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I would assume that any fuel in the carb would evaporate in a matter of hours anyway, so I wouldn't bother about that.
I just drain/run until empty my tools for the winter storage time, as I like to have at least semi new fuel in machines to stop any 'old fuel' issues when starting in the spring.
Just throw a spanner in the works, I have been told it's better to leave a full tank, otherwise condensation can build up in the tank over winter and water can obviously contaminate the first start. Now, I can understand that for metal tanks, but I wonder about non metal.
big or small machines, start and let them run every week or so.
nearly all my machines get run anyway as I'm still working...even the mowers for leaf clearance..plus the grass is still limping along here as it's been so mild ! blower, hedge cutter and chainsaws all get a good work out...strimmers used less abviously but never had an issue with fuel in ;-)
Mark
One option is to use something like Aspen over the winter? Doesn't go off, so can be left in the machine for months.
I've not tried it, but fuel going off over time is the problem with laying up gear.
Honda, Lawnflite, stihl start straight away wether start or end of season.
Why do empty them everyday?? Too much time on your hands
Aspen is the way to go for engines not used very often,its in all my stuff that sits about, starts first time every time,yes it a bit dearer than petrol but can be left with no risk of going of,
3 months standing petrol will go off
That's good to know, Mark. I'll get some for things like the saw and BP blower that often sit for week after week unused.
While accepting the old wisdom re: fuel destabilisation, in my many years I/we have never drained or emptied any machine fuel tank of it's contents over the Winter. I was told emptying was likely to create greater mechanical issues (like dropped or stuck carb floats, air locks etc)
I understood the greatest 'likelihood' of a fuel problem would be due to evaporation of certain fractions within the fuel. If kept in a 'sealed' environment (especially if a non-metallic fuel tank) it would be highly unlikely to be affected, especially if we are talking of a few 'months' of storage. We have never (knowingly) had a problem come spring time or after extended non-use.....
I can remember it was de-rigor to use STP style treatment in cars (like A Series) many moons ago, but that recommendation seems to have been superseded (much to the annoyance of the suppliers ;-)
So, is it:;
1/ An old Wive's tale ?
2/ Has the change in petrol formulation removed/reduced issue ?
3/ Our method of storage changed (ie from metal fuel tanks with condensation) to plastic tanks?
4/ Where machine is stored (van, shed, dry Unit etc) ?
5/ A ruse to get us to buy expensive additives ?
6/ Still valid?
I've never heard of having to empty machines for storage over winter, I have always just put tools down and left them till i next need them and after the startup checks most fire straight away (maybe 3/4pulls) I build/play with track cars and some once bought are left of a good 12.18 months before they get properly played with and they always start up. I honestly think the fuel we have these days is a much better quality than it used to be.
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