If you mow your own lawn, then you've probably dealt with fuel a fair bit.
But did you know that improper storage and improper use of fuel is one of the biggest contributors to mower breakdowns.
Fear not, because we've got some tips that will keep your mower running at it's very best.
Follow these steps to extend the life of your lawn mower.
Fuel Goes Bad
This might come as a surprise, but fuel is only good for about 30 days. After that time, the volatile compounds in the fuel start evaporating. This occurs whether the fuel is in the mower or in the fuel can.
As the fuel evaporates, it forms gummy deposits. Eventually, these will turn into a hard varnish which can plug the fuel lines and carburettors. Once your fuel system has been compromised, you can expect poor engine performance, including lack of power, surging, or difficulty starting.
What Fuel Should I Buy?
It's recommended to only buy name brand fuel from reputable service stations. This is because larger fuel companies are more likely to employ strict quality control testing on their products. Also, buying from a busy fuel station will help ensure you're buying fresh fuel.
When it comes to fuel, you can just buy the standard 91 octane . No need to go with mid-grade or premium for small engines, like those found on mowers.
Be Careful With Ethanol
Most fuel, contains up to 10% ethanol (a fuel compound derived from organic material, such as corn). Engines on modern mowers are designed to run on fuel with up to 10% ethanol.
You run the risk of getting into trouble when you start messing with fuel consisting of 15%+ ethanol. This type of ethanol fuel will absorb water from the atmosphere, which can cause corrosion in the fuel system.
What Can I Do
Don't worry, fuelling up your mower is not an untenable situation. In fact, the solution for fuel problems is usually as simple as adding fuel stabilizer.
Add fuel stabilizer to your fuel, right when you purchase it.
Stabilizer prevents fuel from going bad. It works by decreasing the rate of compound evaporation from fuel. Stabilizer also prevents fuel from absorbing moisture from the air.
3 comments
what fuel stabalizer is recommended for storing fuel in a fuel can for two months. will fuel still be good
Hi, old two strokes were sold here (yes mine are still going) when there was lead in the fuel. So for some of them if you do not now add the appropriate small amount of flashlube (lead replacement additive), they can seize when hot. I had this experience and flash lube fixed it. Also, the stuff about fuel going off, is mainly true for 91 octane, which has benzine as an octane upper and I think it evaporates quickly. In my experience the 98 octane fuel in Australia, does not go off at all quickly and in fact it seems to be ok for my stuff for over a year easily in a Jerry can. Seems not to use high volatility octane uppers, but is actually really 98 octane petrol.
What can l do if my mower already has fuel build ups in carby and lines