The warm weather has finally arrived, and it’s time to get your lawn looking its best. But before you fire up your trusty Craftsman lawn mower, you might be wondering: what kind of gas should you use? With so many options available, it can be confusing to know which fuel will provide the best performance and longevity for your mower. This article will delve into the world of gasoline for lawn mowers, breaking down the different types, their pros and cons, and ultimately help you choose the right fuel for your Craftsman.
Short Answer: The best gas for your Craftsman lawn mower is regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Avoid using fuel with ethanol additives, as it can cause problems with your mower’s engine.
Understanding Gasoline for Lawnmowers
Gasoline, the fuel that powers most lawn mowers, is a blend of hydrocarbons. The octane rating of gasoline, which you’ll see listed on the pump, measures the fuel’s resistance to knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane ratings indicate better resistance to knocking, which can occur in high-performance engines operating under stress.
While it’s tempting to assume that using higher octane gasoline will always improve your mower’s performance, that’s not always the case. In fact, using gasoline with an octane rating higher than what your mower’s engine is designed for won’t provide any additional benefits and could even be detrimental.
The Right Octane for Your Craftsman Lawn Mower
Most Craftsman lawn mowers are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or on a sticker attached to your mower.
Why Avoid Ethanol?
Ethanol, a biofuel derived from corn, is often added to gasoline to reduce emissions and make it more environmentally friendly. However, ethanol can cause problems with your Craftsman lawn mower, including:
- Fuel Line Degradation: Ethanol can degrade fuel lines and other rubber parts in your mower’s engine.
- Phase Separation: Ethanol can attract moisture, which can lead to phase separation, meaning the gasoline and water separate, clogging fuel filters and causing engine problems.
- Engine Performance Issues: Ethanol can also cause engine performance issues, such as starting problems, rough idling, and reduced power.
The Importance of Fresh Gasoline
Even if you use the right type of gasoline, it’s crucial to use fresh fuel for your Craftsman lawn mower. Gasoline deteriorates over time, especially if it’s exposed to air or moisture. The breakdown of gasoline can lead to engine problems, such as gumming and varnish buildup, which can impede fuel flow and cause performance issues.
General Recommendation: It’s best to use gasoline that’s less than 30 days old.
Tips for Storing Gasoline for Your Craftsman Lawn Mower
If you have a lot of gasoline left over at the end of the mowing season, it’s essential to store it properly. Here are a few tips:
1. Store Gasoline in a Clean, Airtight Container:
* Avoid using old metal gas cans as they can rust and contaminate the gasoline.
* Choose a container made of high-quality plastic or metal and ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture and air from entering.
2. Add a Fuel Stabilizer:
* Fuel stabilizers help prevent gasoline from breaking down and extend its shelf life.
* Add a stabilizer to the gasoline before storing it.
3. Store Gasoline in a Cool, Dry Place:
* Avoid storing gasoline in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures, as this can accelerate deterioration.
Choosing the Right Gas for Your Craftsman Lawn Mower: A Summary
Now that you understand the basics of gasoline for lawn mowers, here’s a recap to help you make the right choice for your Craftsman:
- Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
- Avoid gasoline with ethanol additives.
- Use fresh gasoline that’s less than 30 days old.
- Store gasoline properly if you have any leftover.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Craftsman lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Enjoy your freshly cut lawn!
FAQs
Here are 7 FAQs with answers about the best gas for your Craftsman lawnmower:
1. What kind of gas should I use in my Craftsman lawn mower?
The best gas for your Craftsman lawn mower is regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. It’s the most readily available and cost-effective option for most gasoline-powered lawn mowers. While higher octane gas may be more expensive, it’s not necessary for standard lawn mower engines. Using higher octane gasoline won’t harm your lawnmower, but it won’t provide any additional benefits either.
Remember to always use fresh gasoline. Old gas can gum up your engine and cause performance issues. It’s recommended to use gas that’s less than 30 days old for optimal performance.
2. Can I use ethanol-blended gasoline in my Craftsman lawnmower?
Yes, you can use ethanol-blended gasoline in your Craftsman lawn mower. However, it’s best to use gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol (E10). Higher ethanol blends (E15 or E85) can damage certain components in your lawnmower, including the fuel lines, carburetor, and seals.
If you’re unsure about the ethanol content of your gasoline, check the label or ask the gas station attendant. Using E10 gasoline is generally safe for most lawn mowers, but it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
3. Does it matter what season it is when choosing gasoline for my lawn mower?
While it’s not strictly a seasonal concern, it’s important to consider the impact of cold weather on gasoline. In colder temperatures, gasoline can evaporate more quickly, leading to fuel line issues and difficulty starting your lawnmower. To prevent these problems, use fresh gasoline in the fall and winter, and consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
Fuel stabilizers help to prevent the formation of varnish and gum in your fuel system, which can occur over time. They are particularly helpful in prolonging the life of stored gasoline during the off-season.
4. Should I use premium gasoline for my Craftsman lawnmower?
Using premium gasoline in your Craftsman lawnmower is not necessary and will likely not provide any noticeable benefits. Most modern lawnmower engines are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline. Premium gasoline is typically higher in octane, which is designed to prevent knocking or pinging in high-performance engines.
However, lawnmower engines don’t operate at the high compression ratios of performance vehicles, so they won’t benefit from the added octane. While using premium gasoline won’t hurt your lawnmower, it’s an unnecessary expense.
5. How do I know if I’m using the right type of gas for my Craftsman lawnmower?
The easiest way to ensure you’re using the right type of gas for your Craftsman lawnmower is to check your owner’s manual. The manual will provide specific instructions on the recommended fuel type and octane rating for your specific model.
If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can also find this information online by searching for your model number. In most cases, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 will be the best choice.
6. What happens if I use the wrong type of gas in my Craftsman lawnmower?
Using the wrong type of gas in your Craftsman lawnmower can lead to several problems, including reduced engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and even engine damage.
For example, using gasoline with a higher ethanol content than your lawnmower is designed for can damage the fuel lines, carburetor, and seals. Using gasoline with a lower octane rating than recommended can lead to knocking or pinging, which can damage the engine over time.
7. How can I store my Craftsman lawnmower over the winter?
When storing your Craftsman lawnmower over the winter, it’s important to empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it runs out of fuel. This will prevent the fuel from degrading and gumming up the fuel system. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before running it dry.
Once the fuel tank is empty, disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Finally, store the lawnmower in a dry, well-ventilated location. You can also use a cover to protect it from dust and dirt.