Store Lawn mower with or without gas? (Solution)

Storing your mower with a full tank of fuel prevents moisture from condensing in the tank which can form rust that could break away and clog the carburetor.

Rick’s advice on whether to store your lawnmower with or without gas Newer engines use different metals in the carburetors and those metals are more resistant to corrosion. If your lawnmower is newer or has a plastic carburetor and plastic gas tank, store it empty.

Should I leave gas in my lawnmower over the winter?

Unused gas left in a mower over the winter can get stale, gumming up the carburetor and inviting rust. Turn the mower off and allow the engine to cool, then siphon excess gas into a clean can. (You can put this gas in your car, provided it hasn’t been mixed with oil.)

Can you leave gas in your lawn mower?

If you leave gas in a lawnmower for months or throughout the winter, it can grow stale and gum up the carburetor, which makes internal parts rust. This decreases the life of your lawnmower and costs you more money over time to replace parts or even the whole machine.

How do you store gas in a lawn mower?

If you store gasoline for use in a lawn mower or other yard machines, here’s how to keep and use it safely:

Use only approved metal or plastic gasoline containers.
Remove fuel containers from vehicles and place them on the ground before refilling.
Fill containers slowly to reduce the buildup of static electricity.

How long can gas sit in a lawn mower before it goes bad?

To avoid future issues with stale fuel, try not to store gasoline in tanks or containers for more than two months. If you know gasoline will be sitting for longer than that, add a fuel stabilizer. This will help prevent oxidization.

Is it safe to store lawn mower in garage?

Keep Your Space Safe When home garages turn into storage units, lawn mowers become tripping hazards. Pinholes in the fuel tank can fill the air with unhealthy fumes. A small break in the fuel line can spill combustible liquid on the garage floor.

Can I store my lawn mower outside?

Can I store my lawn mower outside in the winter? You can store your mower outside in winter, but it isn’t ideal. If you must store your lawn mower long-term in your yard, make sure it is elevated, so that it doesn’t sit directly on the ground. This will allow air to circulate in order to keep it more dry.

How do you store a lawnmower?

The best place for lawn mower storage is somewhere dry and protected from the elements, such as a garage or shed. If you have no other choice but to store it outside, keep it elevated above the ground and covered with a durable tarp.

How do you drain oil and gas from a lawn mower?

Turn off the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Drain the gas from the mower OR place a plastic sandwich bag over the gas tank and screw the cap on to prevent leaks. Insert the oil extractor tube and begin to pump the oil out of the engine.

Will a gas can explode in the sun?

No, the gas bottle will not explode. When the sun is shining and the temperature rises, the pressure in the gas bottle obviously rises as well. Gas bottles have been designed in such a way that they are resistant to increasing pressure, but it is obviously better to keep the gas bottles out of the sun.

What do you do with old lawn mower gas?

The proper way to dispose of gasoline is as simple as a few simple steps:

Put the gasoline in a government approved container,
Find a local disposal site by calling your county or city waste management,
Dispose of the bad gasoline at an approved disposal site.

Can Old gas ruin a lawn mower?

Putting old gasoline into your lawn mower can cause a variety of problems. Sediment and other deposits can build up in the carburetor and fuel line, making it harder to start your mower, and as the buildup continues, it may prevent the mower from starting at all.

Is 2 year old gas still good?

However, gas that is more than two month old is generally OK to use with only minor decreases in performance. Gas that is older than a year can cause issues, like engine knocking, sputtering and clogged injectors. Bad gas can be drained from the tank to prevent damage to the engine.

Lawn Mower Storage: Why Draining the Tank is a Mistake

Are you interested in learning how to make certain that your lawn mower and outdoor power equipment will be ready to go when the grass begins to grow? If you’ve looked through your owner’s manual, you’ve definitely noticed a recommendation to conduct some preventative maintenance prior to storing your vehicle. This is a fantastic habit to get into at any time of the year. Aside from that, some manufacturers would recommend that you completely dry your equipment before storing it for the winter.

While draining the fuel tank may sound like a good idea, it could harm your engine.

When you run a lawn mower dry, it will be more difficult to get it to start right away when it comes time to pull it out of storage. Our outdoor equipment and tools, ranging from lawn mowers and leaf blowers to hedge trimmers and chainsaws, are no exception. The operation of lawn equipment is dependent on three fundamental components. Your engine will not start if you do not have all three of these components: If you take the effort to clean or change your air filter on a regular basis, you will always have clean air accessible.

But what about fuel?

In fact, it is possible that it will not run at all.

Draining the tank harms your lawn mowers carburetor

The ‘heart’ of your device is damaged when the tank is drained. If you think about it, the heart is one of the most vital organs in your body. In many respects, the carburetor on your lawn mower is the ‘heart’ of your engine. It is responsible for mixing air and fuel and circulating these materials through an engine’s cylinders. Each time you empty the gas tank, you unintentionally put stress on the ‘organ’ of your machine, which is crucial to its operation. What occurs is as follows:

The process of draining fuel permits oxygen to reach the carburetor of the lawn mower. It’s nearly hard to get every last drop of fuel out of the car’s tank. When oxygen attacks the microscopic fuel droplets that have been left behind, it results in the formation of gum and varnish. If this material accumulates in the incorrect location, such as the tip of a needle valve, the carburetor will require cleaning in order to function correctly. Water may be found everywhere there is air (damage). A gas tank that has been allowed to lay empty for an extended length of time creates a large surface area on which water vapor can condense. It is possible for moisture to accumulate and create corrosion in the tank, fuel lines, carburetor, and cylinders. It is also possible for moisture to cause catastrophic engine failure if a large ‘gulp’ of fuel is sucked into the engine all at once. (This is why your mechanic may have stated that there is ‘white rust’ in the carburetor.)
Plastics and rubbers used in the fuel system are specifically engineered to withstand exposure to gasoline. Whenever these pieces are exposed to air, they might become brittle and shatter.

