The roar of a lawnmower, the sweet scent of freshly cut grass – it’s the quintessential sound and smell of summer. But before you can enjoy that summery bliss, you need to fuel your trusty Craftsman mower. But what kind of fuel does it need? This article will guide you through the world of lawnmower fuel, exploring the types of gas used in Craftsman mowers, the importance of proper fuel selection, and how to ensure your mower runs smoothly and efficiently.
The simple answer is that Craftsman lawn mowers, like most modern gas-powered mowers, use regular unleaded gasoline. However, there are a few nuances and considerations that you should be aware of, as the wrong fuel can lead to engine problems and costly repairs.
Understanding Gasoline: The Fuel of Choice for Craftsman Mowers
Gasoline, a refined petroleum product, is the primary fuel source for most lawnmowers, including Craftsman models. The specific type of gasoline used in Craftsman mowers is regular unleaded gasoline, also known as 87 octane.
Why Unleaded?
Unleaded gasoline is preferred for lawnmowers because it is cleaner burning and less harmful to the engine. Lead additives, common in older gasoline formulations, can damage the internal components of a lawnmower engine, causing wear and tear. Modern lawnmower engines are designed to run on unleaded gasoline, and using leaded gasoline can void your warranty and damage your engine.
Octane Rating: What Does It Mean?
Octane rating is a measure of a gasoline’s resistance to knocking or pinging – a premature detonation that can damage the engine. Higher octane gasoline is more resistant to knocking, but it’s not necessarily better for your lawnmower.
Craftsman mowers are generally designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which typically has an octane rating of 87. Using higher-octane gasoline, like premium (91 or 93 octane), won’t harm your lawnmower but won’t provide any noticeable benefits either.
Fuel Additives: Enhancing Performance and Storage
While regular unleaded gasoline is the foundation for your Craftsman mower’s fuel, fuel additives can enhance performance and extend the life of your mower. Here are some common additives:
1. Stabilizers: Preventing Fuel Degradation
Gasoline is a volatile substance that deteriorates over time, forming gums and varnishes that can clog fuel lines and injectors. Gasoline stabilizers help to prevent this degradation, extending the shelf life of your fuel. This is especially important if you store your mower for extended periods.
2. Fuel System Cleaners: Maintaining Engine Performance
Fuel system cleaners help to dissolve and remove deposits from your mower’s fuel system, ensuring optimal fuel flow and combustion. Regular use of a fuel system cleaner can help to prevent engine problems and maintain peak performance.
Fuel Storage: Ensuring Freshness and Efficiency
Storing gasoline correctly is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your Craftsman mower.
1. Airtight Containers: Preventing Evaporation and Contamination
Store gasoline in airtight containers designed specifically for fuel storage. These containers will minimize evaporation and protect the fuel from contamination.
2. Proper Storage Location: Safety First
Store gasoline in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, away from heat sources and open flames. This will help to prevent the fuel from degrading and causing potential safety hazards.
3. Avoid Extended Storage: Fresh Fuel for Best Performance
It’s always best to use fresh gasoline. If you need to store gasoline for longer periods, use a stabilizer as mentioned earlier. However, it’s generally recommended to use up old gasoline within a few months.
Conclusion: Fueling Your Craftsman Mower for Success
Choosing the right type of gasoline and handling it responsibly is crucial for the smooth operation of your Craftsman lawnmower. Using regular unleaded gasoline, employing fuel additives, and storing fuel properly will keep your mower running efficiently and prevent costly repairs.
FAQ
1. What type of gasoline should I use in my 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 check the owner’s manual for your specific model to confirm this.
Using lower-octane gas may cause your mower to run poorly, while using higher-octane gas is unlikely to provide any benefits. Be sure to use fresh gasoline, as old gas can gum up your mower’s carburetor and cause problems.
2. Can I use E10 gasoline in my Craftsman lawn mower?
E10 gasoline, which contains up to 10% ethanol, is generally acceptable for use in most Craftsman lawn mowers. However, it is important to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Some older Craftsman mowers may not be compatible with E10, as the ethanol can damage fuel lines and other components. If you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and use regular unleaded gasoline.
3. Can I use gasoline with additives in my Craftsman lawn mower?
While some gasoline additives claim to improve engine performance, it is generally not recommended to use them in your Craftsman lawn mower. These additives can often do more harm than good, clogging fuel lines and damaging engine components.
Stick to using regular unleaded gasoline without additives, as it is the best option for maintaining your lawn mower’s performance and longevity.
4. Should I use a gas stabilizer in my Craftsman lawn mower?
While not strictly necessary, using a gas stabilizer can help to prevent fuel from going bad in your Craftsman lawn mower. This is particularly important if you are storing your mower for extended periods.
Gas stabilizers help to prevent the formation of gum and varnish in the fuel system, which can cause engine problems. Be sure to follow the instructions on the stabilizer bottle carefully for optimal results.
5. How much gasoline should I put in my Craftsman lawn mower?
The amount of gasoline you should put in your Craftsman lawn mower depends on the size of the fuel tank. Most lawn mowers have tanks that hold between 1 and 2 gallons of gasoline.
It’s best to fill the tank only up to the “full” line to avoid overfilling. Overfilling can cause gasoline to spill, which can be hazardous.
6. Where should I store the gasoline for my Craftsman lawn mower?
Always store gasoline in a designated storage container, away from heat sources and open flames.
It is also important to store gasoline in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors.
7. What should I do if I accidentally put the wrong type of gasoline in my Craftsman lawn mower?
If you accidentally put the wrong type of gasoline in your Craftsman lawn mower, do not start the engine.
Instead, immediately drain the fuel tank and refill it with the correct type of gasoline. If you have already started the engine, continue to run it until the fuel tank is empty, then refill with the correct gasoline.