How to Prevent Starting Problems and Save Hundreds on Repairs
Fuel-related issues are the leading cause of starting problems in small engines and outdoor power equipment. In fact, in most cases when a machine will not start, the problem can be traced back to the fuel system—most commonly the effects of ethanol-blended gasoline.
Ethanol naturally attracts moisture from the air, which can introduce water into the fuel. Ethanol breaks down into a gummy residue, which clogs small fuel passages, restricts fuel flow, and prevents the engine from running properly. Ethanol can rapidly deteriorate rubber and composite components such as fuel lines, diaphragms, gaskets, and other fuel-system parts. This often results in hard starting, rough operation, reduced performance, or a complete no-start condition.
In an unsealed can or inside power equipment, ethanol blended gasoline can go bad in as little as two weeks and often within eight weeks.
How to Prevent Starting Problems and Save Hundreds on Repairs
After extensive research, consultations with fuel specialists, and many years of testing various methods and products, I concluded that there are a few simple steps that can help prevent ethanol-related fuel problems:
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Do not use ethanol-blended gasoline older than 30 days
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Avoid storing fuel in equipment for longer than 30 days (run the engine until the fuel is used up before refilling)
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Treat gasoline with a quality fuel stabilizer
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Winterize your equipment before storage
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Whenever possible, use ethanol-free gasoline. When treated with a quality fuel stabilizer and stored in a well-sealed gas can, it can remain usable for up to 12 months (a list of local gas stations that offer ethanol-free fuel is provided at the bottom of this page).
Best Products And How To Use Them
Sta-Bil 360 Marine is the fuel stabilizer I recommend for dependable season-long fuel system protection.
It should be mixed at a rate of ½ ounce per 5 gallons of gasoline (measuring cup is built into the bottle). For optimal results, add the stabilizer to an empty gas can and immidiately fill it with fresh gasoline, allowing it to blend thoroughly and evenly.
In testing, Sta-Bil 360 Marine kept fuel fresh in a sealed container for 12 months. Even so, for maximum engine performance and the best protection against fuel-related issues, I recommend using stabilized gasoline within 60 days whenever possible.
Sta-Bil 360 Marine can be conveniently purchased through Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, and most major auto parts retailers
Ethanol Free Gasoline
TRU FUEL is an excellent ethanol-free canned gasoline that comes pretreated with fuel stabilizer and offers a shelf life of up to two years.
TRU FUEL is available in three types:
• Gray can – straight gasoline for 4-cycle equipment such as lawn mowers, tractors, generators, pressure washers, and similar equipment
• Red can – 50:1 premixed fuel with oil, ready for use in 2-cycle equipment such as trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws
• Green can – 40:1 premixed fuel
For 2-cycle equipment, I strongly recommend using TRU FUEL throughout the season and during storage. While it may seem more expensive upfront, it will help prevent carburetor problems, reduce deterioration of fuel lines, improve reliability, and save substantial repair costs over time.
Using TRU FUEL exclusively throughout the season in lawn mowers, tractors, and other larger 4-cycle equipment is generally not cost-effective. However, it is an excellent product for winterizing this type of equipment before storage.
For long-term storage of 4-cycle equipment, I recommend running the machine until it stops so that the fuel tank is completely empty. Then fill the tank to approximately one-eighth of its capacity with TRU FUEL from the gray can, restart the engine, and allow it to run for about 20 minutes. This helps replace the ethanol-blended gasoline remaining in the carburetor with stable ethanol-free TRU FUEL, allowing the equipment to be stored safely with TRU FUEL in the gas tank for up to 12 months.
Home Depot usually offers the best price on TRU FUEL
Local Gas Stations That Sell Ethanol-Free Gas
The pump will be marked Ethanol Free
• Sunoco - 42800 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147
• Wawa - 510 Frost Ave, Warrenton, VA 20186
• Wawa - 1140 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
If you have any questions about these products or about power equipment maintenance in general, please feel free to call Art. He will be happy to answer your questions and offer helpful guidance.