What to do instead: Avoid risks with gas stabilizer.

Some manufacturers advocate draining the tank to winterize a lawn mower since the worst thing you can do is keep old fuel in an engine for extended periods of time while a lawn mower is being stored. It’s possible that you’ve followed this advice in the past without experiencing any problems, but that doesn’t imply you’re completely safe. Using your lawn mower and other equipment less often if you dump the tank once a year is an excellent way to reduce the lifespan of your lawn mower and other items.

Simply using a high-quality fuel stabilizer and new gasoline before putting away equipment for the season can help to prevent harm.

Here’s how to winterize a lawn mower correctly

Step 1: Purchase and stabilize fresh gasoline to ensure the greatest amount of protection. Fuel stabilizer can be added to old fuel to prevent it from degrading any further; however, the fuel may already have deteriorated. The second step is to fill your tank with fresh, stable fuel to 95 percent capacity. Allowing a little amount of space avoids the gasoline from expanding and spilling in hot weather, as well as the possibility of water vapor condensing and contaminating the fuel. Step 3: Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes.

That’s all there is to it!

When the grass begins to grow and the gardening season begins in the spring, a few minutes spent maintaining each piece of yard equipment may save hours of time.

Store Lawn mower with or without gas

It is possible to get two different solutions to the question of whether or not you should store your lawnmower with or without gas if you do an internet search. Some firms that offer gasoline stabilizers advise customers to fill their tanks to the brim with freshly stabilized fuel. This is one way that they promote. The alternative method, promoted by some small engine manufacturers, instructs you to run the gas tank completely dry before continuing to pull the starting cord until all gas has been drawn out of the carburetor and the engine is completely dry.

Continue reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy.

What happens to gas when it’s left in a small engine in the offseason?

The alcohol in the gasoline will separate from the gas after around 30 days, if the fuel includes ethanol. 30 days from the time you purchased it at the gas store, not 30 days from the time you filled the tank of your tiny engine with gasoline. Because alcohol is hygroscopic, it attracts and adsorbs water, which, because water is heavier than gas, causes the alcohol/water mixture to settle to the bottom of the tank. When the water enters the gas tank, it is a result of moisture in the surrounding air that has made its way into the tank through an open vent in the cap.

The mixture of alcohol and water will corrode the steel tank as well as the metals in the carburetor.

Aside from the phase separation effect, aged gasoline degrades in a number of other ways.

Following that, the remaining components deteriorate, resulting in a layer of varnish and gum forming inside the tank and obstructing the narrow channels of the carburetors.

What does fuel stabilizer do?

First and foremost, gasoline stabilizer prevents or delays phase separation, which can last for up to 24 months in certain situations (although I’ve never thought that to be the case). Following that, fuel stabilizers contain metal de-activators, which prevent chemical reactions produced by dissolved metals in the fuel from occurring again. In other words, it helps to keep metals from corroding. Stabilizers also contain detergent compounds that prevent the accumulation of gum and varnish on engine components.

Back to the question—should you leave the lawnmower tank full or empty?

Phase separation, gum and varnish accumulation, and metal corrosion are not issues to be concerned about with this product. You are not need to purchase gasoline stabilizer.

Cons of running the carburetor dry

Despite the fact that the tank and carburetor are empty, the carburetor throttle and gas tank are still exposed to the elements, and any moisture in the air can cause corrosion in the tank and carburetor. This is the fallacy that most stabilizer producers rely on to convince consumers to use their products. However, there is a straightforward method of preventing this type of rusting. Place a baggie over the petrol tank filling and secure the top with a screwdriver. The tank will be sealed as a result of this.

The carburetor intake will be sealed as a result of this.

When the carburetor bowl is completely filled, the float puts the greatest amount of pressure on the needle and seat, which acts as a ‘valve’ to enable gas to flow into the bowl from the tank as it fills.

When this occurs, your little engine will start and then stall as soon as the gasoline in the bowl is depleted, causing it to stall. It is occasionally necessary to open the carburetor in order to physically unstick the needle valve in order to remedy the problem.

Pros to filling your lawnmower with stabilized gas

When tiny engine manufacturers propose that you fill the tank completely with stabilized gas, they want you to operate the machine for a short period of time before proceeding. As a result, the stabilized gas is allowed to enter the carburetor. As a result, you fill the tank with stable gasoline, start the engine, shut it down, and then refill the tank again.

Cons to filling the tank with stabilized gas

The majority of individuals do not adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions about the appropriate mixing of fuel stabilizer with gas (see below). It is common practice for most individuals to not run the engine for long enough to introduce stable gas into the carburetor.

