Keeping your small engines safe through the winter

SALT LAKE CITY – When that first crisp chill hits the air, it’s time to dig out the sweaters — and also time to think about winterizing your small-engine equipment. Tools like lawnmowers, tillers, and trimmers can suffer serious damage if fuel is left sitting in them for months during the off-season.

Why fuel causes problems

Gasoline doesn’t age well. When fuel is left in a tank or carburetor for long periods, it starts to evaporate and break down, leaving behind a sticky, varnish-like residue. This buildup can clog small openings in the carburetor and restrict fuel flow, making it difficult — or impossible — for your engine to start in the spring.

Empty or stabilize?

So, what’s the best way to protect your carburetor? Many manufacturers recommend removing as much fuel as possible and then running the engine until it sputters to a stop. This ensures that the carburetor and fuel lines are empty.

Others suggest using a fuel stabilizer, a chemical additive that prolongs the life of gasoline and prevents it from degrading. Experienced mechanics, like KSL Drive’s Milton Updegraff, say you can do both — add stabilizer and then run the engine dry. That way, any residual fuel left behind in the carburetor won’t deteriorate.

Choose the right fuel

When filling up small engines, most experts recommend avoiding ethanol-blended fuels. Ethanol attracts moisture, which can corrode metal parts and gum up carburetors. Instead, choose ethanol-free gasoline or “clear” fuel. It’s not only better for long-term engine health, but small engines also tend to run more smoothly on the higher octane found in pure gasoline.

Oil and ongoing maintenance

Don’t forget your oil. Regular oil changes are one of the simplest ways to extend engine life. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil once a year or every 100 hours of use — whichever comes first. If the oil still looks clean, you may be fine stretching it a bit, but fresh oil is cheap insurance against wear and tear.

Don’t worry if you’re just starting

If winterizing your engines isn’t yet a habit, don’t worry, it’s not too late to start. Engines are resilient, and beginning now will still make a big difference in their longevity and performance.

Bottom line

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to winterizing small engines, but these basic steps — managing your fuel, using clean oil, and following manufacturer guidelines — will keep your machines running reliably for years to come.

Related: Know your fertilizer!