How to store auger for summer?

[mrab54]

Anybody have any tips on how to store an auger over the summer? I would guess drain the gas but is there anything else that needs to be done?

[hydro]

Put some stabilizer in the gas and run the auger until you can smell the stabilizer burning through. Drain the tank and run it again until the carb runs dry, then toss it in the back of the garage til next winter. That should keep the carb from plugging with old fuel.

[frigid_holes]

Some people might have a different opinion on this, but I have had troubles the last 2 years that I have drained the gas. The 5 or 6 years before that my auger would fire up in 2-4 pulls, even with old gas. My theory is that the seals in the carb dry out, but I don't know that for sure. This year I will be using some sort of gas treatment, and fog the motor.

[bikeoutback]

I have a question on seafoam then: It states that it stabilizes fuel if add 2oz to a gallon of gas. I'm already putting seafoam in my mixed gas that I run with my auger therefore can't I just put the auger away as is now with the gas in the tank? I've drained it and stored it dry the past two seasons and heard that's a bad idea.

I've also thought about firing it up once a month for 5-10 minutes or so, good idea or bad idea? My thought is just set a calendar reminder - re-charge vexilar battery, run auger, give dog heart guard medication, clean K&N air filter on truck.... we should just get the 1st of every month off work, I have too much to do

[hydro]

If you're already putting stabilizer in the gas it should be OK over the summer. I always run the gas out and have found that to work for me. I guess it depends on your comfort level with the stabilizer. As for drying out seals, I don't know if it matters much either way. There really aren't any seals in a simple carb to dry out other than the diaphragm. Even if the carb is run "dry" I bet there is still gas trapped in there. I like the fogging idea too, it's worth the time to do that.

Personally, I have never had the time to start up every off season motor that I have sitting around just to keep things fresh, and I've never had issues from that.

[Eelpout08]

Either drain the gas or fill it full with gas and sea foam-a half empty tank will condensate and you will have gas in your water next fall. i would take the time to fog the motor also, if condensation get in the crankcase and cylinder(it will) it can start to rust bearings and other steel components. not that its a close tolerance motor but why not keep things like new for as long as possible.

[KG243]

I like to put grease on the blades so they dont rust and loose sharpness.

[Big Dave2]

I fog mine.

[MJ1657]

The most important thing is to have gas in it without ethanol. Ethanol is the number one cause of fuel system problems.

If you don't know where to get non-oxygenated fuel go to the Minnesota Street Rod Associtaion HSOforum. Look under the features section and there is a list of stations that sell it.

[eurolarva]

Might want to reconsider running motor dry. Two strokes require the oil in the gas to keep them lubricated. Running a two stroke till it runs of of gas will create a lean condition which will cause high rpms without any lubrication. If you run the motor till the gas is gone you will want to use fogging oil while the motor is running.

[MJ1657]

If you do run it dry make sure it is idling while you do it.

Usually the only time you have problems with running to lean on a 2 stroke and getting a seizure is when you are wide open throttle.

A little extra oil in the gas wouldn't hurt anything either if you're going to run it dry.

[Hagaandaz]

Most 2 stroke oil has stabilizer it it as well.

[Swimbait2009]

Can someone explain the "fogging" process and where to get the stuff needed for it?

[MJ1657]

It comes in an aerosol can. You can get it at any place that handles two stroke machines. Snowmobile dealers use it all the time.

Take the air cleaner off. Run the engine and spray fogging oil in the air intake. Its as simple as that.

[Swimbait2009]

Simple enough! Thanks!

[hamms-scooter]

I never have drained my auger gas. I go out and run it once in a while throughout the off season. Never been an issue yet..

[jigginjim]

Stable, extra (double your oil) run until she smokes a little more. the heavy oil will save your seals. keep tank full. next fall drain out gas add fresh. your should be ready.

[Jim Almquist]

I never have drained my auger gas. I go out and run it once in a while throughout the off season. Never been an issue yet..

+1

I use only non-oxy in all of my small motors !

[Chnginthhofl]

Originally Posted By: hamms-scooter

I never have drained my auger gas. I go out and run it once in a while throughout the off season. Never been an issue yet..

+1

+2

[Up North]

Most oils (check container) contain a stabilizer in them, so when using mixed gas you should be in good shape. I own a small lawn maint. company and all our trimmers, blowers, hedge clippers, chainsaws, etc., get the same treatment. I use a synthetic one ratio oil for all my mixed gas, every handheld small engine we have gets the same mix ratio. I've had less problems since switching over to this method, no more clogged spark arrestors, easier starting, don't run as hot, and nothing special to do during the offseason when equipment sits.

Amsoil makes a good product, Opti is good, the one I use is made by Oregon (the company that makes chainsaw bars & chains) and called "Only One". Comes in pillow packs, quart bottles, and gallons I believe. I choose the pillow packets as I throw them in the trucks and have them whenever I need to mix up a new batch of fuel.

Buck

[wildmanp]

north pole

[SlavetodaBox]

This is what the tech at strikemaster also said to do? For what it's worth.

[Riich]

I have a 20+ year old snowblower that I have drained the gas from every spring and then ran it until it died. It literally starts on the first or second pull every winter. So I am doing the same thing with my auger. Condensation will not form over the summer months.

For lawn mowers, boats and other items that sit all winter, I fill them full to eliminate the chance of condensation forming.

I've had zero issues, so I'm continuing my tradition.

[Northlander]

I have always filled the tank with premium gas and I run Amsoil Sabre in it and then I use Stabil. I run the auger once or twice a month in the summer for about 20 minutes and never had a issue with any make of auger doing this.

[MJ1657]

I also spray the whole auger down with WD-40. Helps stop any corrosion and any aluminum parts from getting that oxidized look.