Should I Run it Dry?

[Cal in TX]

This has probably been asked a thousand times before but I can't find it so here goes:

When I finish with my NAA I always shut off the gas feed from the tank, however, should I let the tractor run until the gas is gone from the carb or should I shut the tractor off and leave the gas in the carb?

Thanks!

Cal in TX

 

[OKDAD]

I would only run the gas out of the carb if it was going to be sitting for an extended period of time....ie winter. Others may have different ideas.

Ike

 

[Anonymous-0]

Shut off the fuel, but don't drain the carb. Use a fuel stabilizer, so the gas stays fresh. I use it in all my vehicles, especially those that sit. I've had great results.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Personally, I don't think it makes much difference which way you do it.

 

[old]

If your going to run it say once a week or so just shut the gas off and leave the carb alone. Now if your going to run it say once every other month drain the carb.
Hobby farm

 

[AM Seb]

At the end of the day, I turn off the gas at the sediment bulb knob and let the engine run till till it dies for lack of fuel. Then I take the key out and take it with me. Been doing this for over thirty years. If indoors be sure it's well ventilated. Angelo

 

[Leader]

With my 2N, I turn off the gas at the tank *usually* after I turn off the key . With my MF I just turn off the key.
2N gets used every week during mowing season to mow the pastures, MF doesn't get used as much.

 

[Sean (TX)]

I shut off fuel and run it dry.

 

[Ross Pugh(NC)]

Cal, I have always turned mine off and let them run until they stall out, and have no adverse effects on either of my two tractors or my JD Lawnmower or my self propelled walk behind mower. No doubt, someone will tell you the carbs will rust by running them dry, but I think there is enuf fuel in the metal pores to keep this from happening. I don't want fuel setting in my carbs to gum them up if I don't start them up for 3-4 weeks. Like I say, I have had no problems and you will remember to turn the fuel on when it doesn't fire up. Just my opinion. Works for me!

 

[Bruce (VA)]

I don't run any 4 cycle engine dry. I keep a bottle of Sta-Bil on the shelf in the shed where I store my gas cans. Every time I put a new can of gas in the shed, it gets Sta-Bil in it because, w/ the exception of the N pulling a mower in the summer, none of the equipment I own burns a tank of gas in 30 days. So, it always has Sta-Bil in it to keep it from gumming up. I do not run them dry because of rust build up in the carb bowl & the possibility of drying out the gaskets. On the N's, I just turn the key off & then turn the gas off at the sediment bowl.

I do run 2-cycle engines dry.
50 Tips