How to mix fuel stabilizer with gas

StabilizerMUST be added with new gasoline directly at the pump in order to be effective. This implies that you should add it to your gas can before filling the gas can with gasoline. While filling the gas can, this enables for a complete mix to be achieved. The addition of fuel stabilizer after the gas can has been filled will result in an uneven mixture. Incorporating a fuel stabilizer into old or stale gas is a waste of time and money. No, the stabilizer will not bring stale gas back from the dead like a vampire.

Rick’s advice on whether to store your lawnmower with or without gas

Carburetors in newer engines are made of different metals than those used in older engines, and these metals are more resistant to corrosion. If your lawnmower is recent, or if it has a plastic carburetor and gas tank, store it with the gas tank empty. If you have an older lawnmower with a metal tank, fill the tank with fresh stabilized gas and place a baggie beneath the gas cap to seal the tank. The year 2020 is a leap year. Rick Muscoplat is a professional musician. Rick Muscoplat posted a blog entry on

How to Store Your Lawn Mower for the Cold Season

Gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers are subjected to a great deal of damage throughout the summer months, so doing some lawn mower maintenance at the end of the season—or at the start of the spring season—is essential to maintaining their parts in proper operating order. Oil, spark plugs, and air filters should all be replaced on mowers, and dirty recesses should be cleaned with a little elbow grease before storing them for the winter. This will guarantee that they start with a pull of the cord when you need them the following year.

According to her, ‘if you don’t take an hour or two for maintenance or bring your equipment to a professional for service,’ ‘there’s a good possibility you’ll be stuck watching the grass grow’ when the weather turns warm.

Winterize a Lawn Mower in 7 Steps

Unused gas left in a mower over the winter may become stale, clogging the carburetor and allowing rust to form on the engine.

Before you begin, add gasoline stabilizer to the tank and then run the mower to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the system. Shut down the mower and allow the engine to cool before siphoning any remaining gas into a clean container. In the event that it has not been combined with oil, you can use this gas in your vehicle.
Restart the mower and let it run until it comes to a complete stop
Continue until the engine no longer starts and the fuel lines are completely depleted of fuel.

Step 2: Disconnect the spark plug

It is critical that you unplug the spark plug before proceeding with the other maintenance tasks in order to avoid the mower from unintentionally starting, which might result in serious harm.

Step 3: Remove the blade

Disconnect the blade from the mower and remove the bolts that hold it in place to make it simpler to replace the oil and thoroughly clean the underside of the mower. Remove the blade and set it aside for later use. When handling the blade, make sure you use thick gloves to protect your hands. Profit from this window of opportunity to sharpen your mower blade (see How to Sharpen Mower Blades for more information).

Step 4: Drain the oil

If your lawn mower has a 4-cycle engine, you’ll need to change the oil periodically. (2-cycle engines, such as those seen in certain lawn mowers and most trimmers, combine oil and gasoline). Plan ahead of time by setting out a pan and placing a sheet beneath the mower to catch any oil that may spray
Make sure the mower is turned on its side with the air filter and carburetor facing up, so that no oil or leftover gas gets into them. Remove the plug from the oil reservoir and carefully tilt the mower until the oil begins to drain into the collection pan. When all of the oil has been drained from the engine, replace the plug.

Step 5: Clean the undercarriage

Scrape off the grass and mud that has accumulated on the mower deck with a putty knife and a wire brush. This helps to avoid corrosion, keeps the path to the discharge chute free, and allows the deck’s aerodynamics to function as intended. After the deck has been thoroughly cleaned, reconnect the sharpened blade
Following completion and the ability to turn your lawn mower upright, replenish your oil tank with new SAE 30 or 30-weight oil and dispose of the previous oil at a service station. It is not recommended to use a heavier oil such as 10W-40.

Step 6: Change the air filter

A clogged air filter prevents the engine from burning gas effectively because it restricts the amount of air available for combustion.

If your mower has a paper filter, remove it and replace it with a fresh one, with the paper sides facing out. It is necessary to remove an oil-soaked sponge filter, wash it out with soap and water, allow it to dry fully, and then reapply a little amount of clean oil before replacing it. Make use of a screwdriver or a popsicle stick to clean out the cooling fins of dirt and debris

Step 7: Replace the spark plug

To remove and replace the spark plug, use a socket wrench equipped with a spark-plug socket, which is lined with neoprene in order to preserve the porcelain casing of the plug.

Even if the old spark plug is in good condition, a new one will function better and assure a smooth start when the weather warms up in the spring.

Step 8: Safely stow any combustibles

Always store gasoline in a garage or shed that is separate from your home. Utilize only a container that has been certified, and keep it at least 50 feet away from any ignition source. Adding gasoline stabilizer to your generator or snow thrower will keep it fresh for up to two years, extending its life. Lithium-ion batteries lose their charge in the cold and have been known to catch fire, so take them from your lawn equipment and store them and their chargers at temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with the chargers disconnected.

Tools

Every year, when the temperatures drop to dangerously low levels in October or November, there is always one thing on my mind that I put off until later on my ‘must-do’ list. It is always the same thing. Take a stab at guessing what it is. What it is is a $500 lawn mower (when did these things get so expensive?) that has to be properly winterized in order to ensure that it will endure for the next five to ten years without my having to purchase another one. Many people will leave it as is, with old fuel still in the tank, and leave it outside throughout the winter in the belief that it will be as good as new the following year.

