prevent rust and metallic contaminants from entering the fuel system. Store the container away from direct sunlight because the gasoline will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and sunlight. If it takes longer than 3 months to use the fuel, we recommend adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel when you fill the container.
When purchasing fuel stabilizer, make sure to purchase the right one for your needs. There are specific stabilizers for gas that does and does not contain ethanol.
Fuel Recommendation #2 – Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol
Engines produced for use in outdoor power equipment are not designed for gasoline with more than 10% ethanol. Using higher ethanol fuel blends are corrosive and attract water, which can cause starting or running problems or damage to your mower’s fuel system. Read your equipment and engine owner’s manual for information on the proper fuel to use in your machine.
Fuel Recommendation #3 – Be mindful of your mower’s air filter
Keep your lawn mower’s air filter properly serviced and check it before each use.
A properly maintained air filter will help prevent dirt from entering the mower’s carburetor. Check the filter before each use and replace it regularly when used in dusty conditions. Dirt that enters the carburetor can be drawn into small passages in the carburetor, causing premature engine wear. If these small passages become blocked, this could result in starting or running problems.
Fuel Recommendation #4 – When you’re done mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF and leave it OFF until ready to mow again
Fill the fuel tank to minimize air in the tank. If you don’t intend to use your lawn mower for 3 to 4 weeks, start the engine with the fuel valve OFF, and allow it to run until the engine runs out of gas.
The small amount of gasoline in your mower’s carburetor will deteriorate faster than the fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel valve allows you to stop the fuel flow from the fuel tank to the carburetor for storing and transporting. Fill the fuel tank after each use instead of before each use.
Fuel Recommendation #5 – Don’t let fuel sit in your lawn mower for longer than 30 days
Fuel starts to go bad after 30 days. After 30 days, the volatile compounds in the fuel start evaporating, and this occurs whether the gas is in your lawn mower or in the gas can.
As fuel sits and grows older, it evaporates and forms brown sticky deposits that eventually turn into a hard varnish. Deposits and varnish can plug fuel lines and passages in the carburetor, preventing the engine from running properly.
You May Also Enjoy These Articles:
Fuel Tips for your Outdoor Power Equipment
5 Reasons to Use Pre-Mixed Fuel
How to Mix the Correct Ratio of Fuel and Oil
How to Store Small Engine Equipment
Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist
Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
Weingartz
6585 Dixie Hwy.
Clarkston, MI 48346-3421
(248) 620-5258
info@weingartz.com
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