My 2-cycle Lawnboy has become a gas guzzler. I have gone from using one tank of gas to mow my lawn to almost two tanks. I use the recommended oil/gas ratio, have put on a new air filter (oiled), and have done nothing to cause the increase in gas consumption. The mower is about 8 years old and starts fine. Any ideas?
A sharp blade will use less power. Use a premium-grade gasoline from a good-brand station. Clean (or replace) and gap the spark plug. Check for leaks (do you notice any gasoline smell?). I've noticed that I use more gasoline, the hotter the summer days.
If you are really sure about that usage I suspect a leak somewhere. Maybe the tank is cracked if it's plastic or a rubber hose is cracked underneath where you don't see it. The fuel is shaking off and evaporating faster than can be noticed. It doesn't make sense to me that it could be burning twice what it was and still be running the same. By the way it might only be leaking when running as the vibration could open a crack somewhere.
At one time I noticed that my mower was using alot of gas. Took me a couple of tanks to find out that I had a slight crack in the fuel line going from the tank to the carb. I didn't notice any fuel puddles or anything in the shed, although gas will evaporate so that's why I didn't notice. I saw it leaking while I was using it, that's how I found the prob.
If it isn't leaking out and the mower is running well don't worry about it. Gas guzzler by definition but we aren't talking about a -lot- of gas. Maybe an extra quart per mowing. Don't let the EPA people find out though.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.