Fog small engines and rarely used generator?

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I was wondering if it's worth fogging a lawn mower at the end of the season? Blower? Trimmer? What about my generator that I never use... If the equipment isn't going to be used anymore new oil is changed out and fuel drained and ran until dead.
 
My honda manual says you can put oil in the cylinder before storage, that's all I intend to do (and emptying the carb, of course)
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If you have easy access to the cylinders, it can be a cheap insurance.
 
Have always used Merc or E'Rude marine fogger in my standby gens. I don't like the wands - comes out like a stream instead of fog - and I only want "fog" or mist. Bring a couple paper towels, but I prolly get 75% or more in the hole ...
 
I've done both fogging and left if as is. I make sure I've used all the gas until it dies.

I've never had an issue with my lawnmower, trimmer or snowblower.
 
I fog all the yard equipment , on Gen Sets I run mine at least 1X a month as I never know when I will need them in my role in Emergrncy management in my community
 
I always give my small machines a quick spray of fogging oil and I will usually pull the cord gently once to get everything moved around. As mentioned, I have also used an eye dropper with oil when I had an older backpack blower that recommended that.
 
Originally Posted By: NattyBoh
Thanks. What weight oil do you use?


I used to use whatever I had lying around. Usually 5w30 of straight 30. it was only 3-4 drops so it wasn't going to make a huge difference in terms of the weight I felt.
 
I've done it in the past...

Now for storage I just add a dose of marine Stabil, run the engine and change the oil. I would be inclined if the engine had a cast iron bore.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
Put the cylinder at top dead center, valves closed.
+1 best tip and few do this I do this everytime I run and put away the equipment just becomes habit.
 
Ran an experiment over the last two summers with my 2-cycle trimmer. It's always run on TrueFuel.

Fall 2014 I warmed it up, shut it off, drained the tank, and ran it until it stalled. Removed the spark plug, dripped some after-run oil in the cylinder, replaced the spark plug and forgot about it til Spring.

Cranked it up Spring 2015, cranked right up, but smoked for about 20 minutes before clearing up, and ran fine all summer.

Fall 2015, I used it for the last time, did nothing special, and forgot about it until Spring.

Spring 2016, started right up, ran great, and no smoke. Has been running great all this summer.


I really think good fuel is the key, versus doing anything else.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: WylieCoyote
Ran an experiment over the last two summers with my 2-cycle trimmer. It's always run on TrueFuel.

Fall 2014 I warmed it up, shut it off, drained the tank, and ran it until it stalled. Removed the spark plug, dripped some after-run oil in the cylinder, replaced the spark plug and forgot about it til Spring.

Cranked it up Spring 2015, cranked right up, but smoked for about 20 minutes before clearing up, and ran fine all summer.

Fall 2015, I used it for the last time, did nothing special, and forgot about it until Spring.

Spring 2016, started right up, ran great, and no smoke. Has been running great all this summer.


I really think good fuel is the key, versus doing anything else.


Trufuel is some good stuff. Pricey though. My wife's family has a lakehouse and I converted them over to it for their string trimmer and leaf blowers. They don't get much use but when they do they usually get beaten to $hit. Been a few years now since the switch and everything runs just the way they should without any draining or anything. I probably wouldn't use it if I had a large property or use it a lot. That situation I would run maybe a tank or two before the season ends.
 
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