Storing power equipment for the winter

[JDgreen227]

During the past 40 years every time I have prepared a 4 cycle engine for winter storage, be it a mower, tiller, etc. I have always removed the spark plug and squirted oil into the cylinder, then replaced the plug and pulled the starter cord a few times. Still, I wonder...what with the improved engines and oils today, is such a step really necessary?

 

[Gary Fowler]

I never have done that on my push lawnmowers and after 15 years of yearly oil change it was smoking a bit at first start up but still cranked on2nd or third pull and never had a carb issue. Stored it with dry fuel tank mostly but then started to put up with fuel in it treated with stabil. For my riding mowers, I double treat the gas (all my gas is non-ethanol and treated with Stabil when I get it home) and park them in enclosed garage. They start right up in spring time.
Doesnt hurt to oil fog an engine but if stored in dry area, I dont think its needed.

 

[grsthegreat]

I do exactly this for my jet skis, in addition to adding antifreeze in the cooling system, but i have never thought to do this with the other equipment.


My pre-winter tasks have always been to change all the fuel, oil, spark plugs and clean all the filters on everything that isnt to be used till next year. I then fill all fuel tanks with ethanol free premium fuel with marine grade sta-bil added.


For the past 2 winters that ive added the sta-bil and non- ethanol fuel, i have no longer had engine problems come summer. In the past, i had to deal with clogged carbs all the time. dont get me started on ethanol..........

I was told by a few mechanics not to leave the fuel tanks empty or they could cause some dry-out issues. not sure, if this is true, but so far no dry out issues by leaving them full.

it might be easier to heat my shop all winter :cool2:

 

[JDgreen227]

After several negative experiences with using fuel stabilizer in small engine fuel systems, I now drain the tanks and the carb float bowls. Removing the float bowls also enables me to clean out any gunk in the bowl and I have been draining fuel systems for 15 years now with no negative effects...and my oldest push mower is a 1990 model.