Using Proper Fuel and Stabilizer

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using stale, contaminated, or improper fuel can result in engine and fuel system damage. Repairs caused by stale, contaminated, or improper fuel are not covered by warranty.

Use regular grade unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 octane or higher. Fuel blends containing up to 10% ethanol or up to 15% MTBE reformulated fuel are acceptable. Do not use fuel or additives containing methanol as engine damage can occur.

Always use fresh, clean fuel that is purchased in a quantity that can be used within approximately 30 days. Fuel stabilizer should always be added to the fuel each time fuel is purchased. Add stabilizer before filling the fuel container to insure proper mixing. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Store fuel in plastic containers to reduce condensation. Make sure that the cap on the fuel container is tight to reduce fuel contamination and evaporation. For best fuel storage life, use a self-sealing gas can.

Fuel is blended to give best seasonal performance. To avoid engine performance problems such as hard starting or vapor lock, use in-season fuel. Use fuel during warm weather that was purchased during that season, and use fuel during cold weather that was purchased during that season.

Fuel can become stale in machines with engines that are used seasonally or infrequently during a season. Stale fuel can produce varnish and plug carburetor or EFI components which can affect engine performance.

Keep fuel storage container tightly covered and in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Fuel can break down and degrade if not sealed properly or exposed to sun and heat.

Condensation may collect in the fuel tank because of a variety of operating or environmental conditions and, over time, may affect your machine’s operation. Fill machine fuel tank at the end of the day.