Fall Home Improvement-Master Gardener Insert
Carole Massey-Master Gardener Volunteer
Lawnmowers (riding and push type), tillers (both large and small), chippers/shredders, chain saws, trimmers and edgers, all make gardening so much easier. They are our mainstay in during the busy season, however, proper storage during the winter is essential for next season’s gardening. Most large machines (lawnmowers, tillers and chipper/shredders) are four-cycle engines. This type of engine burns pure gasoline and uses oil in a separate chamber to lubricate moving parts. Disconnect the spark plug cable from the spark plug before servicing any engine. Drain oil according to the manufactures’ owners’ manual and take it to a service center that recycles oil. Do not dispose of oil or gasoline on the ground, please! Reuse the oil for cleaning tools in the sand and oil bucket. Fill the engine with fresh oil. Clean or replace the air filter. A dirty filter hinders performance by limiting air to the carburetor. You may need to replace the spark plug annually. Check each piece of equipment for clogged chutes and mufflers, cracked fuel lines, blades that need sharpening or replaced, frayed starting cords, electric cords as well as any extension cords. Clean and charge batteries on engines with electric starters and brush the engine free of dirt and debris. Lubricate all moving parts with a few drops of motor oil or spray lubricant and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Connect the spark plug and run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the fresh oil. This gives the engine a protective coating. Now is the time to either drain the fuel tank or to add a fuel stabilizer. Gasoline that is allowed to stand for more than eight weeks can go stale, resulting in clogged fuel lines and a carburetor coated with a gummy residue. Two cycle engines, such as string trimmers and chain saws, have no separate oil reservoir. Gasoline and special oil is mixed in specific proportions and added to the fuel tank. They do not require oil changes, but are harder to keep running smoothly, as oil mixed with gas can clog and corrode small engines. The tank should be drained for storage. Always refer to the owner’s manual for specific information on maintenance and servicing. Again, a dry, enclosed storage area is ideal for power equipment for winter storage. If you have anything that does need to go to the repair shop, now is the time.
Carole Massey, Class of 1998,
is the coordinator for the Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
in