Storing a mower with no gas

[GearHead36]

I have a Champion generator, which, of course, doesn't get used that often. The manual has 3 storage procedures. One for short term (up to 30 days), one for mid term (30 days to 1 yr), and one for long term (more than 1 yr). I always use the long term procedure. I say "always", but so far, that's only been two times. I bought it for hurricane Helene, so it's less than a year old. The long term procedure is:
- Open fuel valve
- Unscrew fuel drain screw on carb. This will empty the contents of the fuel tank and carb bowl through a tube out the bottom of the generator.
- Remove spark plug
- Put 1 tbsp of oil in cylinder
- Slowly pull the starter rope one time.
- Reinstall spark plug
- Screw fuel drain screw back in.

I did this after Helene, then needed it again 9 months later. I put fresh ethanol-free fuel in it, and it fired right up just like it did when new. The manual doesn't say to run it until it dies, but that wound up happening both times I've done the storage procedure. I usually run the generator until it runs out of gas, then check to see if the power has been restored. I don't know if running it until it dies makes a difference. Admittedly, it only sit for 9 months, but Champion claims that this procedure, which doesn't include putting anything in the carb, is good for long term storage. Champion also recommends ethanol-free fuel.

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have a Champion generator, which, of course, doesn't get used that often. The manual has 3 storage procedures. One for short term (up to 30 days), one for mid term (30 days to 1 yr), and one for long term (more than 1 yr). I always use the long term procedure. I say "always", but so far, that's only been two times. I bought it for hurricane Helene, so it's less than a year old. The long term procedure is:
- Open fuel valve
- Unscrew fuel drain screw on carb. This will empty the contents of the fuel tank and carb bowl through a tube out the bottom of the generator.
- Remove spark plug
- Put 1 tbsp of oil in cylinder
- Slowly pull the starter rope one time.
- Reinstall spark plug
- Screw fuel drain screw back in.

I did this after Helene, then needed it again 9 months later. I put fresh ethanol-free fuel in it, and it fired right up just like it did when new. The manual doesn't say to run it until it dies, but that wound up happening both times I've done the storage procedure. I usually run the generator until it runs out of gas, then check to see if the power has been restored. I don't know if running it until it dies makes a difference. Admittedly, it only sit for 9 months, but Champion claims that this procedure, which doesn't include putting anything in the carb, is good for long term storage. Champion also recommends ethanol-free fuel.

The best part of that advice is to use Ethanol free fuel every time. It does not breakdown rapidly like Ethanol blend fuel.

 

[dana a]

I run 87 octane, 10% ethanol in everything from a 37 hp Vanguard to a Stihl BG85 blower, and have no problems. Keep the fuel fresh and moving, store the fuel correctly, and it is that simple. Or pay extra for stabilizer and premium fuel for no reason. Small engines are not designed to run 91 plus octane anyway. The great fuel debate continues…

Same here, that's all I use too. When I'm done for the season I start it up and close off the fuel line and when it starts to run out of gas I close the choke and that draws even more gas out of the bowl. I have never had a problem starting any of my stuff in the spring.