Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Storing the lawnmower, winter thanks, lawnmower


Question
Hi George,
I live in Vancouver and it's about time to make the final lawn cut and store my lawnmower until February or March. Last year it wouldn't start in the spring. I was told that the gas in the tank breaks down and I had to have the engine overhauled. Is this true or was I tricked into and expensive spark plug replacement? Is ther anything special I should do before I put my lawn mower away for the winter? Thanks.

Answer
GENEVIEVE, FIRST I THINK YOU WERE TRICKED A BIT IF YOU WERE
TOLD YOU HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE OVER HAULED.  YOU PROBABLY NEEDED THE CARB OVERHAULED BUT THATS ABOUT IT.  NO TO THE GAS.  DRAIN AS MUCH OF THE GAS OUT AS YOU CAN.  GET SOME
GASOLINE STABILIZER FROM THE PARTS STORE AND PUT A LITTLE
IN THE TANK AND TRY TO STRAT THE ENGINE  IF IT STARTS LET IT RUN TIL IT QUITS.  THEN PUT HER UP FOR THE THE WINTER.
WHEN SPRING COMES GET SOME FRESH GAS AND SOME CARB CLEANER
MIX WITH YOUR GAS AND FILL HER UP AND LET HER RIP TATER CHIP.  
GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND STAY WARM.
GEORGE....I THINK I WILL PUT MY SHORTS ON AND GO FISHIN