During long-term storage, a lawn mower may experience some malfunctions, such as a problem with the fuel system. Around this time, every lawn owner has a question in mind: should I use fuel stabilizer in my lawn mower, or should I empty my gas tank before storing it?
Fuel stabilizers are chemical additives that help keep fuel fresh and prevent degradation. Gasoline, for example, can start to break down within just a few months, and once it starts to deteriorate, it can cause engine problems.
A fuel stabilizer helps prevent this deterioration by keeping the fuel molecules stable. Fuel stabilizers can keep your engine running on clean fuel by extending the fuel life. Let’s discuss this topic briefly through this article.
Should I Use Fuel Stabilizer in My Lawn Mower : The Definitive Answer
Yes, you should stabilize your lawn mower fuel if you plan to store it. If you’re like most people, you probably wait until the end of the season to think about storing your lawn mower.
But taking a few minutes to prepare your mower for storage can save you time and money down the road. One of the most important things to do is to add a fuel stabilizer to the regular gas tank. This will help prevent the fuel from degrading over time and causing damage to the engine.
Typically, fuel stabilizers are designed to prevent fuel deterioration and free of corrosion. You can use it to prevent damage from ethanol fuel on your lawn mower engines. Ethanol blended fuel can attract moisture, which leads to corrosion and deposits in the fuel system.
It prevents these occurrences by keeping the fuel clean and preventing moisture from condensing in the fuel tank. These stabilizers also help the engine run more smoothly and prevent fuel-related problems such as engine hesitations and stalling.
For these reasons, it is always a good idea to use a lawn mower fuel stabilizer when planning to store it for an extended period.
How to Use Fuel Stabilizer in Your Lawn Mower : Step by Step Guide
As any experienced gardener knows, a fuel stabilizer is essential for keeping your lawn mower in good condition. Yet, using fuel stabilizer can be a bit tricky, so here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
Step 01: Read the Instructions on the Bottle
The first thing you need to do is read the bottle instructions. This is important because each stabilizer brand is slightly different, and how you use it needs to be carefully considered.
Most fuel stabilizers will need to be added to the gas tank before filling it up. However, some stabilizers can be added directly to the fuel line.
You Might Also Like: Why is my lawn mower smoking black?
Step 02: Drain All Old Fuel From the Fuel Tank
Before adding fresh fuel to your lawn mower, drain all of the old fuel from the tank. If you don’t, the new fuel will mix with the old and cause problems. To drain the fuel:
- To prevent the engine from starting accidentally, disconnect the spark plug wire first.
- After that, tilt the mower to raise the carburetor rather than the fuel tank. This will allow any remaining fuel in the carburetor to drain back into the tank.
- In the end, remove the fuel cap and let the tank empty into a container for disposal.
Once the tank is empty, you can add fresh fuel and be confident that your lawn mower will run all season smoothly.
Step 03: Measure the Stabilizer and Add it to the Tank
Now that the fuel tank is empty, it’s time to measure out the correct amount of stabilizer. For 2 gallons of fresh gasoline, most brands recommend adding one ounce of fuel stabilizer.
You can use a measuring spoon if there is no measurement on the bottle. Before adding fresh fuel, make sure the tank is stabilized.
Step 04: Fill the Tank With Fresh Fuel
After adding the stabilizer, it’s time to fill the tank with high-quality fresh gasoline. Once the tank is full, replace the fuel cap and reconnect the spark plug wire.
By pouring gasoline over the stabilizer, it would disperse the latter. Aside from that, ethanol free gas can be added to stabilize impacts better. The fuel tank should always be filled only 95% of the way with fuel to allow some expansion and prevent any spillage when used.
Step 05: Run the Engine for Few Minutes
The last step is to start your lawn mower and let it run for a couple of minutes. This will help to distribute the fuel stabilizer throughout the small engine. Finally, shut off the engine and allow it to cool down so you can store it for the winter.
