Run out gas on OPE

[Deltona_Dave]

Do you folks run out the gas before storing? I always worry about old gas sitting in the carb, making a mess of the jets/needle valves, especially on my cheapo generator. It is a Briggs/Troy-Bilt (Lowes model 5.5Kwatt) that I bought before the 4 hurricanes hit Florida.

Nowadays, it just sits in the garage, but I run it at least monthly for an hour with a 15-20 amp load. When I am done, I shut off the fuel and run it until it stalls. Every month, it starts on the second pull (first is slow to prime and splash a little oil (not full pressure lube)). I keep Sta-Bil in the tank. I also do this with my pressure washer, as it only gets run a few times in summer.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[TWG1572]

I always run mine out of gas before storing, like you I also keep Stabil in the tank. It seems to be working so far, no issues starting after winter.

I've also got a Techumseh snow king - so running it out is cheap insurance against having the carb decide to dump a tank of gas all over the garage floor some day. Been there, done that.

 

[Cmarti]

I run it out in all my equipment. Not just varnish, but the alcohol in fuel plays heck with fuel lines. Especially small 2 cycle equipment.

 

[Scooter_man]

I guess i'm the odd-duck so far. I never run anything out and have never had a problem the following season. Of course, I use MMO in my gas - which does some stabilization on it's own.

Probably not as good as Sta-bil or the like, but MMO hasn't let me down yet.

 

[greenaccord02]

yeah, if it's going to be out for anything over a few months I try to run it dry, and I even drain the oil.

 

[Unearthed]

I always do...but if you equipment doesn't start just drain the gas and take out the spark plug. Spray some (OK quite a bit) carb cleaner in the spark plug hole and yank the starter a couple times. Put the plug back in and give it about 20 mins. Fill with gas and away we go!

 

[JTK]

I run any equipment dry that's going to sit unused for more than a couple months. You can get lucky leaving equipment full of fuel for 6mo or beyond, it just depends on the temperature and humidity swings the equipment sees in dry storge, condition of the equipment, etc. It's ~$2 worth of fuel vs. time and money spent on fussing with a carb.

Joel

 

[TedT]

I always turn off the fuel and run the fuel out of the carb. I also use stabilizer in the tank. I have found that stabilizer alone caused a newer low emissions engine on my Brigs powered lawn mower to run too lean in the spring necessitating removing and cleaning the carb. It was just slightly varnished.
Ted

 

[boraticus]

I keep my generator empty, covered and stored until needed. I also empty long term storage OPE such as snow throwers for the summer and mowers for the winter. I usually keep all of my motorcycles full. The bikes are stored in an unheated shed. Full tanks help reduce condensation build up over winter.

OPE that may be called into service at any time such as chain saws, leaf/snow blower etc. are usually kept with fuel in them.

 

[gd9704]

I treat my OPE fuel with Stabil every time I fill up the cans.....

I try and run dry any equipment that is stored for 5-6 months before putting it away. I've never had a problem going this route.

 

[eljefino]

I run them dry, turn them off at the petcock if they have one. Keeps the gassy stink down. The vapors will find some way out of the carb, leaving the goo behind.