Unfortunately, not all mowers have a shutoff valve. It is normally a small valve on the fuel hose between the fuel tank and the carburetor that you turn 90 degrees.How does one turn off the gas valve before you are finished mowing? Plus, how can you keep mowing if the engine is not getting any gas?Also, when you're using the mower, turn off the gas valve before you're finished mowing so the gas in the carb burns off and doesn't stay there while it's stored between uses.
You don't need to run the carburetor dry between uses during the mowing season, but best practice for off-season storage is either to run the mower out of gas completely, or add fuel stabilizer, ensure it is fully mixed in (ideally by mixing it in the can before your last refill), top off the tank, and run the mower for a few minutes so the stabilized fuel reaches the carburetor. If you have a fuel shutoff valve, the fuel stabilizer isn't needed for keeping fuel in the carb from evaporating / oxidizing and potentially gumming it up, but it can still reduce oxidation of the fuel in the tank, and keep any water that forms due to condensation dispersed so that it is unlikely to cause problems.
I agree with removing the fuel and trying fresh fuel. Personally, once the tank is empty, I'd probably pull the starter a few dozen times to try to clear any remaining fuel out of the carburetor, as well.
If you do end up replacing it, I think you will likely find you need a second battery if you go electric. Plan on 5-10 years life expectancy for a battery depending in significant part on storage conditions. Unfortunately, I have heard of a non-trivial number of cases where users have had batteries die much faster, but most seem to last in this time frame.
In the current market, I would consider it individual preference whether to go gas or electric. The up-front cost is usually lower for gas, and a Honda engine still lasts a long time with minimal maintenance. Obviously with electric, you get less noise and no fuel to deal with.
Statistics: Posted by iamlucky13 — Mon May 20, 2024 10:59 pm — Replies 17 — Views 480