Just went out to start up one of my lawn tractors. Little Jonh Deere 160 from the erly 80s. If they have not run for awhile I ALWAYS check the oil level. It takes little effort and you see if it is correct or is due for a change. I pullled the stick and no oil showed on it. ACTUALLY the stick was spotless cause the "mark" was at the TOP of the stick!!!!! I bought a new gas cap about three months ago and screwed it on. The WINTER gas evaporated and pressurized the damn tank. I had amost TWO gallons of Hi-Test gas in the ENGINE. Drained it in to the catch pan, refill with 5-30w blend oil. And cranked it a couple of times till she caught. LOTS of smoke for a minute or two , but she is fine now. GOOD habit to check that stick. YA NEVER KNOW.... Jeffcat