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Why Stale Fuel is Bad News for Your Petrol Lawnmower

Ah, the joys of a fresh spring day—perfect for getting your Mountfield petrol lawnmower out of storage and giving your lawn some love. But wait… it won’t start. Frustrating, right? If your trusty mower ran perfectly last summer, the culprit is probably stale fuel left in the tank over winter.

Here’s why old petrol is a problem and what you can do about it.

 

Why Stale Fuel Causes Trouble

Petrol doesn’t age gracefully.

After just 30 days, it starts breaking down, losing its combustive properties, and forming varnish-like deposits.

When fuel sits in your mower over winter, it can clog up the carburettor and fuel lines, preventing your engine from firing up.

So even though your lawnmower was a star performer last season, old petrol will leave it spluttering—or not running at all!

 

What to Do If Your Mower Won’t Start

Drain the tank:

Safely remove any old fuel from the tank and dispose of it responsibly at your local recycling facility.

Clean the carburettor:

If stale fuel has left a sticky residue, the carburettor may need cleaning.

Use fresh petrol:

Fill the tank with high-quality, fresh unleaded fuel.

Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to help petrol last longer during periods of non-use.

Prime and pull:

Prime the engine and give it a few pulls—it should come back to life!

 

Preventing Fuel Problems Next Winter

  • Run the mower until it’s completely out of fuel before storing it for the winter.
  • Alternatively, add a fuel stabilizer to fresh petrol and run the mower briefly to circulate it through the system before storage.

 

Need Help? Call Mountfield!

If you’re stuck or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly Mountfield team on 0800 669 6325.

They’re happy to help you get your mower up and running.

 

Get Ready to Mow

With fresh fuel and a little care, your petrol mower will be roaring back into action, ready to help you achieve a picture-perfect lawn.

Happy Mowing!

 

 

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