Purchasing the right fuel and storing it properly will help protect the engine and reduce fuel-related problems and engine damage.
Simplicity riding mowers or zero-turn mowers use unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and a maximum 10% ethanol content.
When refueling, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area preferably outdoors. Wait for the engine to cool for a few minutes before removing the gas cap. Do not overfill the fuel tank.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Can You Use Regular Gas in a Simplicity Mower?
Regular Gas can be used in your Simplicity lawn mower as long as it does not have an ethanol content greater than 10%.
Your Simplicity mower requires gasoline that has a minimum octane rating of 87. Gas marketed as regular gas generally has an octane rating of 87 according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Choosing Gas
Follow some simple guidelines when choosing gas for your Simplicity mower to ensure you are running fresh fuel that will keep your mower running at its best and not compromise the life of your lawn mower.
In addition to using gas with an octane rating of 87 or higher, here are recommendations to ensure you are running the right type of gas:
Purchase Fresh Gasoline
Because gas can begin to break down as soon as 30 days after purchase, it’s best to purchase fresh gas and consume it within this time.
Running old gas through your mower can cause starting and running problems.
Avoid Gas with High Ethanol Percentages
Ethanol is an alternative fuel added to gas to make it more environmentally friendly. Ethanol may be better for the environment than standard gas and okay to run in most vehicles, but it is not good for an engine on a Simplicity mower.
Small engines require a gas with a low ethanol percentage. The lower the ethanol content, the better. Avoid using gas with ethanol contents greater than 10%.
With so many different fuels showing up at fuel stations today, it’s important you select a fuel that has no more than 10% ethanol (E10). Avoid fuels that are sold as E15, E30, and E85 as these fuels contain up to 15%, 30%, and 85% respectively.
Details about ethanol:
- It is a corn-based fuel (or another high-starch plant) that is more environmentally sound.
- Ethanol works well in most motor vehicles. It is damaging to small gas engines.
- Ethanol-based gas attracts moisture from the air which causes gas to separate from ethanol.
- Separated ethanol & water sinks to the bottom of the fuel tank.
- Separated ethanol will be fed through the engine causing ignition problems for your mower. Ethanol can leave gummy deposits damaging your fuel components.
- Ethanol is corrosive and can burn very hot causing your engine to overheat. This can cause significant damage.
Add a Fuel Stabilizer
To help extend the shelf life of the fuel, add a fuel stabilizer to fresh gas. I add Sea Foam Motor Treatment to every tank of fuel. This is a fuel additive that keeps fuel stable, reduces moisture, and helps keep the fuel system clean.
This is a product that must be added to the fuel while it is fresh. It cannot magically reverse the effects of old fuel. You can read more about why I like this product in Use Sea Foam Fuel Additive in a Lawn Mower to Stabilize Fuel.
If you can’t find Sea Foam to purchase, STA-BIL also offers a good fuel stabilizer.
Ethanol-Free Fuel
While expensive fuel isn’t always better, ethanol-free fuel is best for your Simplicity’s small engine. This is a more costly fuel option that won’t leave behind the negative effects of fuels that contain ethanol.
You can find ethanol-free fuel offered at some fuel stations. It is often sold as recreation fuel or REC-90 fuel. Hardware stores and some lawn mower dealerships also sell cans of 4-cycle engine oil.
Tips for Purchasing & Storing Gas for Your Simplicity Mower
- Purchase fresh gas from a busy fuel station.
- Use an unleaded gas with a minimum 89-octane rating and a maximum of 10% ethanol content.
- Consume fuel within 30 days.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to fresh gas to make it last a little longer.
- Store fuel in an approved fuel container.
- Keep fuel away from the outdoor elements and moisture.
- Store in a dry location away from combustible products.