Spring has sprung, and the first signs of green are pushing through the soil. That means it’s time to fire up the lawnmower and tackle those overgrown patches. But what if you’ve been neglecting your mower over the winter months? Can you just pour in fresh gas and get mowing, or will that old fuel cause more trouble than it’s worth?
This guide will delve into the world of gasoline storage and its impact on your lawnmower. We’ll cover the intricacies of fuel degradation, the risks associated with using old gas, and offer practical tips to maximize the lifespan of your mower and its fuel.
Short Answer: The lifespan of gasoline depends on several factors, including its quality, storage conditions, and additives. Generally, it’s best to use gasoline within 30 days for optimal performance and to prevent engine issues. However, with proper storage and fuel stabilizers, you might be able to extend its lifespan to a few months.
Why Does Gas Go Bad?
Gasoline is a volatile compound that reacts with air and sunlight, leading to a process called oxidation. This process breaks down the fuel molecules, resulting in:
- Lower Octane Rating: The octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to premature detonation, or knocking. As gasoline degrades, its octane rating decreases, leading to engine knocking and potential damage.
- Formation of Gums and Resins: These sticky substances form as a byproduct of oxidation and can clog fuel lines, filters, and injectors, hindering fuel delivery and affecting engine performance.
- Water Absorption: Gasoline absorbs water from the atmosphere over time. This water can separate from the fuel and cause corrosion in the fuel system and engine components.
The Impact of Old Gas on Your Lawn Mower
Using old gasoline in your lawnmower can lead to several problems, including:
Difficulty Starting
Old gas may not ignite easily, making it difficult to start your mower. This is because the fuel’s volatility decreases, making it less flammable.
Rough Running
If the old gas is not entirely burned, it can deposit gum and varnish inside the engine, causing it to run rough and lose power.
Engine Damage
In severe cases, old gas can clog the fuel system, leading to reduced fuel flow and potentially damaging your engine. The gum and varnish can also build up on the spark plugs and other engine components, hindering their performance.
Increased Emissions
Old gas burns less efficiently, leading to increased emissions. This can be detrimental to the environment and potentially affect your mower’s overall lifespan.
How Long Can You Really Leave Gas in a Lawn Mower?
There’s no definitive answer to this question. Here’s why:
1. Fuel Quality
- Fresh Gas: Fresh gasoline, ideally less than 30 days old, will generally provide optimal performance and longevity.
- Ethanol-Blended Gas: Commonly used gasoline blends contain ethanol, which absorbs water and accelerates oxidation. This type of fuel has a shorter shelf life, usually around 30 days, even when stored properly.
- Non-Ethanol Gas: Non-ethanol gasoline, also known as pure gasoline, is less susceptible to oxidation and can last longer, up to 6 months in ideal conditions.
2. Storage Conditions
- Sunlight and Heat: These factors accelerate the degradation process, leading to faster fuel deterioration.
- Air Exposure: Oxygen reacts with gasoline, causing it to oxidize. Storing fuel in an airtight container can significantly extend its lifespan.
3. Fuel Stabilizers
These chemicals are designed to slow down the oxidation process, helping to maintain the quality of gasoline over time. Fuel stabilizers are readily available at most hardware stores and can significantly extend the lifespan of your fuel, especially if you plan to store it for an extended period.
Tips for Storing Gasoline in Your Lawn Mower
- Use Fresh Gas: Always start with fresh gas, ideally less than 30 days old.
- Consider Non-Ethanol Gas: This type of fuel can last longer, especially if stored for a significant duration.
- Add Fuel Stabilizer: Utilize a fuel stabilizer to protect your gasoline and extend its lifespan.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing your fuel in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store fuel in airtight containers to minimize air exposure.
- Drain Old Gas: If you’re storing your lawnmower for a prolonged period (over a month), drain the fuel tank to prevent fuel degradation and potential damage.
Conclusion
Understanding how gasoline deteriorates and the risks associated with using old fuel is crucial for maintaining your lawnmower’s health and performance. While fresh gasoline offers the best results, with proper storage and fuel stabilizers, you can extend the lifespan of your fuel and reduce the risk of engine problems. Remember to use fresh gasoline whenever possible and follow our storage tips to keep your mower running smoothly for years to come.
FAQ
How long can gasoline sit in a lawn mower?
The amount of time you can leave gasoline in a lawn mower varies depending on several factors, such as the type of fuel, the storage conditions, and the age of the fuel. Generally, you can expect to leave gasoline in a lawn mower for about 30 days without any issues. However, it’s best to use it within 30 days for optimal performance.
After 30 days, the gasoline will start to degrade and lose its effectiveness. This will result in a decrease in power, difficulty starting the engine, and potential damage to the engine. The longer you leave the gasoline in the lawn mower, the more likely it is to cause problems.
What happens to gasoline when it sits in a lawn mower?
Gasoline is a volatile substance that degrades over time when exposed to air and sunlight. This degradation process involves the evaporation of volatile components and the oxidation of remaining components, leading to the formation of gums, varnishes, and other deposits. These deposits can clog fuel lines, carburetor jets, and other engine components, hindering fuel flow and engine performance.
As the gasoline degrades, it also loses its ability to ignite properly, making it harder to start the engine. The resulting incomplete combustion can produce harmful emissions and reduce engine efficiency. Ultimately, leaving old gasoline in your lawn mower can lead to costly repairs.
Can I use stabilizer to extend the shelf life of gasoline in a lawn mower?
Yes, using a fuel stabilizer can extend the shelf life of gasoline in a lawn mower. Fuel stabilizers are chemical additives that slow down the degradation process of gasoline by preventing oxidation and the formation of gums and varnishes. They can extend the shelf life of gasoline up to several months, depending on the type of stabilizer and storage conditions.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the fuel stabilizer. Adding too much or using the wrong type of stabilizer can damage the engine. Always store the lawn mower in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
What are the signs of bad gas in a lawn mower?
Several signs indicate that the gasoline in your lawn mower is bad and needs to be replaced. These signs include difficulty starting the engine, a loss of power, sputtering or misfiring, and black smoke coming from the exhaust.
If you notice any of these signs, drain the old gasoline from the tank and replace it with fresh, stabilized gasoline. You may also want to clean the carburetor and fuel lines to remove any deposits that may have formed.
What should I do if I have old gasoline in my lawn mower?
If you have old gasoline in your lawn mower, it is best to drain it and replace it with fresh gasoline. However, if the gasoline is less than 30 days old and you are experiencing starting issues, you can try adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank and running the engine for a few minutes.
This will help to mix the stabilizer with the existing gasoline and prevent further degradation. If the engine still has problems after adding the stabilizer, you should drain the tank and replace the gasoline with fresh fuel.
How do I drain the gas from my lawn mower?
Draining the gasoline from your lawn mower is a simple process that involves a few steps. First, locate the fuel tank cap and remove it. Next, find the drain valve or drain plug on the bottom of the tank. Place a container underneath the drain valve or plug to collect the gasoline.
Open the drain valve or unscrew the plug, and let the gasoline drain into the container. Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve or replace the plug. Dispose of the old gasoline properly by taking it to a designated recycling center.
What are some tips for storing gasoline in a lawn mower?
To extend the shelf life of gasoline in your lawn mower, consider these storage tips. Store the lawn mower in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight as it can accelerate the degradation process.
Always use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the formation of gums and varnishes. Keep the fuel tank full to minimize the amount of air in the tank. Before storing the lawn mower for an extended period, run it for a few minutes to ensure the fuel reaches all parts of the fuel system.