There are a plethora of ‘best suggestions’ available for winterizing your equipment.
However, for the sake of this article, we will keep to the strategy we employ every winter to ensure that our aerators, seeders, mowers, and other small engine equipment will endure for at least 5 years even when subjected to intensive usage throughout the lawn care season.
It is typical for gas trimmers and backpack blowers to have 2-stroke engines, therefore do not follow the recommendations if you are winterizing this type of machinery.
This procedure is performed by boat owners throughout the winter season.
As long as they are using this strategy for their equipment, you can be assured that this will be the best practice for your lawn mower as well.

Winterization Misconception1: Empty The Fuel Tank Prior To Storage

Yard Dawgs used to employ this approach back in the day, until one particularly severe winter rendered the carburetor and gas tank entirely rusted and useless. This method is advised since ordinary gasoline will begin to degrade after 30 days if not stored properly. Additionally, it will begin to block the carburetor throughout the winter. Without delving into too much detail, when the term ‘carburetor’ is used, think of it as the ‘fuel injector’ that injects fuel into the combustion chamber in order to create thrust that propels the engine forwards.

Draining the gasoline tank may appear to be a good idea, but it can cause problems with the engine’s three essential functions: combustion, propulsion, and cooling.

It should always be possible for your engine to have clean air if the air filter and air intake are properly maintained. Cleaning and changing spark plugs takes care of the spark element, which should be replaced every 100 hours according to manufacturer’s recommendations. However, getting the right amount of gasoline to the spark and air so that combustion may take place might be difficult, particularly if your tank has been completely depleted of fuel. (Of course, it would be difficult if there was no gasoline!

You may wonder why this is the case.
When microscopic gasoline droplets come into contact with oxygen, the gas begins to oxidize, and the gasoline changes into a sticky substance.
Moreover, with a depleted tank, there is the possibility that oxygen will take over and fill the tank as well as the engine.
In the event that water enters the fuel tank system, this is not a good sign.
The fuel lines, carburetor, and engine cylinders are the areas where corrosion will be the most severe.
The water will frequently contract and expand in response to changes in temperature, which might cause these parts to fail.
Answer: Yes and no, and allow me to explain.

The Best Solution for Winter Storage

As previously said, we have dispelled the most common myth about winter storage. What should you be doing instead? Let’s go over some options together. If you reside in a temperate climate, the end of the season (October or November) is appropriate. When you fill up your tank for the final time, you must add a fuel stabilizer to ensure that your gasoline remains stable. We propose the product STABIL Fuel Stabilizer, which can be purchased at Canadian Tire with relative ease. You must combine one component STABIL Fuel Stabilizer with 300 parts gasoline, or 30 milliliters of STABIL Fuel Stabilizer for every nine liters of gasoline.

This will allow the stabilizer to work its way down to the carburetor, fuel lines, and cylinder.

Your equipment will be officially winterized for the season once you have completed all of these steps.

Your engine will be in perfect working order when spring arrives the following season since the fuel will still be fresh and ready to use.

It saves you the headache of emptying your engine or letting your machine run for hours at the conclusion of every season by following this best practice! If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments section below!

Tips to Winterize Your Lawn Mower

If your lawn mower won’t start after the winter, it’s possible that you neglected to do one of the crucial tasks outlined below. If you follow these steps to winterize your lawn mower, you’ll be far less likely to have to deal with a lawn mower that won’t start after winter is through.

Change the oil

During the winter, old oil can damage internal engine components due to the presence of gasoline, moisture, soot, and acids in the oil. Replace the oil in your mower and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that all of the internal parts are coated with fresh oil. Then there’s the matter of the gasoline. Make certain you use the proper type of lawn mower oil in order to get maximum performance.

Drain or top off the gas

If there is still gasoline in your lawn mower after you have winterized it, it might cause corrosion to the carburetor and blockage of the fuel system. Remember to read our guide on how to tune up a lawn mower for the spring season! Various lawn mower manufacturers, such as Honda and John Deere, advise their customers on how to properly store their goods, including entirely draining the gas tank or filling it with new, stable fuel. Consult your owner’s handbook to determine which procedure is most appropriate for your specific engine.

How to drain the fuel

Removing and tilting the mower over a drain pan will allow you to completely empty the fuel tank of petrol. After that, check for a drain valve or bolt on the carburetor bowl to remove the fuel. Drain the gas by opening the valve or removing the bolt and dumping it into a container. If your carburetor does not have a drain valve or a bolt, you must run the engine until it stalls before proceeding. Then, using the starting rope or the electric starter, restart the engine a few more times until it is running smoothly.

Take the used gas to a recycling center in your neighborhood.

Or, add fresh stabilized fuel

This technique should be followed if the owner’s handbook suggests that you store your vehicle with a full tank of newly stabilized gas in it. Follow the above-mentioned procedures to empty the old gas. Fuel stabilizer should be added to an empty gas can. Then, at the gas station, refill the gas can with new gas. This will ensure that the stabilizer is fully mixed with the fresh gasoline. Fill the mower’s gas tank with new gas and secure the gas cap using a wrench. Run the mower for ten minutes to ensure that the carburetor bowl is completely filled with stable gas.

Remember that adding fuel stabilizer to old gas will not bring it back to life; it will only make it worse.