Following these simple steps will help keep your lawn mower in top condition all season long. Remember to add a fuel stabilizer every time you fill the tank before storing it so that your mower is always ready to go when needed.
Find Out: What is the Right Lawn Mower Oil Filter?
Best Practices When Storing Lawn Mower
It is always essential to take some preventive measures to increase the longevity of your lawn mower. Some people think it is enough to simply hosed down the lawn mower after each use, but this does not guarantee that your investment will last for years.
If you want to get the most out of your purchase, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Once the stabilizer and fuel have been added, the engine should be run for a few minutes. This will help remove any moisture built up, preventing rust and corrosion.
- The blade should be clean and free of debris. A dull blade makes it difficult to cut the grass but can also cause damage to the engine.
- Store the lawn mower in a dry, cool place. By doing so, any parts will resist cracking or warping over time.
- Consider investing in a cover. This will keep your lawn mower clean and dry and prevent any critters from nesting inside.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that it will remain in top condition for a extended periods. Try to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on caring for your model.
What Is the Best Time to Apply a Fuel Stabilizer to the Lawn Mower?
The most appropriate time to add a fuel additive to the lawn mower is before storing fresh fuel. This will allow the stabilizer to mix evenly with the gasoline and coat internal parts as needed, preventing damage from buildup over an extended period of storage.
Also, if you plan on shutting off the machine for a few days at a time during active use, you may want to consider adding an additional stabilizer between usage hours to make sure all internal components are receiving the necessary protection against potential harm.
You Might be Interested: Is it possible to use a tachometer on any lawn mower?
Should I Run the Lawn Mower Engine After Adding a Fuel Stabilizer?
Adding a fuel stabilizer to a lawn mower is the best way to protect its engine from corrosion and degradation, but you should not start the lawn mower engine immediately after adding the fuel stabilizer.
While adding the stabilizer is a good step, you should run the engine for at least a few minutes (at least 5-10 minutes) afterward.
This will give the stabilizer time to mix thoroughly with the fuel, allowing it to reach important parts like the carburetor, which also need treatment. Doing so will ensure your mower is fuel protected even if left in storage for future months.
Does the Fuel Stabilizer Hurt Your Lawn Mower Engine?
Adding a fuel stabilizer won’t cause any damage to your engine; instead, it will help extend its life and reduce the maintenance you need to do regularly. These fuel stabilizers are designed to keep gasoline fresh when stored in lawnmowers, snowblowers, trimmers, and other small engines.
Stabilizers are easy to use as well all you need to do is add one step into your pre-mowing routine by pouring the stabilizer into the fuel tank before starting your machine. This simple practice can benefit you and your lawn mower engine.
Can You Use a Fuel Stabilizer With Old Lawn Mower Tank Fuel?
Knowing when and how to use a fuel stabilizer is key to maintaining a well-functioning lawn mower. Generally, the best practice is to use the stabilizer before storing gas in the tank, not with the old fuel inside.
Adding it afterward won’t necessarily get rid of any contaminants that may have degraded the gasoline and could end up having the unintended consequence of potentially damaging your engine’s fuel delivery system.
To get the best performance out of your stabilizer, use it only with fresh gasoline and follow all instructions on the product label. That way, you’ll be assured that your mower will run smoothly with no chance of unexpected surprises.
Is it Worth Adding a Fuel Stabilizer to Lawn Mower?
As you can see, a fuel stabilizer is an excellent way to prolong the life of your lawn mower. Utilizing an additive will prevent gum and varnish from accumulating in the fuel system, leading to engine failure.
Keeping the engine clean and running smoothly is easier with a stabilizer. During the winter or whenever your lawn mower will be stored for an extended period, it is essential to use a fuel conditioner to prevent corrosion and rust.
Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer carefully when using a fuel stabilizer. You may damage your lawn mower by using too much or little additives. Your lawn mower will last for many years when properly cared for and maintained.
