add aftermarket fuel shut off valve?

[supermanotorious]

has anyone added a fuel shut off valve to an engine like a Tecumseh? I wonder if a simple PVC ball valve would work or if gas is too corrosive. I want to be able to cut fuel while engine is running so carb burns up all gas and is ready for storage

UPDATE:

sorry to ask before researching

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yup- I get a few o' those, for that purpose. works well.

 

[Majorpede]

Wouldn't just burning all the fuel out do the same thing? I know how impractical that sounds for day to day, but for long term storage does the tank need to be empty too?

I ask because my 2 sons engines are different. One has a shut off, the other doesn't. So do I need to pick some of these up as well, or would I be fine?

How long is too long to let gas sit in one of theses small engines?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Today's fuels begin to degrade pretty quickly. After a couple of months, you're pushing your luck. With the addition of a stabilizer like StaBil, you can generally survive the off-season.

I have heard a couple different theories on whether to leave fuel in the tank. My own opinion- if the tank is plastic, go ahead and drain it if you like, whatever condensate collects in there won't hurt much. With a metal tank- leave it full of stabilized fuel, and the condensation won't rust the tank.