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Taking Care of your Fuel Systems

It’s no secret that the small engine operating environment with its dirty air, heat and poor or contaminated fuel can raise havoc with fuel systems. Resulting from the Clean Air Act necessitating greater small engine efficiency, today’s carburetors incorporate smaller jets and passages making them more susceptible to fuel delivery problems or clogging. Fuel injection systems are even more vulnerable.

There are however, a few ways you can protect your fuel system and keep your engine running the way it was designed to.

First, always use a fuel filter with a micron rating recommended by the manufacturer of your particular engine and application. Regularly check the fuel lines for kinks or cracks. Old rubber hose may flake off inside contaminating your fuel without you even realizing it.

Second, take care of your fuel. Add stabilizer to FRESH FUEL. It won’t help older fuel because when untreated it has a shelf life of only about 30 days. If it’s older than that, your engine is already running on borrowed time — if it’s running at all. There are a few factors that can affect how long you can store your fuel. Temperature certainly plays a role and I believe gas/oil mixtures will deteriorate faster than gas alone. In any case, you should always store your fuel in an approved container – preferably a clear plastic can so you can see any contaminants. Also, plastic containers are better because they won’t rust and they tend to reduce condensation – another enemy of your fuel.

Your fuel system is always susceptible to problems caused by bad fuel or other contaminants, but by following these few simple suggestions, you can greatly improve the dependability of your equipment and help to ensure a more pleasurable and productive experience.