Winterizing a Small Engine
#1
Winterizing a Small Engine

#2
Hello Rick!, and welcome to DIY!
What brand and HP is the engine? We'll help you get it going, but need some details to give accurate advice.
What brand and HP is the engine? We'll help you get it going, but need some details to give accurate advice.
#3
Join Date: Feb 1998
Location: The Shake and Bake State USA
Posts: 9,927
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6 Posts
Hello Rick. Welcome to our Small Engine forum.
Winterizing an engine, meaning a short term storage when the engine will not be started, may be accomplished by:
Changing the oil. {Oil filter if equipped.}
Adding some fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
Change the fuel filter, if equipped.
Although it is not recommended to allow the engine to set for months at a time and then expect it to start right up afterwards, it may and most likely will not.
My best suggestion would be to add fuel stabilizer to the fuel and run the engine for 15 minutes. Than change the oil etc, replace the air filter and lubricate all parts on the machine in need of such.
Run the engine monthly for at least 15 to 20 minutes. In doing so fuel is allowed to flow through the carb helping to prevent gums & vanishes, etc.
Running the engine helps to prevent moisture forming in the oil and lubes the internal parts. Running the engine for 15 to 20 minutes will evaporate any moisture in the crankcase, etc.
Do not cover the machine with any type of non breathable covering material such as plastic. Doing so traps in moisture which promotes rusting.
Either cover it with canvas, a canvas like breathable material or leave it uncovered in a location out of the elements.
Most likely I have not covered all of the aspects of proper extended periods of engine storage. The other resident small engine service and repair professionals may offer additional suggestions & advice.
Check back on your topic several times over the next several days for additional replies.
Regards and Good Luck, Small Engine Forum Host & Moderator,
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Fast...Fair...Friendly & Highly Efficient Services....
"Accurate Power Equipment Company."
Small Engine Repairs and Diagnostics Service Technician.
Winterizing an engine, meaning a short term storage when the engine will not be started, may be accomplished by:
Changing the oil. {Oil filter if equipped.}
Adding some fuel stabilizer to the fuel.
Change the fuel filter, if equipped.
Although it is not recommended to allow the engine to set for months at a time and then expect it to start right up afterwards, it may and most likely will not.
My best suggestion would be to add fuel stabilizer to the fuel and run the engine for 15 minutes. Than change the oil etc, replace the air filter and lubricate all parts on the machine in need of such.
Run the engine monthly for at least 15 to 20 minutes. In doing so fuel is allowed to flow through the carb helping to prevent gums & vanishes, etc.
Running the engine helps to prevent moisture forming in the oil and lubes the internal parts. Running the engine for 15 to 20 minutes will evaporate any moisture in the crankcase, etc.
Do not cover the machine with any type of non breathable covering material such as plastic. Doing so traps in moisture which promotes rusting.
Either cover it with canvas, a canvas like breathable material or leave it uncovered in a location out of the elements.
Most likely I have not covered all of the aspects of proper extended periods of engine storage. The other resident small engine service and repair professionals may offer additional suggestions & advice.
Check back on your topic several times over the next several days for additional replies.
Regards and Good Luck, Small Engine Forum Host & Moderator,
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Fast...Fair...Friendly & Highly Efficient Services....

"Accurate Power Equipment Company."
Small Engine Repairs and Diagnostics Service Technician.
#5
Did you drain the fuel? Add new fuel?
Sounds like you'd have a fair amount of varnish in the carb, and possibly deposits that have have clogged an orifice. I'd drain and dispose of any remaining fuel and clean the fuel system thoroughly. This would involve detaching the fuel tank and lines, and also cleaning the carburetor. Also check for spark.
If you have more questions, post the engine brand and model.
Sounds like you'd have a fair amount of varnish in the carb, and possibly deposits that have have clogged an orifice. I'd drain and dispose of any remaining fuel and clean the fuel system thoroughly. This would involve detaching the fuel tank and lines, and also cleaning the carburetor. Also check for spark.
If you have more questions, post the engine brand and model.