Storing 4 cycle equipment for the winter

[joed]

Should power equipment equipped with 4 cycle OHV motors have the gas drained for winter storage? On 2 cycle equipment, I know the gas should be run out to prevent gumming. However, I am getting conflicting reports on 4 cycle motors. Some people say leave the tank 1/4 full and add a fuel stabilizer. The gas is supposed to help the tank from rusting. Other people say to drain the whole thing. Who's right?

[GLS]

I drain all my gas tanks for winter because I don't want old gas runnin in em next spring.

[odin]

JOED
MOST TANKS are now polyethelyne and rust is not a factor.
I start putting stabilizer in the last couple weeks in the season
And run the engine dry at seasons end .I also put oil in the hole where the sparkplug is and pull the cord a few times to get it distrbuted on the piston rings etc

[hustlers]

i put fuel stabilizer and just leave some in at the end,
drain in spring,
put a little marvel mystery oil in the oil and run about 10 min.

I never had a problem, I just make sure to drain fuel and
oil in spring

[gusbuster]

Originally posted by odin00
JOED
MOST TANKS are now polyethelyne and rust is not a factor.
I start putting stabilizer in the last couple weeks in the season
And run the engine dry at seasons end .I also put oil in the hole where the sparkplug is and pull the cord a few times to get it distrbuted on the piston rings etc

This is the oldest and tested method to store any gas equipment for any length of time. Even though we don't store for the winter, my tiller, trencher and other landscaping equipment is stored using the above way.
John

[Randy Scott]

I was told by my dealer to run the two-strokes dry and put stable in the four-strokes and leave fuel in their tanks. Works for me.

[mklawnman]

What about batteries??? Every year we have been taking out the batteries and storing them in the basement to keep them warm, then put them back in again in spring and cleaning the posts off. Though ive heard that you should charge them too when they arent in use so they dont go bad or something??

We run our 2 cycle motors dry, and our 4 cycle ones get stablizer put in them and run for about 10min with some fuel left in them, its been working for the past couple of years. We also greased up everything for the winter too.
Now i just want this winter to come soon and leave as quickly as possible, i miss mowing :cry:

Matt (lawnman)

[odin]

I to put the batteries in the basement .Ikeep a good battery charger made just for lawn and garden batteries .Keepem charged up all winter but most of them when in the warm dont need to be charged up much

[G.Williams]

We drain all tanks and run until dry all 2 and 4 stroke motors. have done so since business was started. Never have had a problem in startup whatsoever. Drain them all out.

[GLS]

What exactly does the fuel stabalizer do?...I had some mixed with some 2cycle gas for a while, and when I looked at it, it formed a layer at the top that might keep the air in the tank from getting to the gas.

[odin]

IT KEEPS the gas fresh up to about 24 months
keeps it from puting varish in your fuel system and carb

[Sammy]

I always use good quality fuel and fill them to the top.
I have never used Sta-Bil.
I have never had a problem.:)

[Albemarle Lawn]

Maybe 3 months storage.

I put in Premium and that's it. The "top" comes off of the gas first as it volitalizes, so leaving 93 octane in the tank might result in a tank of 91 come spring. Works for me, never had trouble.

I avoid running the gas out of a machine because letting the carburetor gaskets dry can lead to gasket failure in the carburetor.

Ken