The warm days are here, and you’re finally ready to get your lawn in tip-top shape. You grab your trusty lawnmower, pull the cord, and… nothing. You’re met with a sputtering cough and a stubborn refusal to start. Sound familiar? This might be a classic case of bad gas.
While the convenience of storing gasoline for future use is tempting, it’s important to understand that gasoline is a volatile substance and it doesn’t last forever. Over time, it deteriorates, losing its potency and ability to power your mower. In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind gasoline degradation, explore how long it actually lasts, and discuss the signs of bad gas and its impact on your lawnmower. Finally, we’ll offer practical tips for keeping your gas fresh and your lawnmower running smoothly.
In short, yes, lawnmower gas goes bad. It deteriorates over time, becoming less effective and potentially damaging your mower. Understanding the factors that affect gas lifespan and implementing preventative measures can help ensure a smooth and efficient mowing experience.
Understanding Gas Degradation: Why Does It Go Bad?
Gasoline is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, additives, and other chemicals. When exposed to air, sunlight, and heat, these components react and break down. This process, known as oxidation, causes gasoline to lose its volatility and energy content.
What Happens to Gasoline When It Goes Bad?
- Loss of Volatility: Fresh gasoline readily vaporizes, allowing it to mix with air and combust efficiently. As it ages, the volatile components evaporate, leaving behind a denser, less volatile mixture. This makes it harder for the engine to ignite the fuel, leading to poor performance and difficulty starting.
- Formation of Gum and Resins: Oxidation also produces gummy deposits and resins that can clog the fuel system, including the carburetor, fuel lines, and fuel filter. These blockages restrict fuel flow, further hindering the engine’s ability to run smoothly.
- Water Contamination: Over time, condensation can accumulate in the fuel tank, creating a layer of water at the bottom. Water mixes with gasoline, leading to corrosion and further degradation.
Factors Affecting Gasoline Lifespan
The rate of gasoline degradation depends on several factors:
- Storage Conditions: Storing gasoline in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area significantly slows down the oxidation process.
- Fuel Additives: Modern gasoline contains stabilizers that slow down oxidation. However, these additives have a limited lifespan and their effectiveness diminishes over time.
- Fuel Type: Ethanol-blended gasoline tends to degrade faster than pure gasoline, especially in warm climates. Ethanol attracts moisture, accelerating the degradation process.
The Signs of Bad Gas
How can you tell if the gas in your lawnmower is past its prime? Here are some telltale signs:
- Difficulty Starting: If your mower struggles to start or sputters and dies, bad gas could be the culprit.
- Rough Idling: A rough idle or inconsistent engine speed is another indicator.
- Loss of Power: If your mower loses power while mowing, particularly when climbing hills, bad gas may be the problem.
- Fuel Smell: A strong gasoline odor coming from the mower, even when the engine is off, suggests a potential fuel issue.
- Visible Sediment: If you see sediment or debris in the fuel tank, it’s a clear sign of fuel degradation.
The Impact of Bad Gas on Your Lawn Mower
Using old gasoline in your lawnmower can have serious consequences:
- Engine Damage: The gum and varnish deposits can clog the fuel system, leading to engine damage.
- Reduced Efficiency: Old gas reduces fuel efficiency, requiring you to use more fuel to achieve the same results.
- Increased Emissions: Bad gas can cause your mower to emit more pollutants.
- Shortened Lifespan: Repeated use of bad gas can shorten the lifespan of your lawnmower.
How Long Does Lawn Mower Gas Last?
While the exact lifespan of gasoline can vary depending on factors like storage conditions and fuel type, a general rule of thumb is:
- Pure gasoline: Up to 3 months
- Ethanol-blended gasoline: Up to 2 months
However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use gasoline within the recommended timeframe.
Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Mower Gas Fresh
Here are some practical tips for extending the lifespan of your lawnmower gas:
- Use Fresh Fuel: Always use fresh gasoline and avoid storing it for extended periods.
- Store Properly: Store gasoline in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.
- Fuel Stabilizers: Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline. These additives help prevent oxidation and extend the shelf life of your fuel.
- Don’t Top Off the Tank: Avoid topping off your fuel tank, as this can trap air and accelerate oxidation.
- Empty the Tank: If you won’t be using your mower for several weeks, it’s a good idea to empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it’s out of gas. This will help prevent gum and varnish buildup.
Conclusion
Keeping your lawnmower running smoothly requires a little proactive effort, and ensuring fresh fuel is one important step. By understanding the factors that affect gasoline lifespan and following our tips for storage and use, you can prevent the headaches and damage associated with bad gas. With proper care, your mower will be ready to tackle your lawn, season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does lawn mower gas last?
Gas in your lawn mower will start to degrade after about 30 days. This is due to the volatile compounds in gasoline evaporating, leaving behind a less potent fuel. While it may still run, it can cause problems like difficulty starting, rough running, and even damage to your engine. After six months, the gas will likely be too old and should be discarded.
2. What happens when gas goes bad in a lawn mower?
As the gas degrades, it forms gum and varnish, which can clog the fuel lines, carburetor, and other engine parts. This can lead to engine problems like stalling, loss of power, or even complete failure. Additionally, the build-up of these deposits can corrode metal parts, leading to more serious and costly repairs.
3. How can I tell if my gas is bad?
There are a few signs that your gas might be going bad. The gas may have a different smell, a yellow tinge, or even a layer of condensation on top. If your mower struggles to start or runs poorly, it’s a good indication that the gas is old and needs to be replaced.
4. How do I prevent gas from going bad in my lawn mower?
The best way to prevent gas from going bad is to use a fuel stabilizer. This additive helps to slow down the degradation process and keep the gas fresh for longer. Consider using fresh gas whenever possible and always add a fuel stabilizer, even if you’re storing the mower for a short period.
5. What should I do with old gas?
Old gas should not be poured down the drain or into the ground. It’s considered hazardous waste and can contaminate water supplies. The best way to dispose of old gas is to take it to a local hazardous waste disposal facility.
6. Can I use old gas in my car?
While it’s not ideal, using old gas in your car is generally okay as long as it’s not extremely old. However, it’s best to avoid using gas that’s more than a few months old. Modern cars have fuel systems designed to handle some degradation in the fuel, but old gas can still cause problems.
7. Can I mix fresh gas with old gas?
It’s generally not recommended to mix fresh gas with old gas. The old gas will contaminate the fresh gas and accelerate the degradation process. It’s better to drain the old gas and replace it with fresh gas.