Keeping your Cyclone Rake running smoothly starts with using the right fuel and following proper storage procedures. Here's everything you need to know!
What Type of Gas Should You Use?
Unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol content is acceptable
Premium gasoline is okay to use
Always use fresh, clean fuel for the best performance
Engine Gas Tank Capacities:
XR950 & 6.5HP Cyclonic Vanguard: 3.75 liters (0.99 gallons)
XL & Z-10 Models: 3.6 liters (0.95 gallons)
Runtime Per Tank: 2.5 to 3 hours until empty
Is Fuel Stabilizer Necessary?
Yes! We strongly recommend using a fuel stabilizer every time you refuel. A stabilizer helps prevent gum and varnish buildup, which can clog the carburetor and reduce performance.
Even if you use ethanol-free gas, a fuel stabilizer ensures the best engine performance.
Briggs & Stratton recommends fuel treatment and stabilizer as part of regular refueling.
What Does Fuel Stabilizer Do?
A fuel stabilizer creates a chemical bond with gasoline, keeping it fresher longer. Without it, fuel breaks down over time, leading to engine issues like gumming up the carburetor. This can make it harder to start and reduce overall performance.
We believe fuel stabilizer is so important that we include it in our Engine Maintenance Kits!
How to Use Fuel Stabilizer:
Add 2 oz. of stabilizer for every 5 gallons of unleaded gas.
Pour the stabilizer into your gas can first, then add fuel at the pump to mix it evenly.
Fill your Cyclone Rake's gas tank with the treated fuel.
Run the engine for 5 minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the system.
That's it! Now your fuel is protected, and your engine is ready to go!
Long-Term Storage Tips
To avoid engine trouble at the start of the next season, follow these simple steps:
Store your Cyclone Rake with a full tank of fuel and stabilizer to prevent gumming.
Keep the gas tank 95% full to avoid condensation buildup inside the tank.
Run the engine for 5 minutes after adding stabilizer to treat the entire fuel system.
With proper storage, stabilized fuel can last up to 24 months!
Can I Store My Cyclone Rake Dry?
While it might seem like a good idea to store your Cyclone Rake without any fluids, we don't recommend storing your engine dry for long periods. Here's why:
Even though we don't add oil or gas to your engine before shipping, there's often a small amount of residue left inside from the manufacturer's testing process
These residues can dry out and potentially cause issues when left for extended periods
If you choose to store your Cyclone Rake with no fluids (late fall/early winter), we recommend taking it out of storage in early spring (March) for a startup and run period:
Fill the engine with the necessary fluids (gas, oil, fuel stabilizer)
Allow it to run for approximately 30 minutes for the engine's health
After the run time, let the engine cool and you can store it again until fall if needed
What If You Prefer to Run the Engine Out of Gas?
While some users are accustomed to running the engine until it stops, this is not the recommended method by Briggs & Stratton. Even after the engine shuts off, small amounts of fuel may still remain in the tank, lines, or carburetor. Over time, this residual fuel can cause hard starts or clogging issues when you take your Cyclone Rake out of storage.
By following these fuel and maintenance tips, your Cyclone Rake engine will stay in top shape for years to come!
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Our team is always happy to assist. Whether you'd like to call, schedule a callback, or send us a message through our Contact Us form, we're ready to help!
FAQ
Why is the gas tank cloudy at the bottom?
Cloudy fuel in your gas tank is often caused by ethanol in modern gasoline absorbing moisture from the air, leading to water contamination. To fix this, drain the cloudy fuel and the carburetor, then refill with fresh gas—preferably not stored for long periods. For future prevention, use a fuel stabilizer or drain the tank and run the carburetor dry if storing equipment for over a month. Stabilizers help preserve fuel but won’t restore degraded gas.