Storing small engines
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Storing small engines
I had been storing my tractor etc. by putting Seafoam in the tank. (I'd heard that it was as good as or better than Stabil, and it was a lot cheaper when I checked)
Lately, however, I began to wonder about that practice and started draining the fuel and putting a little oil in the spark plug hole.
Now, I have a quandry. The Kohler Courage on my Cub cadet is somewhat of a pita to drain. So, I can either run it into submission or gas it up and put something in the tank.
What do you guys do?
Lately, however, I began to wonder about that practice and started draining the fuel and putting a little oil in the spark plug hole.
Now, I have a quandry. The Kohler Courage on my Cub cadet is somewhat of a pita to drain. So, I can either run it into submission or gas it up and put something in the tank.
What do you guys do?
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Been using Sta-Bil for a long time with no problems. However I have read recently that ethanol enriched gasoline and Sta-Bil do not react well together. Such as the winter blend gasolines. A full tank collects less moisture than an empty one (condensation). Just a few more things to ponder.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: dallastown pa
All my two cycle stuff will get run dry larger equipment four cycle engine that will get run and then topped with fresh gas with stabil and a few shots of wd40 in the cylinder head. The diesel will just tough it out as I run it for moving snow but will add some wter treatment to the fuel cause the local gas station that offers diesel has water in there fuel and I hate pushing a Kubota B4200 with 48inch bucket
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 107
From: Staten Island, NY
Been using Sta-Bil for a long time with no problems. However I have read recently that ethanol enriched gasoline and Sta-Bil do not react well together. Such as the winter blend gasolines. A full tank collects less moisture than an empty one (condensation). Just a few more things to ponder.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, NY
I had a riding mower I stored covered in the woods for about 5 years (don't ask) I drained the fuel tank & carb. I drug it out put in fresh gas and it fired right up.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Quality fuel additive in the tank. Run the engine long enough to know that the treated fuel has made its way all through the carburetor. Top off the tank to prevent condensation and water collection.
Change the oil now as the acidic action of the old oil has a deleterious effect on internal engine components while in long-term storage. Change the plug now and throw just a couple of oil can squirts into the cylinder and cycle the piston to make sure the cylinder and rings get a thin coat of oil. Service your air cleaner and put a battery tender on the battery or disconnect it from the terminals.
You'll be good to go when the grass starts growing again.
Change the oil now as the acidic action of the old oil has a deleterious effect on internal engine components while in long-term storage. Change the plug now and throw just a couple of oil can squirts into the cylinder and cycle the piston to make sure the cylinder and rings get a thin coat of oil. Service your air cleaner and put a battery tender on the battery or disconnect it from the terminals.
You'll be good to go when the grass starts growing again.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Quality fuel additive in the tank. Run the engine long enough to know that the treated fuel has made its way all through the carburetor. Top off the tank to prevent condensation and water collection.
Change the oil now as the acidic action of the old oil has a deleterious effect on internal engine components while in long-term storage. Change the plug now and throw just a couple of oil can squirts into the cylinder and cycle the piston to make sure the cylinder and rings get a thin coat of oil. Service your air cleaner and put a battery tender on the battery or disconnect it from the terminals.
You'll be good to go when the grass starts growing again.
Change the oil now as the acidic action of the old oil has a deleterious effect on internal engine components while in long-term storage. Change the plug now and throw just a couple of oil can squirts into the cylinder and cycle the piston to make sure the cylinder and rings get a thin coat of oil. Service your air cleaner and put a battery tender on the battery or disconnect it from the terminals.
You'll be good to go when the grass starts growing again.
GREAT post!!!!!
Although I didn't put oil into the cylinder, I stored my snowblower (last Spring) exactly as Kal wrote.
Last Saturday, I pressed the 'prime' bulb on the engine, flipped the switch to "on" and hit the starter.
That engine (B&S btw) started within three revolutions.
Ah............. internal combustion engines. Salvation from manual labor!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Thanks for the kudos, BOR.
I am not getting rich with my little side business fixing and servicing mowers and other outdoor power equipment, but I wouldn't make near what I do if my customers would just take better care of their own equipment.
I am not getting rich with my little side business fixing and servicing mowers and other outdoor power equipment, but I wouldn't make near what I do if my customers would just take better care of their own equipment.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
I just put an old washtub over my lawnmower. Not in the shed or garage but outside here in eastern Pa. I don't drain anything, none of that fancy "Stabil" stuff. Come spring I "check" (not change) the oil, dump in some gas, push the primer bulb 4-6 times and she starts right up on the 2nd or 3rd pull. Go Figger. BTW I've NEVER "bought" a lawnmower in 33 years. Always found one FREE !!! I guess I'm the ultimate *****rd" !!!
Wow, I guess this forum is "Language Limited".
Edited for language:
Yes it is limited. Don't push the limits.
Wow, I guess this forum is "Language Limited".
Edited for language:
Yes it is limited. Don't push the limits.
Last edited by Ford_Six; Dec 27, 2009 at 02:18 PM. Reason: language
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