B & M LubricantsIndependent AMSOIL Dealer Shop the Store

Independent AMSOIL Dealer

End-of-season storage for trimmers and blowers

Handheld 2-stroke tools have small fuel systems that don’t like sitting with old fuel. A few minutes at the end of the season helps them start next spring.

AMSOIL Lookup Guide Shop the Store

String trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and edgers often use the same kind of small 2-stroke engine. Their carburetors have tiny passages, so stale fuel left in them over the winter is a frequent cause of hard starting. These are general steps. Follow your owner’s manual for the fuel mix, the storage procedure and anything specific to your tool.

End-of-season checklist

  1. Deal with the mixed fuel. Many manuals say to drain the tank and run the engine until it stops so the carburetor isn’t left full of fuel. Dispose of old fuel properly.
  2. Clean the air filter. Wash or replace it as the manual directs. A dirty filter makes an engine run rich and smoky.
  3. Check the spark plug and spark arrestor screen. A plugged arrestor screen can rob the engine of power.
  4. Clear the cooling fins and housing. Grass, leaves and dust trap heat and moisture.
  5. Inspect the fuel line, filter and primer bulb. Hardened or cracked lines and bulbs are common on older tools.
  6. String trimmers: clean the head, replace worn line, and grease the gearhead if your manual calls for it.
  7. Leaf blowers: clear the intake screen and check the tubes and clamps.
  8. Hedge trimmers: clean sap and debris off the blades and lubricate them as the manual directs.
  9. Store it dry on a shelf or hook, with the fuel cap tight, away from ignition sources and out of children’s reach.

Getting the mix right next season

Mix fresh fuel at the ratio your equipment manufacturer or oil label specifies, and only as much as you’ll use in a reasonable time. The 2-stroke mix calculator works out the oil for gallons or liters. Keep mixed fuel in an approved container labeled with the date and the ratio; the fuel storage guide has more on keeping gas fresh. Running a chainsaw too? See chainsaw care.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use last year’s mixed fuel?

It’s generally better not to. Fuel ages, and old mix is a common cause of hard starts in small 2-stroke engines. Follow your manual and the directions on your oil or fuel product label.

My trimmer won’t start after storage. What should I check first?

Start with your manual’s troubleshooting section and the basics: fresh fuel at the correct mix, a clean air filter, a good spark plug and a clear spark arrestor screen. A gummed-up carburetor may need service.

Is it OK to hang a trimmer or blower for storage?

Usually, if the manual allows it. Hanging keeps the tool off damp floors. Keep the fuel cap tight and store the tool where children can’t reach it.

AMSOIL products for handheld 2-stroke equipment

  • AMSOIL SABER Professional 100% Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil. AMSOIL says it is for “all handheld two-stroke equipment or other applications that specify JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD or API TC,” and that it “eliminates carbon deposits that lead to stuck piston rings, clogged exhaust ports and plugged spark arrestor screens for easier starting and maximum power.”
  • AMSOIL Quickshot Gasoline Treatment and Stabilizer. AMSOIL says it “cleans gummed/dirty injectors and carburetors” and is designed for all two- and four-stroke gasoline-powered engines, including edgers, mowers and chainsaws.

Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.

To see what AMSOIL lists for your tools, use AMSOIL’s official lookup guide.