In addition, find out how to winterize your boat.

Lawn Mower Storage Essentials: Everything You Need To Know

Even while putting up a lawn mower for the winter isn’t difficult, there are a few procedures you should do before you do so. This lawn mower storage guide will explain how to properly winterize a lawn mower. It will also include pictures. When it comes to storing a lawn mower for the winter, there are a plethora of options available. Some folks go through each and every step with great care. The majority of people simply leave their lawn mowers outside in the snow and hope for the best. When storing a lawn mower, the most important thing to remember to do is to keep an eye on the fuel system.

While you’re at it, don’t limit yourself to just that.

Preparing your lawn mower for winter in the same way you would a boat is worthwhile, especially if you have a high-end riding mower that you use frequently.

These lawn mower storage procedures will aid in the maintenance and extension of the equipment’s useful life. Make as many as you can, and make sure you winterize your mower properly by following all of the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Drain Gas or Add a Fuel Stabilizer

Lawn mower storage for the winter isn’t difficult, but there are a few things you should do before putting your mower away for the season. It will be explained in this lawn mower storage guide how to properly winterize a lawn mower. When it comes to storing a lawn mower for the winter, there are a plethora of options to choose from. For some, every step must be scrupulously followed. Others choose to leave their mowers outside in the snow and hope for the best, but this is not recommended. Preserving the fuel system of a lawn mower is the most critical thing you can do before putting it away.

Keep on if you don’t want to end up in a bind.

Preparing a lawn mower for winter in the same way you would a boat is worthwhile, especially if you have a high-end riding mower that requires specific care.

Make as many as you can, and make sure you winterize your mower properly by following all of the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions.

How to Remove Gas from a Lawn Mower

Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to completely drain the gas from a mower before putting it away for the winter. If you are storing your lawnmower in your basement or in a storage container, make sure that all of the gasoline has been removed. Failure to do so creates a fire hazard. When it comes to draining gas from a lawn mower, try to let the tank run dry at the end of the season as much as possible. To do this, operate the mower until it comes to a complete stop and will not restart.

How to Add Fuel Stabilizer to a Lawn Mower

If you are keeping your lawn mower in a separate garage or shed, make sure to leave a full tank of gas in it and top it off with a fuel stabilizer before putting it away. Once the stabilizer has been injected, turn on the mower for a couple of minutes to ensure that the stabilizer has been properly incorporated into the system.

2. Prevent Mower From Kick-Starting

Make careful to remove the spark plug from your lawn mower before cleaning and preparing it for storage. Taking this precaution will prevent the mower from being unintentionally turned on, and the value of taking this precaution cannot be overstated.

3. Drain or Change Oil

It is necessary to change the oil in a lawn mower at the conclusion of each season if it is necessary. It is necessary to determine if you have a two-cylinder or four-cylinder lawn mower as the first step. Two-cylinder engines contain both the oil and the gasoline in the same tank, which means you may drain the oil along with the fuel if necessary. In the same way that you would replace the oil in an automobile, four-cylinder engines require regular oil changes.

Refer to the lawn mower’s owner handbook for detailed directions on how to accomplish this in the most effective manner. On the majority of four-cylinder mowers, you may follow these typical procedures:

By removing the dipstick, you may check the amount of the oil
If the oil is cold, it should be warmed up by running the mower after adding gasoline stabilizer or while emptying the tank. If you have waited until this stage and the engine is still warm, temporarily connect the spark plug and run the mower for 10-15 minutes
Otherwise, continue with the next step. If you have to warm up the engine again, remove the spark plug once more. If your mower is equipped with a battery, remove it. Remove the oil stopper and let the oil to flow into an oil-safe drain pan. Bring old oil to a recycling center where it may be disposed of appropriately. Fill the tank with fresh oil in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations

Lawn Mower Storage Pro Tip: If your drain plugs are in an awkward location, consider getting an oil extractor to aid in the extraction procedure.

4. Clean Deck and Undercarriage

Cleaning the lawn mower deck using a garden hose or a pressure washer on a low level can yield satisfactory results. In principle, the grass should be raked up after every mowing session. If, on the other hand, particles of grass have dried and crusted onto the metal, make sure to remove them before storing them. Using a wire brush, putty knife, or flat head screwdriver, scrape away anything that was left behind after the hose failed to clean it completely. Keep an eye out for the mower blades and make sure you’re wearing thick, tough gloves while you’re doing this.

5. Remove and Sharpen Blade

The carburetor should be facing up when you lean your mower on its side to remove the blade. Locate a long-handled wrench that is the same size as the bolt that holds the blade in place. If the bolt is stuck in place and rusted, spray some oil or lubricant on it and allow it to set for a few minutes before removing it. Once the blades have been removed, sharpen them all in the same direction. You don’t want to make the mistake of sharpening only one region of your grass, since this might result in an uneven lawn surface.

Lawn Mower Storage Pro Tip: Mark the blade with a paint pen once it has been removed so that you know which side is the top and which side is the bottom.

6. Replace Spark Plug and Air Filter.

At this stage, the spark plug should have have been removed from the engine. To completely remove the plug, use a wrench or a pair of pliers. Bring the plug with you to the store so that you can be sure you get the proper replacement. After that, screw in the replacement plug and either reconnect the wire or leave it detached for storage until you need it. Cleaning or replacing the air filter on a lawn mower before storing it for the winter is recommended. Some lawn mower filters are composed of paper, and they should be replaced as soon as they appear to be clogged.

