storing the lawn mower for the winter
 

I'm pretty sure I have mowed for the last time of the season. Anything I should do to store it for the winter?

Also, what should I do in the spring before using it again.

Should I just put all the gas from the can in my car or store it too?

Last question, I have some oil/gas mix from my chainsaw, is there an additive I can put in it to store it?

Thanks!

I change my oil every other spring, check the spark plug and sharpen the blade...thats it. I have a 20" gas mower with a briggs & stratton engine and use it once a week for about 6-7 months, then leave it in the shed over the winter... Never had a problem, this is my second mower in 27 years.

As for the gas, if you get an additive called Sta-bol(I think that's how it's spelled), you can add that to regular gas and gas/oil mixed, and that will keep it fresh for next year.

It's Sta-Bil, and it's great stuff. While you can drain the gas for the same effect, you must also make sure that your carbs are thoroughly drained as well. Any pooled gasoline in them will turn into lacquer and gum up your carbs. A frightening number of small engines that are junked by their owners could be ressurected by the simple expedient of a good carb cleaning.

It also does not hurt to get some Tetralube or Rem-oil, both are available at most places that sell firearms. They are aerosol lubricants with certain additives that prevent them from drying out completely, or leaving a protective residue if they are stored so long as to completely dry. Shoot your exposed metal surfaces with a very light coating of these (or something similar, I mention firearms related products as they work extremely well).

When you pull it out of storage, just give a good once over to make sure everything looks good, do the maintainence that you should (change oil, sharpen blades/chains, and inspect wiring, etc).

I always drain the gas out of my mowers then run them until everything is burned away clean the carbs and store them in a dry place. Works well for me. I agree with sharpening the blade on a regular basis makes all the difference mowing.

if you dont drain and run them dry use sta-bil in the fuel.

after you run it dry, pull the plug and put a squirt or two of oil on the piston, put the plug back in. make sure deck is really clean, scrub it down with soap and water. let dry then i like to give a quick spray with like wd-40 on the bottom of the deck. also if you sharpen blade coat it in oil as it will flash rust. I always change the oil before and after longterm storage. I like to fold the handle down to take tension off the pull string. And put it up on bricks so the tires dont get flat spots. then store in a dry place

Wow, very throughout...

Winter is when I can actually go for two weeks without mowing the lawn without it looking like a jungle. Stupid Florida.