Most small engine issues are fuel related.  Fuel related issues can be easily prevented by following these simple tips:

• Always use fresh fuel.

• Make sure the fuel you are pouring into your equipment is the correct fuel for that equipment.

• Exercise the equipment periodically (Once a month unless properly treated).

• Stick with 87-89 octane fuel for your small engine unless your engine requires higher octane (please refer to your owner's manual).

• Use a stabilizer when storing fuel for long periods of time.

Ready to store your snow blower or lawn mower for the season?  Follow these easy steps to have a trouble free start up the next time you pull the equipment out of the shed.  

1.   Start up the engine and warm it up.  After 5 minutes, turn off the engine and change the oil.

2.   Drain the fuel out of the fuel tank (I recommend using a siphon into another fuel jug).

3.   With oil back in the engine, start it up and let in run off all remaining fuel that is left in the system.  The engine will burn off all the fuel in the carburetor and stop.  

4.   Turn on the choke and try to start the engine again.  This makes sure to burn off all the old fuel.

5.   Fill 1/4 of the fuel tank with a non-ethanol gasoline (TruFuel, VP, etc).  

6.   Start engine and let it run for 2 minutes, then shut off.

7.   Your equipment is now ready for storage!