winter storage question

[natem1984]

I use the stabil and do not run things dry. I was running things dry in tell this one year with my 1525 there was condensation that formed in the bowl and it rust and little pieces clogged the carb all up.

 

[OhioGuy]

Why don't gasoline manufacturers put stabil in to begin with? They add all sorts of fuel additives already.

I'm sure it's because it's an additional expense that isn't needed 95% of the time. Would anyone hazard a guess how long it takes gas to go bad, 6 months, one year, I'd guess at least that long.

Does it always have that awful stink when it destabilizes?

Curt

 

[cp1969]

I don't mess with it if it's only for a few months such as one winter. Put the thing(s) away dirty, drag them out when needed and fire them up.

I really don't think gasoline deterioration is the problem it once was, otherwise I would have been bit due to my negligence and the number of engines I've treated this way. The only carb I've ever had to rebuild was on a snowblower that wasn't used for multiple years.

 

[MrWiggles2]

Gas deteriorates faster now than ever actually. It will turn to gummed up varnish very quickly. Most tanks have pin holes in the cap to allow air in, so the air and moisure wreak havoc on fresh fuel.

I can always tell bad gas because the exhaust smells foul when it first starts after sitting a long time. Stabil is cheap insurance I think.

 

[Fordlords]

I use the Stabil in the tanks but have always let my carbs run out dry. Never had a problem with this in the mowers and motorcycles, everything starts right up in the spring. I try to pace it at the end of the season so I use up as much of the gas I have in the tanks and cans before season's end. Sometimes it's hard to predict though, it's the second week in October and I'm still mowing the lawn.

I guess everyone has their own storage methods, but one thing for sure is I had very bad luck with spring restarts on the occasions I just did nothing and let gas just sit in the mowers or cycles without stabilizing or running carbs dry.

-Fordlords-

 

[ToadHill]

At the last mowing I put Stabil in the tank before I mow. When I finish I drain the oil and change the filter. Put in fresh oil, start the engine and spray fogging oil into the carb to coat the cylenders. I remove the deck and scrape and paint it, sharpen the blades and set it with the mower to install in the spring.

 

[Willl]

My bad. I don't do anything. Turn the lights out and shut the door.

It's a Yard Machines.