Best way of laying up engine not going to be used for a while?!

[CornishPete]

As title suggests what's the best way to store an engine that's not going to be used for a while?I
I'm talking specifically about 2 strokes in this instance which may be different from 4 strokes but would welcome any advice on either! Run till empty, fill with aspen/motomix, .....?

background is I've built up a small collection of chainsaws and want some more! I run them periodically every 6 months or so to stop them gumming up but I'm getting to the stage this is a chore so will be putting some into "storage" as shelf queens but would like the option of digging one out to use every now and then!
thanks in advance!

 

[Farside]

Seems to be a take-your-pick.
I run my small engines until they empty the carb, then if laying up, I'll fog the cylinder walls with oil mist.
Others don't bother, some use Aspen, some don't.
All I can say is, I've never had any bother re-starting one I've laid up.

 

[Guineafowl]

Empty out the tank and run till it stops.
Don’t use veg oil for the chain - it dries out and gums up.

 

[Barking Mat]

Just make sure the carb is dry as @Farside said.

And @Guineafowl .

 

[oldbikedavey]

Outboard motors are usually laid up overwinter after running at a fast tickover, then stalling them with fogging oil squirted in through the carburettor air intake.
Well, two stroke motors, anyway..... but it might work just as well on four - strokes.....

 

[dobbslc]

I run mlne down with the fuel turned off until they start to splutter then flick the choke on and off a few times as that seems to get the last of the fuel out as it dies.

 

[winchman]

Talking to a bloke who repairs small petrol tools for a living and he told me a massive amount of there work is getting stuff running after it being left over winter. He told me Aspen is the best to avoid this.I am too tight to buy it so just play the lets see how we can get it running game

 

[Migmac]

I tip the fuel out the tank, run whatever it is till it stops. No fuel on the system, no problems

 

[8ob]

I picked out a few big Huskies the other day that hadn't been run for at least twenty years, tipped out the tanks and filled with fresh fuel, they all started after a few pulls. I dont think storage is a problem as long as its dry.

Bob

 

[zzr1200]

I use Aspen fuel, I've left fuel in for over 2 year in some of mine and they have fired/started after 3 or 4 pulls and the fuel gets pump into the carb.

Aspen recon that their fuel is good for up to 4 years in a saw. My Echo CS900 EVL gets started about every 3 years, a splash of fuel in the carb, only to stop me having to pull it over a 90cc saw to prime the carb.

I wish it had a fuel primer bulb.....

 

[mangocrazy]

The obvious thing is to use the drain screws on the carbs (if fitted) to drain the last drop of fuel out of the float bowls. My 350LC and VFR750 both have these and it's the work of a few minutes to drain the carbs before winter layup.

You do need to make sure the fuel tap is switched to the OFF position first, of course...

 

[Turbo]

Could be worthwhile to drain the normal fuel mix, add some aspen, run for a while to get the aspen through the fuel system, stop the engine, put some neat 2t oil down the plug hole, pull the engine over a couple of times then drain the aspen to be used again next time you are laying up the engine.