The Dangers of Old Fuel and Phase Separation Even with the correct type of oil, fuel degrades over time, leading to significant starting problems. Selecting the correct fuel for a small lawnmower is the single most important maintenance task for ensuring reliability and longevity.
Choosing the Right Oil for Small Lawnmower Engines
Old gasoline can stale and lose its volatility, while ethanol in fuel can separate from the gasoline and water, settling at the bottom of the tank in a process known as phase separation. To further protect the engine, especially during seasonal storage, using a high-quality fuel stabilizer is highly recommended.
Using a higher octane fuel, such as premium, is generally unnecessary and does not provide any performance benefits unless the engine specifically requires it. Manufacturer Specifications and Stabilizers Always consult the operator’s manual for your specific mower model, as this document is the ultimate authority on fuel requirements.
Choosing the Right Oil for Small Lawnmower Engines
These additives prevent oxidation, lubricate the fuel system, and ensure that the gasoline remains combustible when the equipment is pulled out in the spring. E10 gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol and is generally considered safe for most small engines manufactured after the early 2000s.
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