canyonblue737

so a good solution is to simply buy fresh gas, add Stabil, the splash the tank of the lawnmower enough to let the engine run a few minutes then go dry? i can then use the rest of the gas purchased (with the added Stabil) to mix with 2-cycle oil (also with its own stabilizer) for my winter snowblower needs. thanks...

Again for a new homeowner (and new to lawnmowers in general...)

I just moved into my home (Chicagoland) at the end of September and due to new sod waited until the very end of October to mow the lawn for the first time with a brand new Toro 20017 Recycler. The one mowing was plenty and due to cold weather the grass has stopped growing so it is already time to put the new lawnmower to bed for the winter.

I ran the fuel tank dry as per the manual but the original gas I put into it never had a fuel stabilizer added. Should I worry about damage and put a bit of fresh gas WITH stabilizer in it back in the tank and run it for a minutes till it is dry again or am I good to go already? Once I get this sorted out I will change the oil, remove the spark plug, add a bit of oil to the cylinder, cycle the engine a few times and wait for next year. Thanks!

PS: Quick snowblower question... if I end up buying fresh gas for the lawnmower shutdown, and adding Stabil or something like it... will it be a problem if I use that same "fuel stabilized" gas to create 2-cycle fuel for my Toro 3650 snowblower which will get oil that already has a fuel stabilizer in it. Basically will gas with Stabil added to oil with its own fuel stabilizer cause a problem?

First season (near Chicago) I will be using a snowblower (a brand new Toro 3560 single stage, 2 cycle with electric start) for a 85' x 12-21' nearly flat concrete driveway and a 160' x 3' concrete sidewalks and walkways. I am a new homeowner and have limited experience with all outdoor equipment. We get several snows of under 8 inches a year and perhaps 1 around 12+.

Questions (all super "new guy" questions):

1. I see the gas tank on the 3650 holds 1 quart... how long a run time is that about? I assume doing the driveway might take 30-45 minutes with an under 8 inch snow and the walkways another 30 minutes? I will try to keep up with "EOD" issues, and if necessary use a shovel on that.

2. With a fuel stabilizer added (via the synthetic oil being mixed in) how long are you all willing to keep gasoline before buying fresh during the winter season? The whole season? I don't know if I should just mix 2 gallons or if that is too much to start if I need to keep it fresh.

3. At the end of the season how do you dispose of extra 2-cycle fuel/oil left in the container (I will run the blower to rid it's tank) since you can simply siphon and dump in your car like a mower?

4. I am inclined to buy a LED bike headlight to mount on the mower (how about this: http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000621XG2/ref=pd_rvi_gw_1/102-3340419-6313734) but will mounting it on the top bar create an issue with the lever you have to push up to engage the power curve blades? Anyone mount lights to a single stage?

Thanks... I was very close to getting a 2 stage but decided to do this for 1. ease of maintenance 2. faster/better cleaning of the usual 3-6 inches in my area and 3. wife ease of use (I may not be in town a few days and if we get hit she has no choice but to do it.) I can always buy a 2 stage someday to supplement my single stage.

Thanks again... fantastic forum.

Dave