While you’re at it, cover any exposed lawn mower components with a spray oil to keep them from sticking.

7. Keep Mower Covered In Storage

Consider purchasing a lawn mower cover to protect both the outside and inner components of your machine. If you don’t have a cover readily available, you can use a tarp to protect yourself. We hope this post got you off to a good start so you know what to anticipate when it comes time to put your lawn mower away for the winter. Always refer to the owner’s handbook if at all feasible before doing maintenance. If you don’t already have a copy, the manufacturer will almost always have a copy available online that you may download.

We can assist you!

Life Storage has lawn mower storage facilities in hundreds of locations around the United States. For keeping your lawn mower, we recommend at the very least a 5’x10′ storage unit. Were there any lawn mower storage suggestions that we missed? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!

About the Author

With more than a year of experience writing about self storage and moving, Lauren Thomann has earned the title of storage expert. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Linguistics and has written more than 150 articles on topics such as moving, storage, and home organizing for various publications. She also writes for The Spruce and Martha Stewart Living, among other publications.

instead of gas stabilizer, can I run mower dry?

My two pennies worth on the subject. I’ve been following this technique for more than 35 years and have never had a problem with my equipment failing to start in the spring. This includes ethanol-mixed gas, among other things. To ensure that I have the least amount of gas possible in the tank, I let the engine run empty until it begins to splutter. At that point, I activate the choke, which allows the engine to run for a little longer while removing even more fuel from the carb bowl. I then disconnect the fuel pipe from the carburetor (with or without the shut off) and let whatever fuel is left in the tank to drain away.

I’ve even taken to attaching my compressor to the tank and blowing out whatever’s left in there.
Afterwards, I progressively draw the chord until I feel resistance and stop; the cylinder is now at Top Dead Center, which releases pressure on the valves’ springs and seals the cylinder to avoid moisture buildup.
At this point, I also place a sharpened blade ((spare)) into the machine.
When I pull the chord once or twice, the engines usually start straight up.
This year marks the 14th season for my Toro Personal Pace push mower, which continues to start on the first pull every spring and summer, as well as during the fall and winter.
There are many who feel that topping out the tank with Stabil enhanced gas is a better way; but, this strategy has worked for me for many years and I want to keep using it going forward.

How To Store Small Engines for the Winter

In order to ensure that your gas-powered lawn equipment starts fast and operates smoothly in the spring, it’s vital to prepare the engine before putting it away for the winter. Due to the fact that most gasoline includes around 10% ethanol, which can cause damage to the engine’s fuel system, there is a raging dispute concerning the best manner to keep tiny engines stored.

Keep in mind to consult the owner’s handbook for precise instructions on how to properly store your individual piece of equipment. The following are general guidelines for storing two-stroke and four-stroke engines in a safe manner.

Two-Stroke Engines

Fuel should be removed from the tank in one of two ways: by running the engine dry or by dumping the gas out of the tank and into a gas can. Following that, in a clean, empty gas can, combine the necessary gas-to-oil ratio (usually 50:1) with premium high-test gas in the proper proportions. The amount of gasoline required is merely a few ounces, which is enough to power the engine for three or four minutes. Then, a tiny amount of gasoline stabilizer should be added. Placing the lid on the gas can and shaking it hard for a few seconds will help the gasoline mix to flow more smoothly into the engine’s fuel tank.

Next, and this is critical, pull the starting cord three or four times to get things started.

To remove the spark plug from the engine, use a ratchet wrench and a spark-plug socket to pry it out.

Reinstall the spark plug and keep the piece of equipment in a dry, well-ventilated area of the home.

Four-Stroke Engines

Fuel should be removed from the tank in one of two ways: by running the engine dry or by dumping the gas out of the tank into a gas can. Followed by mixing the appropriate gas-to-oil ratio (usually 50:1) in a clean, empty gas can, using premium high-test gas, is the final step. The amount of gasoline required is merely a few ounces, which is only enough to power the engine for three or four minutes. A tiny quantity of gasoline stabilizer should be added next. Shake the gas can violently for a few seconds after placing the lid on it, then pour the fuel mixture into the engine’s gas tank.

Allow the vehicle to run until it runs out of gas and comes to a complete halt.

After many attempts, the engine will splutter and cough, using the rest of the remaining gasoline.

Pull the starting cord a few times to lubricate the cylinder, and then put a few drops of motor oil in the spark plug hole.

Getting Your Engine Ready for Spring

Empty the gasoline tank by either running the engine completely dry or by dumping the gas out of the tank and into a gas can. After that, in a clean, empty gas can, combine the necessary gas-to-oil ratio (usually 50:1) with premium high-test gas in the proper proportions. A few ounces of gasoline is all that is required to power the engine for three or four minutes. Then add a little quantity of gasoline stabilizer to the mixture. Placing the lid on the gas can and shaking it hard for a few seconds will help the fuel mix to flow more smoothly into the engine’s gas tank.

Pull the starting cord three or four times, and this is critical.

To remove the spark plug from the engine, use a ratchet wrench and a spark-plug socket.

