Yo, it’s your boy Jeff here, and I’ve got a question for all you lawn mower enthusiasts out there: should I use fuel stabilizer in my mower?
It’s a question I’ve asked myself plenty of times, especially after the time I accidentally left my mower sitting in the garage all winter without running it. Let’s just say it was a rough start to mowing season that year.
But I’m not the only one who’s wondering about fuel stabilizers. Lots of homeowners have questions about whether or not they really need to use one in their mower.
In this article, I’ll dive into the pros and cons of fuel stabilizers to help you make an informed decision.
Fuel stabilizer has become an important item you need if you want to take care of your fuel.
If you have a lawn mower, you may want to know if it is okay to use a fuel stabilizer. Should I use fuel stabilizer in my lawn mower?
Yes, you can because if the lawn mower is stored for a season, fuel degeneration can become a constant problem.
This problem will not just waste the fuel but also destroy the performance of the mower.
Should I use fuel stabilizer in my lawn mower?
The answer is yes! Here is how you can do it:
Step 1: let all the fuel get drained from the tank.
Step 2: put a measured stabilizer in the tank
Step 3: get the tank filled with fuel.
Step 4: let the engine run at the end.
The use of fuel stabilizer is essential due to the fuel’s alcohol component which is dangerous to the sections of the machine that are composed of rubber and plastic.
And also the carbonator might get jammed up and might have corrosion. If unstable fuel is kept in the tank for a long period, it degrades and then damages the mower’s effectiveness.
To get the most out of the machine so that it could be stored away and the owner could have a presentable lawn or yard the next spring, stabilizing the fuel is important.
Step 1: Drain all fuel from the tank
The foremost thing to be done is to drain all the fuel in the tank. The purpose of this step is to be aware of the amount of fuel remaining.
The amount of stabilizer going to be added should not be a suggestion. Mixing a bigger amount than what the instructions instruct might make the engine deteriorate and might then stop functioning.
Step 2: Add measured stabilizer to the tank
Once the tank is empty and the measured amount of fuel is out, what should be done next is to find the appropriate stabilizer for the machine.
Usually, in the mower’s manual, the specifications and appropriate measurement needed per gallon of the stabilizer are written.
Step 3: Fill the tank with fuel
When the stabilizer has been put into the tank, put in the required amount of fuel. If the stabilizer was added to store the machine for a season, it is appropriate to add new fuel, cause there is a chance that the former fuel might have broken down before the stabilizer gets added.
Having the fuel added from above makes the stabilizer disperse. However, it is appropriate to make use of ethanol-free gas for nice results.
And having the tank filled at 95% is another precaution that is adhered to so that the fuel does not spill out during the summers.
Step 4: Run the engine
Lastly, having filled the tank with the fuel and stabilizer, what should be done next is to run the engine for 10 minutes.
The purpose of going through this procedure is to make sure that the fuel and stabilizer go through the engine and the carburetor, tuning and also optimizing their performance.
Benefits of fuel stabilizer:
Save the fuel: an individual can save fuel by having them used. When the mower is stored for a season (winter), rather than taking out all the fuel from the tank, a stabilizer can be used to maintain the fuel’s strength and keeps it fresh during storage.
Avoid cold starts: making the lawn mower start after it has been stored up for a season can be a difficult task.
To avoid this issue, making use of the fuel stabilizer is the most appropriate solution, which takes away any cold start and ensures that the first start is quick.
Remove impurities: the normal fuel has so many impurities, which makes the engine’s performance to deteriorate a lot. Using a fuel stabilizer will erase these impurities and make the engine healthy.
Enhances fuel economy: using the fuel stabilizer enhances the engine’s performance by erasing the buildup in it. Cleaning it will not only enhance the fuel performance economy but also make sure that the engine flows smoothly.
Types of fuel stabilizer:
There are two basic kinds in which could be used to point out fuel stabilizers.
For storage: Each fuel stabilizer is produced and formulated for certain areas of concerns.
One of their basic purpose is to maintain its long life span by keeping fresh during storage.
Hence, when producing these fuel stabilizers, such formulas are kept on the mind to make these stabilizers keep the fuel fresh during such periods. Generally, the producers states that the protection span lasts for a period of 24 months.
For performance: the fuel stabilizer produced to enhance fuel performance can also play an important role in ensuring that the fuel is kept fresh.
But their span is not as long as the 24 month span but much more less. This is because the formula used is focused on effectiveness and performance enhancements than long life span.
Salient Features:
Easy to use: the most purpose for using a fuel stabilizer is to keep the mind at peace towards the lawnmower’s life and performance.
This means being easy to use is a major feature all fuel stabilizers must bear. This means that the container design and stabilizer measuring must fit in perfectly.
Safety Measures:
Addition of stabilizer: the fuel stabilizer is said to be added in the tank before putting in the fuel to enable adding in the necessary amount of fuel, then the added fuel will mix well with the stabilizer thoroughly.
Dry place: make sure the fuel stabilizers cans are stored in a safe, dry place, where they will not have direct contact with sunlight.
Instruction Manual: it is essential to stick to the firm’s opinions for the measurement of fuel stabilizer required and the kind of fuel that it fits with while handling the product.
Can you put too much stabilizer in gas?
You can use up to 4 times the normal dosage of 1 ounce of fuel stabilizer per 2.5 gallons of gas, although it’s not recommended.
When should I add fuel stabilizer?
You should add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank before storing the car.
What is a good fuel stabilizer?
Some of the best fuel stabilizers include STA-BIL (22214) Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 32 fl. oz. STA-BIL (22214) Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 32 f
What happens if you don’t use fuel stabilizer?
Your mower can suffer poor performance or your engine can fail to start after storage.
Can I put fuel stabilizer in old gas?
Fuel stabilizers slow oxidation and volatile compound evaporation and extend the shelf life of the gas. It should be added before storing a mower
How do I put fuel stabilizer in my lawn mower?
Whether putting your lawn mower or snow blower away at the end of the season or letting some time pass between uses, curbing your fuel’s degradation is crucial.