Cutters Care Tips

Beware of the Ethanol Blues!

Ethanol is a bad thing when it comes to small engines. We do not use gas in our lawn equipment like we do in our cars. It sits for months and while it does the Ethanol creates a phenomenon causing it to pull moisture out of the air. That moisture then collects in the gas can sitting in our garage. Since water is heavier than gas it settles to the bottom. When the lawnmower is re-fueled it pours into the fuel tank and causes great heart ache, because the mower will now not start. Most carbureted small engines will not run correctly nor will the life expectancy of fuel system components be great. Typical symptoms are an engine that runs poorly and/or will often need the choke left on to stay running at all.

Because Ethanol fuel does not store as long, due to other additives, it will deteriorate faster and fuel life is greatly shortened. Our advice is to buy fuel that does not contain Ethanol, or buy only enough fuel you can use in a two week period (fuel left for more than two weeks will have the effects described).

Another way to extend fuel life is to use a fuel stabilizer. This can be purchased at Cutters Equipment and is very economical. Also, if you are not going to use your lawn equipment on a regular basis, it is always best to drain the fuel system.

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call or stop by.

Happy Mowing