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?

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.