Top Issues Caused by Stale Petrol and How to Protect Your Petrol Post Driver's Engine

For farmers, contractors, landscapers and other manual labourers who rely on petrol post drivers, keeping your equipment in tip-top condition is essential. However, one commonly overlooked issue is the use of stale petrol, which can wreak havoc on your post driver's performance over time.

So, let’s explore some of the problems caused by stale petrol, and how you can safeguard your Easy Post Driver’s  engine against these potential issues with a bit of care and attention.

What is stale petrol?

Petrol starts to degrade after just a few weeks, particularly if it’s exposed to air or stored in unsuitable conditions. Over time, its chemical composition changes, leading to the loss of volatile components that provide combustion efficiency. Stale petrol then becomes less effective as fuel and more harmful to your machinery.

Top issues caused by stale petrol

Hard starting or failure to start

Stale petrol loses its combustibility, which makes it harder for your post knocker’s engine to ignite. This can lead to frustrating delays, particularly when working on time-sensitive projects.

Engine misfires and poor performance

Degraded petrol can cause your engine to run unevenly, resulting in misfires, rough idling or a significant drop in performance. Over time, this strain can lead to permanent engine damage.

Fuel system blockages

As petrol ages, it can form gum and varnish-like deposits that clog up the system. These blockages can prevent the correct flow of fuel, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Corrosion of engine components

Ethanol, commonly found in modern petrol, absorbs moisture from the air. This can lead to water contamination and cause rust or corrosion in your petrol post driver’s engine and fuel system.

Increased emissions

Stale fuel burns less efficiently, resulting in higher emissions. This is not only harmful to the environment, but could also lead to your machinery failing emissions tests or not complying with regulations.

How to protect your Petrol Post Driver's engine

Use fresh petrol

Always use fresh, high-quality petrol for your post driver. If you’re storing petrol, aim to use it within a month, especially in warmer months when fuel degrades more quickly.

Add a fuel stabiliser

Fuel stabilisers are an excellent way to extend the life of petrol, especially if your post driver is not used regularly. These additives prevent oxidation and the formation of harmful deposits. Bear in mind that fuel stabilisers do not reinvigorate already stale petrol - you must add it to your fresh petrol for it to do its job.

Drain the fuel tank

If you’re planning not to use your post driver for an extended period, drain the fuel tank, restart the engine and run until it stops. This ensures there’s no petrol left to go stale or gum up the system.

Store petrol properly

Store petrol in an approved, airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place. Avoid plastic containers that aren’t rated for fuel storage, as these can accelerate degradation.

Schedule regular maintenance

Service your Petrol Post Driver regularly to catch early signs of fuel-related issues. A well-maintained engine is better equipped to handle any minor issues caused by stale petrol.

Choose the right petrol

Opt for premium-grade petrol with a lower ethanol content when possible. Honda recommends using regular unleaded 98, 95, 95 E5 (5% ethanol) or E10 (10% ethanol) in their engines. Anything over 10% will cause trouble with starting and performance, and may also damage metal, rubber and plastic components of the machine. Ethanol-free petrol is less prone to absorbing moisture, making it a safer option for your equipment.

Stale petrol might seem like a minor inconvenience, but the damage it can cause to your post driver’s engine is anything but small. By understanding the risks and following these preventative measures, you can keep your Petrol Post Driver running smoothly, extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs.

Contact us

If you have any questions about maintaining your Petrol Post Driver then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us via our website, call us on +44 (0)114 2699 119 or email us at info@petrolpostdriver.com.