In order to lubricate the cylinder, place a few drops of motor oil in the spark plug hole and pull the starting cord a few times. Reinstall the spark plug and keep the piece of equipment in a dry, well-ventilated area of your home.

What Is the Right Way to Store a Lawn Mower in Winter Time?

During the warm months, your mower takes a battering, making the fall the ideal time to give it some TLC. Taking the effort to prepare the mower for winter storage ensures that the equipment will work well for the foreseeable future. Because of your autumn maintenance program, your mower will be ready to handle the newly sprouting grass when the first signs of spring appear.

Empty the Contents

It is possible for gas that has been sitting in the mower all winter to clog the carburetor or corrode the interior of the mower. Draining the fuel from your mower and its motor prolongs the life of both. You may either run the machine until the gasoline is completely depleted or drain the petrol from the tank. Another option is to add fuel stabilizer to a full tank of petrol before driving. After you’ve put the gasoline stabilizer in the tank, you’ll need to operate the mower to ensure that it goes into the carburetor.

Before storing the battery, clean it thoroughly and keep it separately in a cool, dry location.

Scrub-a-Dub

Before putting your mower away, give it a good cleaning using a pressure washer. By the conclusion of the mowing season, the majority of mowers are completely covered in grass clippings and dirt. As a precaution, always double-check that the spark plug has been removed so that the mower has no possibility of starting. Clean the top and bottom sides of the mower with a hose. A putty knife is an excellent tool for scraping away any grass that has accumulated below the mower. If you want to prevent being hurt, remove the mower blade before you start scraping.

Get in Tune

In the fall, you can save time for the spring, when you’re ready to tackle your lawn maintenance tasks. Before storing the blade, it is necessary to sharpen it. This is a fundamental maintenance procedure. According to ‘Popular Mechanics,’ oiling the blade before reinstalling it on the mower is a good practice. Check to check whether the air filter needs to be replaced before continuing. If your mower has a sponge air filter, remove it from the mower and wash it thoroughly before replacing it.

Install a new spark plug in the mower so that it will start easily in the spring.

Put It to Rest

The ideal place to store your mower is a dry location that is protected from the elements throughout the winter months. The garage or a storage shed are both suitable options. Avoid putting your mower in close proximity to any appliances that have pilot lights, such as furnaces or water heaters. Clear the area of any chemicals or cleaners that might spill on the mower and cause it to malfunction over the winter. Keep an eye out for any heavy things that may be near or above the mower that are not properly fastened.

References Writer Shelley Frost has been writing parenting and education articles since 2007, and she currently resides in the Midwest.

Prior to becoming a writer, Frost worked in the insurance industry and in software testing. She has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a reading endorsement, as well as a teaching certificate.

Can I leave gas in my lawn mower over winter?

Currently, there is a heated dispute concerning the proper approach to prepare your lawnmower for the winter months. Some believe that emptying the gas tank might cause harm to the engine, while others believe that it is necessary to empty the tank in the winter to prevent gas from becoming stale. However, the reality is that practically all gasoline today contains up to 10% ethanol, which can cause damage to the engine’s fuel delivery system. The worst thing you can do is leave fuel in an engine for extended periods of time while it is being stored.

You may find yourself in need of a costly carburetor cleaning at the conclusion of the winter season in order to get your mower operating again.

Either completely empty the gas tank or add fuel stabilizer and fill the tank back up with gas.

How should I empty the tank?

Leaving your mower’s engine running dry before putting it away will not be the most effective method of preparing it for the winter. To begin, you must determine what type of engine your lawnmower is equipped with. Depending on the model, either a two-stroke or four-stroke engine is used.

Two-stroke engine

Run the engine until it is completely dry, or drain the gas from the tank into a container. Next, high-octane gas and oil in a 50:1 ratio, as well as a tiny quantity of fuel stabilizer, can be combined in a clean gas system. Prepare simply a few ounces of fuel in order to operate the engine for around four minutes. Close the gas can and shake the mixture for a few seconds to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Pour the gasoline mixture into the mower’s gas tank, which should be empty. It is necessary to start the engine and keep it running until the gasoline runs out and the engine shuts down.

Disconnect the ignition coil from the engine and inject a little amount of motor oil into the spark plug hole.

Four-stroke engine

As is the case with a two-stroke engine, you must empty the gas tank by either running the engine or dumping the gas into a suitable container. Afterwards, fill the tank halfway with high-octane fuel and a little bit of fuel stabilizer. Start the engine and let it run for 10 minutes before turning it off. Allow approximately 20 minutes for the stabilizer to dissolve any ethanol residue that has accumulated inside the engine.

Start the engine and allow it to run out of gas before draining any remaining gas from the carburettor’s fuel bowl, if any. Alternatively, remove the bowl if the stopper is not there and twist it open.

What if I don’t want to empty the gas tank?

Consider the possibility that moisture buildup in an empty gas tank will cause it to overflow with water during the winter months. Perhaps you want your mower to be ready to go when the weather warms up in the spring. Alternatively, you may not have a place to store gasoline other than the gas tank of your lawn mower. Some individuals are concerned that if the gas tank is completely depleted, rubber and plastic components in the fuel system would dry and become brittle. Whatever your circumstances, the good news is that you can keep your lawn mower’s gas tank fully topped off throughout the winter.

