How long can gas sit in a gas can for a lawn mower?
For our Craftsman lawn mower model 247377450, regular unleaded gas starts going stale in about 30 days unless you treat it with fuel stabilizer. For longer storage, we use fresh gas plus stabilizer and rotate the can so the oldest fuel gets used first; see the 247377450 owner’s manual for storage and fueling safety.
- 0 to 30 days: Use fresh regular unleaded; keep the can tightly sealed.
- 1 to 6 months: Add a quality fuel stabilizer when you fill the can; store in a cool, dry place.
- Up to about 8 months: Stabilized fuel can remain usable if stored properly; label the can with the fill date.
- Over 8 months: Replace with fresh fuel to avoid hard starting, surging, and carburetor varnish.
Old gasoline can form gums that restrict the carburetor and fuel passages. That commonly shows up as:
- Hard starting or no-start
- Engine surging at idle
- Loss of power under load
- Stalling after a few minutes
| Storage approach | Best for | What we do | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh fuel, no stabilizer | Short-term use | Use within ~30 days | Medium |
| Fresh fuel + stabilizer | Seasonal storage | Date the can; keep sealed | Low |
| Drain/run dry before storage | Long off-season | Run engine until it stops | Low |
Follow these basics any time you fuel or store gasoline:
- Let the engine cool at least 2 minutes before refueling.
- Don’t overfill; leave room for expansion.
- Wipe spills and wait 5 minutes before starting if fuel was spilled.
- Never store the mower or fuel container near flames, sparks, or pilot lights.
If old fuel leads to starting trouble, use our how to keep lawn mower gas from going bad tips to prevent repeat issues.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 87 or 91 gas for lawn mower?
For the Craftsman walk-behind mower model 247377450, use regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline for normal operation; higher octane (like 91) does not add power or improve mowing performance. Follow the fuel guidance in the 247377450 owner’s manual for the correct fuel and storage practices.
- Use: Fresh, clean 87-octane unleaded gasoline
- Avoid: Old or stale fuel (especially fuel stored for 30+ days without treatment)
- Avoid: Fuel storage indoors or in poorly ventilated areas (fuel fumes can ignite)
- Avoid: Overfilling; leave room for expansion in the tank
Octane mainly affects resistance to knock in high-compression engines. Most walk-behind mower engines are designed to run correctly on regular fuel, so moving from 87 to 91 typically does not improve starting, power, or reliability.
The manual’s storage guidance focuses on preventing fuel-system gumming during storage. Use one of these approaches:
- Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel, or
- Add a gasoline additive (fuel stabilizer) to the tank, then run the engine a few minutes to circulate it through the carburetor
| Storage situation | Best fuel approach | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Using weekly | Fresh 87 octane | Consistent performance |
| Parking 30+ days | Run dry or stabilize fuel | Prevent varnish and carburetor deposits |
| Off-season storage | Stabilize or run dry, store safely | Reduce starting problems next season |
Using the right fuel and handling storage correctly helps prevent hard starting, rough running, and carburetor issues. It also supports safer storage practices for a gas-powered walk-behind mower.
Last updated: January 2026
Where can I find a Craftsman lawn mower model?
On a Craftsman walk-behind mower like model 247377450, the model number is printed on the mower’s identification label, typically mounted on the deck housing or frame near the rear of the unit. Use the exact model number to match the correct parts and manual. See the 247377450 owner's manual.
Check these common label locations first:
- Rear of the deck housing (near the bagging area)
- Side of the deck near the discharge opening
- On the frame near the rear wheels
- Near the handle mounting brackets
- Under the rear flap or rear skirt area (look for a sticker or metal tag)
Record both numbers from the label so we can match parts like the drive belt, blade, or control cable correctly.
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example format |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Finds the correct parts diagrams and manual | 247377450 |
| Serial number | Helps identify production run details | Letters and numbers |
Sun, grass debris, and fuel residue can fade labels over time. These quick steps usually help:
- Brush off dried grass and dirt first
- Wipe the label gently with a damp rag and mild soap
- Use a flashlight at an angle to make faded print stand out
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to read the characters
Craftsman walk-behind mowers often have similar-looking decks and handles across multiple model numbers. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong items (for example, a ground drive belt or a 21-in mulching blade that does not match your deck setup).
Last updated: January 2026





