Engine Basics

Topics that apply across most 4-stroke outdoor power equipment: fuel storage, ethanol, spark plugs and reading a maintenance schedule.

Every guide below cites the owner's manual or official manufacturer page it is based on. If your model's manual says something different, follow your manual.

• Run It Dry or Stabilize It? What Manufacturers Actually Say About Storing Fuel

  Run dry or stabilize fuel for storage? Honda says empty the system after 90 days; Briggs and Cub Cadet say store full with stabilizer. Who to follow.

• Briggs & Stratton Spark Plug Gap Chart: .030 vs .020 and the Quantum Exceptions

  Briggs & Stratton spark plug gap chart: most plugs gap at .030 inch, some Quantum engines and resistor plugs use .020. Never regap platinum or iridium.