You’re ready to mow the lawn, but before you fire up your Briggs & Stratton engine, you might be wondering: what kind of gas should I use? With so many gas blends and additives on the market, it’s easy to get confused. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the best gas for your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower, from the basics of fuel types to the pros and cons of different options. We’ll also explore how to store your gas properly and troubleshoot any fuel-related issues.
In short, the best gas for your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. However, there are some additional factors to consider, such as the age of your mower, the climate you live in, and the type of fuel additives you use. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Gasoline Basics
Octane Rating Explained
The octane rating of gasoline is a measure of its resistance to knocking or pinging, which occurs when the fuel ignites prematurely in the engine. Higher octane ratings generally offer better resistance to knocking, particularly under high compression and high load conditions. For most Briggs & Stratton lawn mowers, an octane rating of 87 is sufficient, but you can use higher octane gas if you prefer, as it won’t hurt your engine.
Fuel Additives: Friend or Foe?
Fuel additives can help improve engine performance and fuel efficiency, but they are not essential for all lawn mowers. Some common additives include:
- Ethanol: This is a biofuel made from corn or other plant materials. It’s often blended with gasoline to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. However, ethanol can absorb moisture from the air, causing problems like rust and corrosion in your fuel system.
- Fuel Stabilizers: These additives help prevent fuel from breaking down and forming gum or varnish, which can clog your engine’s fuel system. If you store your mower for extended periods, using a fuel stabilizer is essential.
Why Your Briggs & Stratton Mower Needs the Right Gas
Using the wrong type of gas in your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower can lead to several problems, including:
- Engine Knocking: This is a loud, metallic sound that occurs when the fuel ignites prematurely in the engine. It can damage engine components over time.
- Reduced Performance: Low-octane fuel can cause your engine to run inefficiently, resulting in lower power output and fuel economy.
- Fuel System Problems: Ethanol and other contaminants can cause clogging, corrosion, and rust in your fuel system.
Choosing the Best Gas for Your Briggs & Stratton Mower
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting gasoline for your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower:
1. Mower Age:
- Older Mowers: If your mower is older, you may want to avoid using gasoline with ethanol blends. Ethanol can damage older fuel systems and components. Stick to unleaded regular gasoline without ethanol (E0) or choose a low ethanol blend (E10).
- Newer Mowers: Newer mowers are designed to handle ethanol blends. However, using E10 or E15 (15% ethanol) can still cause some issues over time, so consider using E0 if available.
2. Climate:
- Hot Climates: If you live in a hot climate, it’s generally a good idea to use gasoline with a higher octane rating (89 or higher) to prevent knocking.
- Cold Climates: You may want to consider using fuel additives like a fuel stabilizer in colder climates, as they can help prevent fuel from freezing in the fuel lines.
3. Fuel Storage:
- Long-Term Storage: If you’re storing your mower for a long time, it’s important to use a fuel stabilizer and store the gas in an airtight container.
- Short-Term Storage: If you’re using your mower frequently, you can use regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
Troubleshooting Fuel-Related Issues
If you experience any fuel-related problems with your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower, here are some common causes and solutions:
1. Engine Knocking:
- Solution: If your engine is knocking, try switching to a higher octane gasoline. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to have your engine serviced by a qualified mechanic.
2. Reduced Performance:
- Solution: If your mower is running sluggishly, start by checking your air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. You may also want to check your spark plugs and make sure they’re in good condition. If these solutions don’t work, your fuel system might be clogged or your carburetor might need cleaning.
3. Fuel System Problems:
- Solution: If you suspect fuel system problems, it’s best to have your mower serviced by a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate solution, which might involve cleaning or replacing fuel lines, filters, or the carburetor.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gas for your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower is important for optimal performance and longevity. While unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher is generally a safe choice, consider the age of your mower, the climate you live in, and the type of fuel additives you use. By following these tips and troubleshooting any fuel-related issues promptly, you can ensure your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower runs smoothly and reliably for many seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gasoline should I use in my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
Briggs & Stratton recommends using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This type of gasoline is readily available at most gas stations. Avoid using gasoline with additives, as these can damage your lawn mower’s engine. It’s also important to use fresh gasoline, as older gasoline can gum up the engine and cause problems.
It’s important to note that using a higher octane gasoline than recommended will not provide any additional benefit. In fact, it can actually waste money and be harmful to your engine. Stick to the recommended octane rating and you’ll be good to go.
Should I use ethanol-blended gasoline in my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
While Briggs & Stratton doesn’t explicitly prohibit the use of ethanol-blended gasoline, they recommend using gasoline with 10% ethanol or less. Ethanol can cause problems in small engines, such as gumming up the fuel system and causing corrosion. If you must use ethanol-blended gasoline, make sure it’s fresh and that you run your lawn mower regularly to prevent fuel problems.
It’s a good idea to use fuel stabilizer if you are storing your lawn mower for an extended period. Fuel stabilizer helps to prevent the ethanol from breaking down and causing problems.
How often should I change the gasoline in my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
You should change the gasoline in your lawn mower every 30 days. This is because gasoline starts to degrade after about a month, even if it’s stored properly. If you’re not using your lawn mower regularly, it’s a good idea to drain the gasoline tank and refill it with fresh gasoline every 30 days.
You can use a siphon pump to remove the gasoline from the tank, or you can simply use a container to catch the gasoline as you drain the tank. Make sure to dispose of the old gasoline properly.
Can I use gasoline from my car in my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
It’s not recommended to use gasoline from your car in your lawn mower. Gasoline for cars often contains additives that can damage the fuel system of a lawn mower. Additionally, gasoline for cars is often blended with ethanol, which can cause problems in small engines.
If you’re not sure what type of gasoline to use, always refer to your lawn mower’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
What are the signs of using the wrong type of gasoline?
If you’re using the wrong type of gasoline in your lawn mower, you may experience problems such as difficulty starting, sputtering, or running poorly. You may also notice a decrease in power or fuel efficiency.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s a good idea to check the type of gasoline you’re using and make sure it’s compatible with your lawn mower.
What happens if I use the wrong gasoline in my Briggs & Stratton lawn mower?
Using the wrong type of gasoline in your lawn mower can cause a **number of problems, including: **
- Engine damage: The wrong type of gasoline can damage the engine’s fuel system, including the carburetor, fuel lines, and fuel pump.
- Reduced performance: Your lawn mower may experience decreased power, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting.
- Increased emissions: Using the wrong type of gasoline can lead to increased emissions, which can harm the environment.
If you’ve used the wrong type of gasoline, it’s important to drain the tank and refill it with the correct type of gasoline as soon as possible. You may also want to take your lawn mower to a qualified mechanic to have it checked out.
Is there a specific type of gasoline recommended for different Briggs & Stratton lawn mower models?
Briggs & Stratton does not recommend any specific type of gasoline for different models. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your lawn mower’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on the recommended type of gasoline to use.
Generally, the same guidelines apply to all Briggs & Stratton lawn mowers: use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher, and avoid using gasoline with additives. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use the highest quality gasoline you can find.