Power Equipment and the Proper Fuel

 

A lot of problems stem from the fuel used in power equipment. In an effort to help you save money and be more satisfied with your equipment we wish to bring some things to your attention.

    The gas you purchase at the pump has a shelf life of thirty (30) days. The law dictates that it has to be oxygenated and these additives evaporate and leave gum and varnish coating the internal parts of the carburetors, which also blocks critical passages and orifices.
 Once all the aromatic parts are evaporated the liquid that is left will not atomize . The most common complaint from this issue is, “It won’t start.”  Often we need to replace the carburetor to repair this problem, because of the gum and varnish build up within the carburetor.

    What can I do to prevent this?
When a piece of machinery is out of service for thirty days or longer.
 1. Drain the tank and carburetor,  this will solve the problem but it must be completely drained. Not just the fuel tank, but the lines and carburetor. Running the engine until it stops does not empty the carburetor there is a small amount of gas left in it that will do plenty of damage.
 2. Use a fuel stabilizer. This chemically treats the fuel and treats it so it remains fresh. Don’t just pour some in the tank and think the job is done. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes so the stabilizer gets into the carburetor. Or it will do no good.
  3. Be sure the can you use to transport fuel in is clean and water free. There has been issues where a can has had old gas in it and has been poured into a tank and has caused many issues.
Water in the fuel causes the tank to rust these particles flake off and plug passages in the carburetor. Water will also cause corrosion to start within the carburetor this cannot be stopped and calls for carburetor replacement.
  4. Buy Clean Fuel-- Keep It Clean    

A Note  To Pressure Washer Owners    
We highly recommend using a treatment chemical in your washers pump.
Products such as Pump Saver R have proven to save a lot of problems with these pumps. They keep the seals lubricated, help prevent deposits with in the pump, and keep the pump from freezing during winter storage. We recommend these be used if the washer will not be used for a day or more.