Lawn Mower Gas: Is Your Fuel Fresh?
Gas problems are some of the most common problems with lawn mowers and lawn mower engines.
Is the fuel tank empty?
Snapper mowers need fuel to run! Fill the gas tank with unleaded gasoline; if the engine is still hot, wait at least 2 minutes until it has cooled before filling the tank.
Is the fuel fresh?
Does your lawn mower start and then quickly stall out? Fuel begins deteriorating the moment you gas up your mower engine. If the fuel is over 30 days old and untreated, siphon out, and replace with fresh gas that you have treated with a fuel preserver (also called fuel stabilizer.)
This Old House suggests only keeping a 1 or 2 gallon container of fuel around to discourage keeping old fuel around your garage or tool shed.
Once you’ve completed your lawn mower gas inspection, be sure to check the oil in your lawn mower to ensure that it is filled to the dipstick’s “full” line before starting your mower.