The sound of a well-maintained lawn mower humming through your yard is a satisfying soundtrack to a summer day. But keeping that engine purring requires more than just occasional mowing. One essential step, often overlooked, is regularly changing the gas. Old gas can gum up your mower’s carburetor, leading to poor performance, difficult starting, and even engine damage. This article will walk you through the process of changing gas in your lawn mower, covering everything from safety precautions to proper disposal.
In a nutshell, changing gas in a lawn mower is a straightforward process that involves draining the old fuel, refilling with fresh gasoline, and properly disposing of the old gas. Let’s break down each step in detail:
Step 1: Safety First!
Before tackling any lawn mower maintenance, safety should be your top priority. Here are a few essential precautions:
1. Cool Down the Engine
Never attempt to change gas in a hot engine. Allow the mower to cool down completely after use. This will prevent accidental burns or spills.
2. Wear Protective Gear
Gasoline is a flammable and volatile substance. Protect yourself with safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.
3. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
Gasoline fumes are toxic. Ensure you’re working in an open area with good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.
Step 2: Draining the Old Gas
Once the engine is cool, you can safely begin draining the old gas.
1. Locate the Gas Tank
The gas tank is usually situated on the side or top of your lawn mower. It’s typically marked with a gas symbol or a label indicating “Gasoline” or “Fuel.”
2. Prepare a Container
Find a clean, tightly sealed container to collect the old gas. A gas can or a plastic jug will work well. Make sure it’s labeled appropriately to avoid any confusion.
3. Open the Gas Cap
Carefully unscrew the gas cap and place it safely aside.
4. Position the Mower
Tilt the mower slightly forward so that the gas tank is positioned higher than the drain spout. This will help facilitate the draining process.
5. Locate the Drain Spout
Most lawn mowers have a drain spout located at the bottom of the gas tank. This may be a small cap or a valve.
6. Open the Drain Spout
Carefully open the drain spout and allow the old gasoline to flow into the prepared container.
7. Close the Drain Spout
Once the gas has completely drained, close the drain spout and ensure it’s properly sealed.
8. Dispose of the Old Gas
Never pour old gasoline down the drain or into the ground. It’s harmful to the environment. Take the container to a designated hazardous waste disposal center or check with your local waste management agency for proper disposal instructions.
Step 3: Refilling with Fresh Gas
Now that you’ve drained the old gas, it’s time to refill with fresh gasoline.
1. Choose the Right Fuel
Always use the type of gasoline recommended by your lawn mower’s manufacturer. This information is usually found in the owner’s manual. Most lawn mowers require unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
2. Avoid Adding Additives
Adding gasoline additives is not generally recommended for lawn mowers. They can sometimes cause more harm than good.
3. Refill the Tank
Carefully pour fresh gasoline into the tank until it’s almost full. Don’t overfill the tank as this can cause spillage.
4. Secure the Gas Cap
Tightly screw on the gas cap to ensure a proper seal.
Step 4: Start the Engine
After refilling the tank, it’s time to start the engine and check for leaks.
1. Start the Engine
Follow the standard procedure to start your lawn mower.
2. Check for Leaks
Once the engine is running, carefully inspect the gas tank and surrounding areas for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, stop the engine immediately and address the problem before continuing.
Step 5: Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
Changing the gas regularly is an important step in keeping your lawn mower running smoothly. Here are some other maintenance tips:
1. Regular Oil Changes
Follow your owner’s manual recommendations for changing the engine oil.
2. Air Filter Cleaning
Clean or replace the air filter regularly. This will ensure proper air intake and engine performance.
3. Blade Sharpening
Sharpen the blades at least once a year or more often if you notice any damage or dullness.
4. Winterizing
If you live in a cold climate, it’s important to winterize your lawn mower before storing it. This involves draining the fuel system and adding stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
Final Thoughts
Changing the gas in your lawn mower is a simple yet essential maintenance task. By taking the time to perform this routine procedure, you’ll help ensure that your mower runs smoothly, efficiently, and for many seasons to come. Always prioritize safety by following the steps outlined in this guide and remember to dispose of old gas responsibly.
FAQ
What type of gas should I use in my lawnmower?
You should use gasoline specifically formulated for small engines, often labeled “gasoline for small engines” or “gasoline for lawnmowers.” This type of gas is blended with additives designed to prevent gumming and varnish buildup in the engine’s fuel system. Avoid using regular unleaded gasoline, as it can lead to performance issues and shorten the life of your mower’s engine.
For the best results, use fresh gasoline that’s no more than 30 days old. Gasoline degrades over time, leading to gum and varnish formation. Store gasoline properly in a sealed container to maintain its quality.
Can I use ethanol-free gasoline in my lawnmower?
While ethanol-free gasoline is great for older engines and storage, using it in newer lawnmowers is not always necessary. Most modern lawnmower engines are designed to handle gasoline with a standard ethanol content. However, if you experience starting issues or performance problems, using ethanol-free gasoline can be beneficial.
If you’re unsure about the ethanol content in your local gasoline, check with your lawnmower manufacturer or a local gas station. They can provide information on available gasoline types and their suitability for your mower.
How often should I change the gas in my lawnmower?
It’s best to change the gas in your lawnmower every 30 days, regardless of how much you use it. Gasoline begins to degrade after 30 days, leading to gum and varnish buildup, which can clog the fuel system and cause engine problems.
Even if you only use your mower occasionally, changing the gas every month helps to prevent these issues. It’s a simple maintenance task that can save you from more significant repairs down the road.
How do I know if the gas in my lawnmower is bad?
There are several signs that indicate your lawnmower gas is bad and needs to be replaced. One obvious sign is if the gas has a strong odor or is discolored. Another indication is if you notice difficulty starting your mower or it runs poorly.
If you’ve had gas in your mower for more than 30 days, it’s best to replace it, even if it appears normal. Regular gas changes prevent engine problems and ensure smooth operation.
What if I have old gas in my lawnmower?
If you have old gas in your lawnmower, it’s best to drain it and replace it with fresh gas. However, avoid draining gas directly onto the ground, as it’s harmful to the environment. Instead, use a siphon pump to remove the old gas and store it in a sealed container for later disposal at a designated hazardous waste collection site.
After draining the old gas, you can fill the tank with fresh gas and run the mower for a few minutes to help clear any remaining fuel residue.
What if I spill gas while filling my lawnmower?
If you spill gas, immediately wipe up the spill with a cloth or paper towels. Avoid using flammable materials like gasoline or kerosene to clean up the spill, as this can create a fire hazard.
Once the spilled gasoline is cleaned up, dispose of the contaminated rags or paper towels properly in a sealed container, as they pose a fire risk.
What should I do if I accidentally put gas in my lawnmower’s oil tank?
If you mistakenly put gas in your lawnmower’s oil tank, it’s important to act quickly to prevent damage to your engine. First, turn off the engine and do not start it again. Immediately drain the oil from the engine and dispose of it properly.
Then, refill the oil tank with the correct type of oil for your lawnmower. It’s a good idea to check your engine’s oil level and replace the oil more frequently after this incident to ensure proper lubrication. Contact a local lawnmower repair shop for professional guidance and assistance.