The HOA of MCA

About a week ago I bought a Yard Machine lawn mower, with a mulch bag, from Home Depot. It was relatively inexpensive compared to the others, only $179, and it came with a Briggs and Stratton engine, a brand my dad has always trusted. After a short assembly, it was ready to mow. Aside from having to empty the bag four times, the mower was great. That was last week.

Yesterday I pulled it out of the garage, checked the gas and oil, primed, pulled...nothing. This went on for about 15 minutes, much to the dismay and embarrassment of my wife (we still haven't met the neighbors), but I could not get the darn thing to start. I filled the gas tank up with what was left in the can the previous owner had left, then it dawned on me, "Does gas get old?"

Yes, folks, evidently gas gets old and 'stale.' I opened the owner's manual of the mower and looked up troubleshooting for starting the engine. Right there, first reason listed, "old, stale gas." Remedy-go get some new gas cheapskate.

Today, I bought the gas and a new canister, but I also had to buy a siphon to get the old gas out. My original plan was to use a plain tube, but my wife talked me out of it (once again, we haven't met the neighbors) and into buying the siphon made for that very reason.

So, at only two weeks old, the Yard Machine runs great. I may change my mind later, but that's why you should always keep the receipt (which I didn't). Solid body, great engine, sharp blades, all for a great value. Check it out here.