Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawnmower, winter hibernation, blade sharpening

Question
this is a question to help me out for next year..what is the proper way to put a lawnmower away for the winter? every spring, when i get it out, gas it up, then it won't start. and right now, the lead time at the repair shop is about two weeks (which will be the height in feet of the grass by the time i get it back). thanks for your help..

Answer
Hello,

I wish everyone would ask your question.  Springtime equipment starting problems are very common.

In the fall we all just want to park the mower and forget it.  I do that but within a month, usually after the leaves are up I do the storage prep.  I first change the oil.  Old oil has acids and other contaminates, which shouldn't sit in an engine for long periods.  Next, I drain the fuel and put in in the car or snowblower.  Then, fill up the tank with new fuel, fresh from the pump.  (Fuel starts to go bad in one month.  It can either gum up in carb or make deposits, clogging the small openings.)  I add fuel stabilizer.  This is the critical part.  Stabilizer, available at equipment or auto supply shops, will keep fuel stable for up to one year.  I then run the engine for about 5 minutes to run the fuel through the carb and to coat the engine'e internal parts with the fresh oil.  Finally, after the engine cools, I remove the spark plug and squirt about a tablespoon or two of engine oil into the cylinder.  I slowly turn the engine over several times, by hand to coat the cylinder walls with oil.  This step prevents rust and helps to keep the rings from sticking in the piston grooves.  I put the plug back in and tighten it.  That's it! Ready for winter hibernation.
In the spring, it should fire right up.  After the cylinder oil burns off or after the first use, I then change the spark plug.  I also try to use up all the fuel before adding more.
All this, applies to any engine being stored off season.  At storage time it's also good to do other maintenance as required, like: belts, bearing/bushing lube, blade sharpening, air/oil filters, general inspection, etc. Spart parts on hand make it a snap.

Best,
Michael