General Storage Information

• If the engine has been running, allow it to cool for at least half an hour before cleaning. Clean all exterior surfaces, touch up any damaged paint, and coat other areas that may rust with a light film of oil.

• Add gasoline stabilizer to the fuel tank following the manufacturer’s instructions. When adding a gasoline stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only partially filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage.  Note:

  • All stabilizers have a shelf life and their performance will deteriorate over time.
  • Fuel stabilizers will not reconstitute stale fuel.

• For long term storage, avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and carburetor.  See below.  See our fuel recommendations page for more information on preventing fuel related issues.

• Select a well-ventilated storage area away from any appliance that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater or clothes dryer.

• Avoid any area with a spark producing electric motor or where power tools are operated.

• If possible, avoid any area with high humidity.  Humidity promotes rust and corrosion.

• Position the equipment so that the engine is level. Tilting the engine can cause fuel or oil leakage.

• If the engine is equipped with a battery, remove the battery and store it in a cool dry place. Recharge the battery once a month while the engine is in storage. This will help to extend the service life of the battery.

Draining the fuel tank and carburetor for seasonal or long term storage

You can either run your equipment until the fuel system (including the fuel tank) is completely empty or you can drain the fuel system as follows:

• Disconnect the fuel line to the engine, and drain the fuel tank into an approved gasoline container.

• If the fuel tank is equipped with a valve, turn the fuel valve to OPEN or ON position to enable draining.

• After draining is completed, reconnect the fuel line and turn the fuel valve to the OFF position.

• Loosen the carburetor drain screw, and drain the carburetor into an approved gasoline container. After draining is completed, tighten the carburetor drain screw.

Stale Fuel in Your Fuel Container

If you have some fuel left in your storage container at the end of the season, the EPA suggests that you can  add the gasoline to your car's gas tank, provided your car’s fuel tank is fairly full.