Extend the life of your lawnmower by winterizing the engine. Adding fuel stabilizer and a few ounces of oil will help the engine start right up without hesitation in the spring.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:October 2001
Add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline, run the engine for five minutes and then remove the spark plug and pour two capfuls of engine oil into the spark plug hole. Pull the cord a couple of times to turn the motor over and disperse the oil throughout the engine.
Oil and fuel stabilzer in the fall helps keep the spark plug clean and corrosion-free.
With a little post-season preparation, you can ensure that your mower will start like an Olympic sprinter when you roll it out in spring. Fill the fuel tank and add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline to prevent fuel deterioration and the formation of gum, varnish and rust in the fuel system. Run the mower to circulate the additive throughout the fuel system. Lubricate the rest of the engine as shown in the photo. Thoroughly clean the outside and bottom of the mower, and disconnect the spark plug wire and the negative cable from the battery (if you have one). Lubricate all moving parts and spray rust inhibitor on the blade and surrounding unpainted metal parts. When spring rolls around, simply replace the spark plug wire and battery cable, and your mower will run like a champ.
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
You'll also need a funnel
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.
