Most of the "won't start in spring" repairs we see every year could have been avoided with a few minutes of storage prep in the fall. Here's how to put your equipment away right.
Deal with the fuel
Fuel left sitting all winter is the top cause of spring no-starts. Either run the machine until it's out of gas, or add a fuel stabilizer and run it a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor.
Change the oil
Old oil holds acids and moisture. Fresh oil before storage protects the engine over the winter.
Clean and protect
- Clean grass and debris off the deck and cooling fins.
- Remove the spark plug, add a little oil to the cylinder, and pull the cord a couple times to coat it (then reinstall the plug).
- Sharpen the blade or chain now so you're ready in spring.
- Store it somewhere dry.
Short on time?
Drop your equipment off in the fall and we'll winterize it for you - and it'll be ready to go the first warm day. Give us a call.