Lawnmowers and Gas/Oil

H

hawkpatriot

Joined
Jul 20, 2004
Messages
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I didn't take the gas or oil out of my Craftsman mower when the mowing season ended. Now that it's been sitting out in the freezing weather all winter, should I change the oil and get new gasoline? Thanks for your input.
 
It would be a good idea. Also clean/replace the plug (depending on how my seasons) and next time try Stabil if you can't or forget to drain.

I usually just run it out of gas on the last mow of the season and that saves having to drain...
 
Yes, change the gasoline and a oil change would be a good idea too, new filter and sparkplug wouldn't be a bad idea. Mine sets outside under a tarp and has ony failed me once because of the carburator was so clogged from dirt, and particles that were in the gas can. You have time to take it to a lawnmower service center too if you want a thorough checkup on it. Try the gas and oil first. These service centers can be costly.
 
It's probably fine.

Gasolines these days have additives in them, so they don't tend to gum up nearly as quickly as the old days. If you had the last mow back in October, that gas is less than six months old. It's fine.

The oil is fine too, but I generally change it at the beginning of every season just for good measure. What does a quart of oil cost? Like $1.50? And remember, the lawn mower doesn't need Mobile One. K-Mart brand will do fine. Changing the oil on the mower takes less them that you'll spend sharpening the blade, cleaning and gapping the plug, and cleaning the air filter. So, you might as well just do it while you're doing the other stuff. A drop of oil here and there on the control cables and such, and with less than an hour's work old bessy will ready to go for another season.
 
At the end of the season, I take the plug out, spray WD-40 in the cylinder generously and then gently pull the cord a few times to spread the WD-40 all over the cylinder walls. Then, I put the plug back in but don't fully tighten since I'm gonna pull the plug out to clean and gap it next spring. The WD-40 prevents rust inside the cylinder over the winter.
 
Modern gas doesn't seem to deteriorate much. The problem is condensation/gruck in the tank and the carb float bowl.

I tried to start a gas generator last year during a power outage. (it belonged to my kid) it had been put away with the tank drained, but not the fuel lines. The bowl was full of orange crud.
Cleaned that out and put in fresh gas, and it fired on the first pull.
 
You should probably change the oil and check the plugs each Spring anyway.

The gas will probably be fine, especially if the tank is only half-full. Top it off with fresh gas and it'll be good to go.

Good Luck,
Bob
 
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