Small Engines - Fall/Spring Pre-Storage Maintenance Tips

1. Use a siphon or turkey baster to remove most of the gas in the tank. Start and run the engine until it runs out of gas.
2. Clean the air filter (if applicable)
3. If an oil change is necessary drain the oil while still warm then refill with new oil.
4. Wrap the air filter or carburetor inlet with plastic bag and/or tin foil then lightly power wash and rinse all surfaces.
5. Wipe dry or use compressed air to dry and remove remaining dirt and debris from hard to reach areas.
6. Apply auto wax to non-engine painted surfaces.
7. Wipe or spray a product like ArmorAll on all plastic and engine surfaces.
8. Check for loose nuts and bolts. Use a lubricant like WD-40 or lithium grease on linkages, bare metal, and parts prone to rust.
9. Grease and make adjustments as suggested in owners manual (typically only snowblowers or large commerical mowers have parts that need to be adjusted or greased with a grease-gun).

By regularly cleaning and servicing your small engine equipment they should run better, last longer, and sell faster and for a higher price if you decide to do so in the future.

After 8 years of use my yard vacuum looks and runs like new because of annual cleaning and maintenance.