Cleaning the fuel tank

[maxap]

Hello,

 

The manual for my Stihl saw says that if you store a machine for longer than 3 months, you should drain and clean the fueltank.

 

Could anyone tell me what I should use to clean the fueltank?

 

Thanks

[Ian C]

Just empty the old fuel out and re fill with fresh fuel, dont bother "cleaning" it.

[Mick Stockbridge]

Hello maxap, like I C Tree,s said just empty. I think Stihl mean clean out any visual debris. Also let you,re saw tick over till it stops so the carb is empty.

[volvo]

Petrol will also go sour over a period.

[bob]

clean with a suitable solvent

i.e flush out with petrol

or just drain the tank if necessary

aspen fuel would be the best as it does not degrade and would not need flushing out

[volvo]

Aspen fuel is very expensive though.

[bob]

Aspen fuel is very expensive though.

 

not as dear as a new saw

and 2 stroke on top of fuel is also dear

and if you ever forget to put 2 stroke in saw is knacked

for someone that uses there saw every once in a while aspen would be exellent

as a lot of folk use petrol that is over 3 months sice mixed and it does brake down and does not do your saws any favours

 

 

p.s i do not use aspen but have recomended it to several bods who only use approx a gallon a year and for them i think it makes sense

and yes it is dear but so are saws and chains and sharpening ect

[maxap]

Thanks for the advice everyone

 

Cheers

[nepia]

Was given a Stihl that hadn't been started in 13 years - still had the fuel in it! Tipped it out, flushed with half a teacup of fresh and after 12 pulls she was purring like a kitten. That's all that's needed.

[ChrisSaunders]

Briggs & Stratton make and distribute a fuel attitive which keeps petrol viable for up to two years. B&H Fresh Start Fuel Stabilizer is not pricey and one shot treats 5 litres of fuel.

The blurb states that the product will also help prevent gum from forming in the fuel system and the carburetor parts over the winter months.

I add it when I'm mixing up my two stroke fuel, it is good stuff. Most garden machinery sellers should have it.