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Get Your Equipment Ready for the Winter

As the weather changes, it is time to start thinking about winterizing your equipment. Follow these 3 fuel-related strategies to help see your equipment through the cold season and take on the toughest cuts with confidence next season.

 

Frequent Use of Equipment Throughout Winter

 If you plan to be using your saw weekly, stick with non-oxygenated fuel. This is the best way to dodge phase separation. Even sitting for only a few days, temperature changes create more water buildup in the tank. When fueling your saw, always use ethanol-free fuel, whether non-oxygenated fuel or MotoMix®.

 

Infrequent Use of Equipment Throughout Winter 

If you plan on only using your saw a handful of times this winter it is a good idea to use MotoMix® as your primary fuel. Stihl’s premixed fuel provides an extended storage life that lasts longer than ethanol-based fuel. It also prevents phase separation, where fuel and the water in fuel split into two layers. Ethanol attracts 50% more water than pure fuel due to the water attraction properties of alcohol present in ethanol, increasing the chance of phase separation. When this happens the layer of water can corrode the bottom of the tank when sitting for too long. Once the engine is started, it runs the layer of water through first, creating a potential for internal saw damage. MotoMix® eliminates this problem by using high-octane motor fuel and its highest-quality oil. If you are going to be putting your saw on the shelf for more than 2 weeks you should avoid using any fuel containing ethanol. Below is an example of phase separation.

Fueling Up for the Winter

 

Storing Your Equipment Throughout Winter 

If you are not going to be using your equipment during the winter, you should run the fuel out of it completely. Stihl recommends using MotoMix®, a premixed fuel, after draining the previous gas. Run the MotoMix® until it is completely gone to ensure there is no more of the old fuel in the tank. To learn more about MotoMix® click here.

Make sure your equipment is cared for and stored properly for the winter so you and your equipment are prepared for next spring!

򪪪 Empty the fuel tank
Empty the fuel tank in a well-ventilated place and then clean it. Remember to drain the carburetor first, to prevent the carburetor diaphragms from sticking together.

򪪪 Store in a dry place
Your saw should be stored in a dry place. Choose a place that is well-ventilated and protected from the weather. Keeping it outdoors is not advisable.

򪪪 Protect from the sun
Store the machine away from the direct rays of the sun. Exposure to the sun's rays causes UV embrittlement.

򪪪 Keep dust-free
Your saw should always be packed away in a dust-free environment. STIHL has a line of special carry bags and cases to protect your machine.

򪪪 Safe storage
Always store your chain saw out of reach of other people (e.g. children). The best place to store it is in a lockable room or cupboard

via Stihl