The whirr of a lawn mower engine is a familiar summer sound. But what happens when the season ends, and your trusty mower sits idle? Leaving gas in the tank can lead to problems like gumming up the carburetor, making starting difficult, or even damaging your engine. That’s why it’s essential to drain the gas from your lawn mower before storing it for the winter.
This article will guide you through the process of draining gas from a lawn mower safely and effectively, ensuring your mower stays in prime condition for the next mowing season. We’ll cover the essential tools, safety precautions, and step-by-step instructions for both gas and fuel-injected models.
A Quick Overview
Draining gas from a lawn mower involves removing the fuel from the tank and carburetor using a siphon pump or a drain valve. You’ll also need to run the engine for a brief period to empty the fuel lines.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Before you begin draining the gas, gather the necessary tools and supplies:
- Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from any splashes or spills.
- Gloves: Avoid skin contact with gasoline.
- A container to catch the gas: Use a clean, sealed container specifically designed for gasoline. Never use a glass container.
- Siphon pump or drain valve: Choose the appropriate tool based on your lawn mower model.
- Shop towels: For cleaning up spills.
- A screwdriver (if necessary): For removing drain valve caps.
Safety Precautions
Gasoline is highly flammable and should be handled with extreme caution.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Avoid working in enclosed spaces, and ensure adequate air circulation.
- Keep flames and sparks away: Do not smoke or use any equipment that could ignite the gas.
- Keep children and pets away: Ensure they’re not in the area while you work.
- Wear protective gear: Always use safety glasses and gloves.
Draining Gas from a Lawn Mower with a Drain Valve
Most modern lawn mowers come equipped with a drain valve for easy fuel removal. Here’s how to use it:
- Locate the drain valve: The drain valve is usually located at the bottom of the gas tank or on the side of the carburetor. It will be a small, threaded valve with a cap.
- Position the container: Place the gas container under the drain valve.
- Remove the cap: Unscrew the cap from the drain valve.
- Open the valve: Turn the valve counterclockwise to open it and allow the gas to drain into the container.
- Close the valve: Once the gas has drained, turn the valve clockwise to close it.
- Replace the cap: Securely tighten the cap back onto the valve.
- Clean up: Use shop towels to clean up any spills.
Draining Gas from a Lawn Mower without a Drain Valve
Older lawn mowers or those without a drain valve require a siphon pump for draining gas. Here’s how to use it:
Preparing the Siphon
- Fill the siphon pump: Insert the suction tube into the gas container and pump the bulb until it’s full of air.
- Prime the siphon: Insert the discharge tube into the gas tank, ensuring it reaches the bottom.
- Start the siphon: Carefully squeeze the bulb to create a suction, drawing gas from the tank into the container.
Draining the Gas
- Monitor the flow: Watch the gas flow through the siphon pump. If the flow slows down or stops, gently squeeze the bulb again.
- Continue draining: Keep siphoning the gas until the tank is empty.
- Clean up: Use shop towels to clean up any spills.
Running the Engine to Empty Fuel Lines
Even after draining the tank, there might be some gas remaining in the fuel lines. To ensure all fuel is removed, run the engine for a brief period:
- Start the engine: Start the mower as usual.
- Let it run: Allow the engine to run until it stalls due to lack of fuel.
- Turn off the engine: Once the engine stops, shut it off and disconnect the spark plug.
Storing Your Lawn Mower
After draining the gas and running the engine, store your mower properly for the winter:
- Clean the mower: Remove any dirt, grass clippings, or debris from the mower.
- Add fuel stabilizer: If you’re storing the mower for a long period, add fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent gumming and corrosion.
- Store in a dry place: Find a dry, well-ventilated location to store your mower, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Conclusion
Draining gas from your lawn mower before storing it for the winter is crucial to prevent engine damage and ensure a smooth start in the spring. By following these simple steps and safety precautions, you can keep your mower in top condition and ready for the next mowing season. Remember, properly storing your mower ensures years of reliable service and saves you from costly repairs in the future.
FAQ
Why Should I Drain the Gas from My Lawn Mower?
Draining the gas from your lawn mower is important for several reasons. First, it helps to prevent the fuel from going bad. Gasoline can degrade over time, especially in hot conditions, and can leave behind varnish and gum deposits that can clog your carburetor and fuel lines. This can lead to problems starting your mower and ultimately damage your engine. Additionally, draining the gas helps to minimize the risk of fire hazards, especially if the mower is stored in a garage or shed.
How Often Should I Drain the Gas from My Lawn Mower?
The frequency with which you should drain the gas from your lawn mower depends on the type of fuel you’re using and how often you use the mower. For regular gasoline, it’s a good practice to drain the tank every 30 days if you’re not using the mower regularly. If you’re using your mower frequently, you can get away with draining it every 60 days. For fuel that contains ethanol, you should drain it more frequently, every 14 to 30 days.
What Tools Do I Need to Drain the Gas from My Lawn Mower?
You will need a few simple tools to safely drain the gas from your lawn mower. First, you will need a gas-rated container to store the drained fuel. A one-gallon container will be sufficient for most lawn mowers. Second, you’ll need a funnel to make the process of pouring the fuel into the container easier. Lastly, you’ll need a wrench to loosen the gas cap on your mower.
Where is the Gas Tank Drain Valve?
Most lawn mowers have a drain valve located on the bottom of the gas tank. It’s typically a small, round valve with a handle or lever that you can turn to open and close the valve. If you can’t find a drain valve, you’ll have to siphon the gas out of the tank.
How Do I Drain the Gas from My Lawn Mower?
To drain the gas from your lawn mower, start by making sure the mower is turned off and cool. Next, locate the drain valve on the bottom of the gas tank. Place a gas-rated container under the valve and open the valve by turning the handle or lever. Let the gas drain into the container until it’s empty.
What Do I Do with the Drained Gasoline?
You cannot pour the drained gasoline down the drain. This is harmful to the environment and is against local ordinances in most areas. You can dispose of the gasoline in one of two ways. First, you can take it to a local hazardous waste disposal facility. Many cities and counties have facilities that will safely dispose of gasoline and other hazardous waste. Second, you can add gasoline stabilizer to the fuel and store it in a sealed container for future use.
Can I Use the Drained Gasoline?
While you can technically use the drained gasoline in your mower, it’s not recommended. Drained gasoline can contain water and other contaminants that can damage your engine. If you’re planning to use the drained gasoline, make sure to add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent it from going bad.