Keep Your Honda Mower Running Smoothly: Essential Fuel Care Tips from Exit 18 Equipment

Your Honda lawn mower is a quality piece of engineering, designed for years of reliable service. A critical part of that design is its fuel system. However, modern gasoline can degrade surprisingly quickly, leading to stale fuel that causes starting issues, poor running performance, and sometimes even damage if you're not careful.
The good news? Here at Exit 18 Equipment, we know that most fuel-related problems are entirely preventable with a few straightforward steps. This advice applies to all Honda-powered lawn mowers.
Follow These Key Steps to Prevent Most Fuel-Related Problems:

​1. Mind the Ethanol: Stick to 10% or Less (E10)

• Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (like E15 or E85) is a no-go for your Honda mower. Higher ethanol blends are more corrosive and attract water. This combination can lead to starting problems, erratic running, or even damage to the fuel system components.
• Our Tip: Always check the pump label before you fill your can.

​2. Proper Fuel Storage is Crucial

• Container Choice: Use a clean, sealed plastic container specifically approved for fuel storage. Metal cans can rust, introducing contaminants.
• Keep it Fresh: Close the container's vent (if it has one) when not in use and store it out of direct sunlight. If you typically take more than 3 months to use up the fuel in your container, we strongly recommend adding a quality fuel stabilizer (like Honda's own) right when you fill it up.
• Why it Matters: Clean, approved plastic containers prevent rust and debris from getting into your fuel. Air and sunlight accelerate fuel deterioration.

3. Service Your Air Filter Regularly

• A clean air filter is your engine's first line of defense against dirt and debris. Check it before every use.
• In dusty Vermont conditions, you'll need to replace it more often. Dirt sucked into the carburetor can clog tiny passages, leading to hard starting or poor running, and can cause premature engine wear.
• Exit 18 Pro Tip: Always use a Honda Genuine air filter. It's designed to seal perfectly and perform as intended, protecting your engine. We keep them in stock!

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4. Post-Mowing Routine & Short-Term Breaks (Up to 3-4 Weeks)

• Fuel Valve OFF: When you’re done mowing, turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position. Leave it off until your next mow.
• Run it Dry (Carburetor): After turning the fuel valve off, restart the engine and let it run until it stops on its own (usually less than 3 minutes). This empties the carburetor.
• Fill the Tank: Top off the fuel tank with fresh, stabilized fuel.
• Why this helps: Fuel in the small carburetor bowl degrades much faster than fuel in the tank due to its small volume and proximity to engine heat. Shutting off the valve and running the carb dry prevents this stale fuel issue. A full tank minimizes air, which also slows fuel deterioration.

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5. Preparing for Longer Storage (More Than 30 Days)
Untreated gasoline left in your mower's fuel system for extended periods will deteriorate, almost guaranteeing starting or running problems and potentially damaging fuel system parts.

• For Storage: 30 to 90 Days
  • Add Stabilizer: Add a quality fuel stabilizer (following the product's instructions) to FRESH gasoline in the fuel tank. If the tank is only partially full, the air inside will still promote fuel breakdown, so fill it up.
    • Important Note: Stabilizers have a shelf life and won't "fix" already stale fuel.
  • Circulate: Run the engine outdoors for about 10 minutes. This ensures the treated fuel circulates through the entire fuel system, replacing any untreated fuel. (If you always add stabilizer to your main fuel storage can when you fill it, you can likely skip this specific step.)
  • Engine Off, Fuel Valve OFF: Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve to the "OFF" position.
  • Run Carb Dry: Restart the engine and let it run until it quits (again, usually under 3 minutes).

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• For Storage: More Than 90 Days (Long-Term / Seasonal)
  The best practice here is to completely empty the fuel system.
  • Run the engine until it has used all the gasoline from both the fuel tank and the carburetor. Don't leave gasoline in your mower for this length of inactivity.

What About Leftover Fuel in Your Storage Can?
If you have a small amount of treated fuel left in your storage can at the end of the season, the EPA suggests you can add it to your car's gas tank, provided your car's tank is mostly full and the fuel type is appropriate for your vehicle. (You can find more info on the EPA's website regarding winterizing small engines.)

Need Supplies or Have Questions?
Always refer to your Honda lawn mower's Owner’s Manual for detailed information specific to your model. If you can't find yours, you can usually download it from Honda's website.
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Here at Exit 18 Equipment, we stock Honda Genuine Fuel Stabilizer and other essential maintenance items. If you're unsure about any of these steps or run into trouble, don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by the shop. We're here to help keep your Honda running like new!