is it too late

[superQ]

forgot to add stabil type product to the gas before winter[N.E.]. Would I be wise to add it before I start up the engine which is a 11 hp overhead Honda engine on a pressure washer. Is there anything I can put in the gas to clean out the engine of any gummy build up. If the engine starts easy does that mean it is ok for the most part. Pressure washer is up in storage and not handy at the moment. Thanks for any help.

[mdshunk]

The makers of Stabil might want you to think that you can't possibly survive without adding their product in the off season. I almost never do, and don't have any special troubles. True, the engine might run like crap until that old tankfull of gas is used up. If you wanted to be anal about it, you could siphon out the old gas from the tank and put in some fresh gas.

[Mr T]

How long since you ran it last? Ive left stuff over winter with gas in the tank and never really had a problem. You can drain the tank and pour in fresh or just try your luck. If it doesnt start with fresh, you may need to drain the fuel out of the carb (if it has a bowl). Putting the stablizer in now wont do much. It keeps the gas from going bad. But 5-6 months usualy doesnt hurt much.

[joed]

Put in fresh gas and try to start it. If it starts and runs OK forget about it. I often leave gas in my machines all winter and just start using them again in the spring without any problems.

[superQ]

Thanks for the replies. Just what I was hoping to hear. I feel much better now.