The crisp air has settled in, the leaves are falling, and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air. It’s time to put away the lawnmower for the winter, but should you drain the gas first? This question sparks debate amongst lawn care enthusiasts, with passionate arguments on both sides. This article will explore the pros and cons of leaving gas in your mower over winter, analyze the potential risks, and offer practical advice on how to best prepare your machine for the off-season.
In short, it’s generally not recommended to leave gas in your lawnmower over winter. While leaving gas in can seem convenient, it can lead to problems like fuel degradation, gumming up the engine, and even damage to the carburetor.
The Dangers of Leaving Gas in Your Lawn Mower
Fuel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons that break down over time. This process is accelerated by exposure to heat, light, and oxygen. Here’s how leaving gas in your mower can lead to trouble:
Fuel Degradation and Gumming
Understanding the Process
When gasoline sits unused, it begins to degrade. The lighter hydrocarbons evaporate, leaving behind a sticky, gummy residue. This residue can build up in the fuel lines, carburetor, and even the fuel tank itself.
The Impact on Your Mower
Gummy deposits can cause a multitude of issues:
- Reduced Engine Performance: The gum obstructs fuel flow, preventing the engine from receiving the necessary fuel for efficient combustion. This can result in sputtering, misfiring, and difficulty starting the mower.
- Carburetor Problems: The carburetor is particularly vulnerable to gum buildup. This can clog fuel jets, impair fuel-air mixing, and disrupt the overall functioning of the engine.
- Fuel Tank Damage: Over time, gum can create a sticky layer inside the fuel tank, hindering the smooth operation of the fuel pump and leading to potential corrosion.
Ethanol’s Influence
Modern gasolines often contain ethanol, a biofuel additive designed to reduce emissions. However, ethanol accelerates fuel degradation. This is because it absorbs moisture from the air, leading to the formation of water droplets within the fuel. These droplets can create a corrosive environment and contribute to the formation of gum.
The Risk of Fuel Stabilizers
Some people believe using fuel stabilizers solves the problem of leaving gas in the tank. While stabilizers can slow down fuel degradation, they don’t entirely eliminate the risk.
Stabilizers’ Limitations
- Limited Effectiveness: Even the best stabilizers have a finite lifespan. The protection they provide gradually decreases over time, especially in extreme temperatures.
- Not a Substitute for Proper Storage: Stabilizers should be considered an additional safeguard, not a replacement for proper storage practices.
How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter
Step 1: Run the Mower Dry
The best way to avoid the problems associated with leaving gas in the tank is to simply run the mower until the fuel is depleted.
Advantages of Running the Mower Dry
- Prevents Fuel Degradation: Running the mower dry ensures that no fresh fuel is left to degrade in the tank.
- Minimizes Gum Buildup: The fuel system is cleansed of residual fuel, preventing gum formation.
- Extends Mower Lifespan: This simple practice significantly contributes to the longevity and reliable performance of your lawnmower.
Step 2: Consider Fuel Stabilizers
While running the mower dry is the ideal solution, using a fuel stabilizer can offer an extra layer of protection, especially if you can’t completely empty the tank.
Choosing the Right Stabilizer
- Look for Quality Products: Choose a reputable brand specifically designed for small engines.
- Follow Instructions: Read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application and dosage.
Step 3: Store Your Mower Properly
Indoor Storage
If possible, store your mower indoors in a cool, dry place. This will further minimize the risk of fuel degradation and help prevent rust.
Outdoor Storage
If indoor storage isn’t feasible, ensure the mower is covered with a tarp or waterproof cover to shield it from the elements.
Step 4: Perform a Basic Maintenance Check
Before putting your mower away for the winter, consider a quick inspection:
- Clean the Mower: Remove any debris or grass clippings.
- Change the Oil: Fresh oil ensures optimal performance when you restart your mower in the spring.
- Sharpen the Blades: Sharp blades make for a cleaner cut and reduce stress on the engine.
Final Thoughts
Leaving gas in your lawnmower over winter can lead to fuel degradation, gum buildup, and potential engine damage. It’s best to run your mower dry, consider using a fuel stabilizer, and store the mower properly. With these precautions, you can ensure your lawnmower remains in top condition, ready for action when spring arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why shouldn’t I leave gas in my lawn mower over winter?
Leaving gas in your lawn mower over winter can lead to several issues. First, gasoline degrades over time, especially when exposed to the elements. This degradation causes gum and varnish to form, clogging fuel lines and carburetor parts. Second, the cold temperatures can cause condensation to form in the fuel tank, leading to water contamination. This water can freeze, further hindering fuel flow. Finally, leaving gas in the tank increases the risk of fire hazards, especially if the mower is stored indoors.
It is best to empty the gas tank and run the engine until it stalls to clear the fuel lines. This will ensure a smoother start in the spring and prevent potential engine damage.
2. What happens if I leave gas in my lawn mower over winter?
Leaving gasoline in your lawn mower over winter can lead to several issues, including:
- Clogged Fuel System: Degraded gasoline forms gum and varnish that can clog fuel lines, filters, and the carburetor, preventing proper fuel flow.
- Engine Problems: A clogged fuel system can cause engine problems like difficulty starting, sputtering, or even complete failure.
- Corrosion: The condensation that forms in the fuel tank can lead to corrosion in the tank and other fuel system components.
- Fire Hazard: Leaving gasoline in the tank increases the risk of fire hazards, particularly if the mower is stored indoors.
3. How do I properly store my lawn mower for the winter?
Proper winter storage for your lawn mower involves several steps. First, empty the gas tank and run the engine until it stalls to clear the fuel lines. Second, change the oil and filter. Finally, clean the mower thoroughly, including removing any debris or grass clippings, and store it in a dry, protected area. Consider using a lawn mower cover for extra protection.
By following these steps, you can ensure your mower is ready to go when the spring arrives.
4. Can I add a fuel stabilizer to my lawn mower?
Yes, adding a fuel stabilizer to your lawn mower’s gas tank can help prevent the degradation of gasoline over winter. Fuel stabilizers are designed to slow down the oxidation process, preventing gum and varnish formation. They can also help to absorb moisture, reducing the risk of water contamination.
However, even with fuel stabilizer, it’s still recommended to run the engine until it stalls after adding the stabilizer to clear any existing fuel from the lines.
5. How long does gas last in a lawn mower?
Gas can last in a lawn mower for several months if properly stored, but it is not recommended to leave it for an entire winter season. Gasoline starts to degrade after about 30 days, especially when exposed to heat and light. This degradation process can be slowed down with the use of fuel stabilizers.
The best practice is to empty the tank before winter and run the engine until it stalls to ensure no fuel remains in the system.
6. Is it safe to use old gas in my lawn mower?
Using old gas in your lawn mower is not recommended. Old gas can contain harmful residues like gum and varnish that can clog fuel lines and damage the engine. It can also cause poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and even engine failure.
It’s better to use fresh gas for your lawn mower. If you have old gas, you can try using it in another device like a generator, but it is always better to use fresh gas whenever possible.
7. Can I use ethanol-free gas in my lawn mower?
Using ethanol-free gas in your lawn mower is a good idea, especially for long-term storage. Ethanol attracts water and can degrade faster than regular gasoline. This can lead to fuel system problems, especially during winter storage. Ethanol-free gas is available at many gas stations and is a good option for maintaining your mower’s health.
However, even ethanol-free gas should be treated with a fuel stabilizer and the tank should be emptied before long-term storage.