Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Last fall, I bought a new Simplicity snowthrower (1524P) with a Briggs OHV engine. Per the dealer's instructions, at the end of the season, I put extra fuel stabilizer in a full tank and have been starting it up about once every month, letting it run for 10-15mins, rather than turning the fuel shut off. His reasoning was avoiding dry rot in the fuel lines. Additionally, I make a point of buying non-reformulated gas for both my snowblower and mower. I don't mind the monthly startup, but it's kind of a pain. Would I achieve as good or better results by turning off the fuel line and leaving it just sit all summer? Is dry rot really an issue to be concerned about?

Dry rot in a fuel line?  What's it made of?  Bamboo?   Maybe I'm clued out, but that's a new one for me.  I've got engines that are twenty five years old, still running strong, never had a problem with and still using the original fuel lines.  I'm of the belief that running everything dry is the way to go.  I run the engine to empty the float bowl and drain fuel tanks on off season equipment.  I don't particularly like Stabil.  I prefer Sea Foam.  Not so much for a fuel stabilizer although it is a very good one, but mostly for it's engine cleaning qualities. Regardless of which way you go, either keep them right full with a generous dose of Sea Foam (available at NAPA in Canada)  or completely dry.        

As far as the engine is concerned shutting off the fuel line accomplishes the same thing as emptying the tank. Is that right? So, the only downside to merely turning off the fuel line is that the fuel sits in the tank all summer. I've been using the Briggs fuel stabilizer on my mower for a couple years and planned to use it with the snowblower as well. But I will check in to Sea Foam. Thanks for the tip.

That's right.  Turning off the fuel line and allowing the engine to run the carb empty will get most of the fuel out of the carb.  I normally siphon out the fuel in off season equipment and transfer it to current use equipment.  I like the idea of fresh fuel and fresh oil for a fresh start to a new season.

non-reformulated gas?   Where do you get that?  The only "real gasoline" is avaiation fuel, but than again,  it has lead in it still.  (real lead  8 times as much as old auto gas).   Anyway aviation fuel  100ll hasn't any fuel additives.... dosn't sour, just evaporates.

Later,

Friiy

I suspect he means "no alcohol added". I've noticed that some gas stations state that their gas has "up to x%" alcohol added.Normally the percentage goes up as the grade goes down. I.E. Bronze is up to 10% while Silver is up to 5%. Normally premium is touted as 0%. I have had to replace gas lines ( cracking at the connections) and the dealer I bought the new lines from said that the alcohol was causing the lines to stiffen faster than normal.