However, if you are driving with old gasoline in your gas tank, it is possible that it has already degraded and has to be discarded.
After that, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to verify that the treated gasoline is distributed throughout the complete fuel distribution system.
The gasoline stabilizer will keep the fuel fresh for several months.
Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and reading the instructions should always be the first step, regardless of the approach you pick.
It makes no difference whether you have an electric or gas-powered mower; always remove the battery to extend the life of the mower.

Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Winter

– Agronomist of the Milorganite Clan The 4th of November, 2017 The growing season is drawing to a close, and it’s time to put your lawn mower away for the winter. Clean and protect them with these helpful recommendations to keep everything in good functioning order and ready for the spring season to come. In milder areas, it may be appropriate to do the same preventative maintenance as those living in the frigid tundra.

Prep Your Mower for Winter Storage

When you properly winterize your mower, you can be assured that it will be ready when the grass begins to grow again in the spring. It’s possible that a little time, effort, and a few dollars now may save you from costly repairs or replacements later.

Check the Owner’s Manual

Maintaining your mower properly over the winter will ensure that it is ready to go when the grass begins to grow again in the spring. Some time, effort, and a few dollars now may prevent you from having to pay for costly repairs or replacements later on down the road.

Gasoline: Tank on Empty or Full with Stabilizer

Don’t keep your mower with a tank of gas that is only partly filled. Because of the presence of ethanol in the gasoline, plastic and rubber parts begin to deteriorate or harden. Ethanol also draws moisture, which can cause the tank to rust. The gasoline can get ‘stale’ in as little as 30 days, clogging the fuel system and carburetor, causing them to malfunction. After several months, it might thicken and become what technicians refer to as ‘varnish.’ When a lawn mower won’t start, the most likely culprit is stale gas.

You may either drain it or completely empty the tank, whichever is the more convenient alternative.

Some experts advocate keeping mowers with a full tank of treated gasoline in order to prevent corrosion.

This method can keep gasoline fresh for several months at a time. Follow product guidelines and manufacturer’s recommendations at all times, regardless of the approach you choose to employ.

Change the Oil

Four-stroke engines require an oil change on a regular basis, especially if the oil is old, polluted, or dark black in color. Consult the owner’s handbook for specifics on how to operate the vehicle, including the type of oil to use and the appropriate amount. Do not dispose of spent oil down the drain or into the sewage to avoid polluting waterways. In addition, many localities provide recycling centers, and many vehicle repair businesses would be happy to dispose of your used oil for you, perhaps for a little cost.

Clean the Deck

Grass may readily accumulate beneath mower decks. Remove the sparkplug first to be on the safe side before you begin cleaning. Make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to tilting your mower to get to the underneath of the deck. A thorough cleaning will aid in the prevention of corrosion. Scrape away caked-on clippings and dirt using a putty knife or a wire brush if necessary. Remove any leftover residue with a clean cloth. Many contemporary lawn mowers are equipped with washout ports, which make it easier to clean the mower deck and prevent grass clippings from collecting.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are intended to be used for about 100 hours of mowing before needing to be replaced, which should occur every other year. Remove and inspect the spark plug, and if necessary, replace it if it has become rusted. If you coat the threads with anti-seize chemical, it will come out much more easily the next time you do it. New sparkplugs increase the start-up and performance of your vehicle, and they are quite affordable. Because it’s so simple, why not do it once a year? Remove the sparkplug till the spring season arrives.

Air Filters

It is possible that a clogged air filter is one of the primary reasons for having trouble starting your mower in the spring. A clean filter ensures a consistent flow of air, which helps the engine burn gas more effectively. If it’s a paper filter, it should be replaced. If it’s an oil-soaked sponge filter, wash it well with soap and water, allow it to dry completely before adding a little amount of fresh oil and reinstalling it. While you’re at it, have a look at the cooling fins and clean off any debris.

Sharpen the Blade

The blade of your lawnmower has had a long and difficult season mowing the grass. Besides that, it’s weathered the difficulty of being surrounded by stones, pebbles, roots, branches, and everything else that lurks in lawns waiting for an unwary mower. Dull blades rip and injure grass blades, making them more susceptible to disease and desiccation (drying out) as a result. In an ideal scenario, the blade would be sharpened twice or three times a year, depending on usage. If you haven’t been keeping up, make an effort to do so before winter.

DIY sharpening is only suggested if you have some prior familiarity with the process.

If you’re taking your mower in for a tune-up, it’s probable that blade sharpening will be incorporated. To finish, carefully coat the blades with a little oil or spray of multipurpose lubricant to prevent rusting and further corrosion.

Recharge the Battery

If your mower is equipped with a battery, remove it and recharge it completely. In the spring, remove the battery and reinstall it.

The easiest tune up

If you are not a DIY enthusiast, you should take your mower to a repair shop for routine service. Leave it in the hands of the experts.

Storage

Disconnect the battery and sparkplug from the vehicle. Ideally, your mower should be stored in a dry, sheltered location such as your garage or shed. In order to prevent moisture from rusting the deck while it is being stored on a concrete floor, place plastic below it before storage. Don’t keep it next to a furnace or water heater (or any other equipment with a pilot light). Preparing your lawn mower for a winter hibernation will extend the time it may be used. When your lawn awakens in the spring and you’re ready to head back outside, it will be crisp, clean, and well kept.