Austin Outdoor Power, Lawn Equipment, Lawn Mower Sales, Service and Parts in Austin Texas, 512-339-0971, Echo, Stihl, Gravely, Snapper, Toro, Shindaiwa, Bearcat, Troybilt, Poulan, Ryobi, MTD, Briggs and Stratton, Kawasaki, Kohler, Worldlawn, Weedeater, Chain Saw, Trimmer, Blower, Pruner, Hedge Clipper, Reel Mower, Yard Vacuum, Walk Behind, Commercial and Residential, Ethanol Treatment, Zero Turn Mower, Generator, Austin Texas, Central Texas, North America, South AmericaLawn Mower Sales, Service and Parts in Austin Texas, Echo, Stihl, Gravely, Snapper, Toro, Shindaiwa, Bearcat, Troybilt, Poulan, Ryobi, MTD, Briggs and Stratton, Kawasaki, Kohler, Worldlawn, Weedeater, Chain Saw, 512-339-0971, Grass Trimmer, Blower, Pruner, Hedge Clipper, Reel Mower, Yard Vacuum, Walk Behind, Commercial and Residential, Zero Turn Mower, Generator, Austin Texas, Central Texas, North America, South AmericaLawn Mower Service, Sales and Parts in Austin Texas, Echo, Stihl, Gravely, Snapper, Toro, Shindaiwa, Bearcat, Troybilt, Poulan, Weedeater, Ryobi, MTD, Briggs and Stratton, Kawasaki, Kohler, Worldlawn, Weedeater, Chain Saws, Trimmers, Blowers, Pruners, Hedge Clippers, Reel Mowers, Yard Vacuum, Walk Behind, Commercial and Residential, Ethanol Treatment, Zero Turn Mower, Generators, Austin Texas, Central Texas, 512-339-0971

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Austin Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc . 11104 North Lamar, Unit G, Austin TX 78753 - 512-339-0971
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How To Winterize Your Lawn Equipment

As winter approaches, it reminds us that it is time to winterize not only your home and car, but also your gasoline-powered equipment such as lawn mowers and chain saws. Winterizing will help extend the life of your small gasoline engines.

To winterize your small gasoline engines there are two different approaches you can take:

Drain the Tank

Check the owner's manual for information on draining the fuel system for off-season storage. If recommended for your specific model, draining the tank will reduce evaporative emissions that occur during storage, according to the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). EMA is a Chicago based trade association for manufacturers of engines used in many applications including ground care equipment.

If the owner's manual says the gasoline can removed and it can be done easily, the gasoline should be carefully drained from the tank (and carburetor, if possible) and collected in a clean, approved storage container. Any remaining gasoline in the system can be removed by operating the engine until it stops. If you want to make the extra effort, adding a small amount of oil through the spark plug port also helps winterize an engine.

The collected gasoline can be used in your car.

Use a Non-Ethanol Fuel (Such as VP Fuels, ECHO, Stihl)

If the gasoline cannot be easily removed, a non-ethanol based gasoline should be left in the tank (Fuel Stabilizers are not enough for Storage). If you are replacing your standard fuel with a Non-Ethanol fuel the engine should be operated for a few minutes to draw the new fuel into the carburetor.

NOTE: Make sure you do not put 4 Cycle Fuel into 2 Cycle Engines such as most Grass trimmers, blowers, chainsaws.

For added protection you may want to consider taking the time to close the engine's valves. For engines with hand-pull starters this can be done by pulling the cord until resistance is felt. Also an effective vapor barrier can be added by placing a piece of aluminum foil over the tank cap and then securing the foil with tape.

Non-Ethanol Method is preferred by the Outdoor Power Industry.

Winte rizing is important because gasoline left in an engine's fuel tank and carburetor can degrade over time. During storage, gasoline can interact with air and moisture to form gums and deposits. Therefore you should not store gasoline in the engine's fuel tank for any inactive periods longer than one to two months.

Winterizing Your Lawnmower

Austin Outdoor Power is dedicated in working with our customers to ensure they are aware of the issues we see in our service department. Above and beyond all other issues are the effects of Ethanol in small engines. The below information and pics should help AOP Customers understand the issue is not a local problem and we are doing what we can to educate them of any and all issues as they arise.

Manufacturer's Notice: A majority of the carburetors being replaced and returned under warranty are for problems related to fuel quality and contamination, not due to defects in materials or workmanship.

The fuel being used today is making these problems even more prevalent, therefore it is more important than ever for end users to maintain the fuel system according to the guidelines published in their operators manual.

All warranty claims for carburetor replacements must be for an identifiable defect in material or workmanship as documented in the warranty statement.

Click on the Manufacturers Logos Below for more information on
the effects of Ethanol in Outdoor Power Equipment

Over 75% of Repairs on Small Engines with Starting/Running Issues are Fuel Related... Primarily Due to ETHANOL