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

I know this topic has probably been discussed a number of times, but I have looking for some specific advice on summerizing for my Ariens 10hp Tecumseh OHV.   This is a new machine and I want to avoid the yellow carb of my last Ariens.   The machine was used this winter and has about 1/4 tank of fuel left in it.   We are expecting some snow tommorrow, so I hope tommorrow is the last use of the season.   I use 87 octane and no sta-bil fuel.   My plan is to put a few drops of sta-bil fuel in the tank and let it run completely out of fuel and then store it for the summer.   I will add fuel in October, run it, change engine oil and gear oil and let it run it out of fuel again.   Then start using it around December.    I need a better plan.     Any advice would be appreciated. 

Thanks snow, knee, and nibbler,  these are all great ideas that I will keep a list of.    3 for 3 on changing the oil now means I will change it now.   I assume I should change the 80/90w gear oil also ?    Another topic --- Do any of you use sta-bil fuel ?   If so, how should I use it ?     I have a 2.5 gal and 5 gal gas cans.    I keep the 2.5 in my gargage and use in the winter for the blower and summer for the 21 inch mower.   I leave the 5 gal in my shed and use it for my lawn tractor or as a back-up.    Should I  use the sta-bil every time I fill the cans ?   or is it used only when you summerize or winterize ?    Thanks 

no need to change the gear oil. just pull the plug and look to see if it drips out of the hole. if so you are ok, if not just add a touch untill it drips out. you can go for many many years on the original oil.

Markman wrote: I have never used stabilizer during high use periods such as summer.  If you can use the gas in 30 days I don't think it needs to be stabilized.  During the winter or when your equipment will be idle for a period of time stabilizer is a good idea.  Sta-bil has a shelf life of two years once open.  Many on the forum use PRI which has a much longer shelf life.

I use Pri-G ...
1) supposed to last longer and is supposed to be better.
2) It is cheaper once you consider the concentrate....(2cc per gallon....wow).
3) I bought a quart of the stuff cheap online from Florida...a quart treats 512 gallons!

I also use a Mr. Funnel..........because it's cool.

It will be time to "summerize" the new Ariens soon.....but we may still have a storm or two left...

Frank D.