Gary Liptrot wrote:

Anyone have similar experiences, perhaps a story that would suggest storing it like I am trying is bad?

I have been telling myself since the last years of the 20th century, that as soon as my old lawnmower dies, I'll finally treat myself to a new one. I have had the same lawn mower for 16 years. A K-mart cheapie, I think I paid $99 in 1989. I have changed the oil once, and it was about ten years ago. I have never run it completely out at the end of the season, and have at times had to run 2-cycle gas (oil mixed-in) in it because I was too rushed/lazy to go to the gas station for more straight gas. It runs great on stale gas left over from the previous season. It used to be red, now it is mostly rust, the bag is held together with bailing wire, literally, and is kept closed with clothespins. The rope guide for the pull starter broke off, the handle broke and I now have it tied around a chunk of scrap plastic. The remote throttle handle is broken as well but still works by pushing it with a stick. The only maintenance I ever do is take a wire brush to the spark plug on years with summer Olympics. Every spring, it starts on the first pull and still runs like a champ. I'm no closer to that new mower than I was five years ago. Based on experience, I think you can store a small gas engine any way you want to. ;) __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com