The warm sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your lawn is begging for a trim. You pull out your trusty lawnmower, ready to tackle the task. But before you start revving the engine, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip: checking the gas. Running a lawnmower out of fuel can cause serious damage, leaving you with a hefty repair bill and a frustratingly idle machine. This article will guide you through the simple process of checking your lawnmower’s gas levels, ensuring your mowing sessions run smoothly and your lawn stays perfectly manicured.
In short, checking the gas in your lawnmower is easy and involves simply looking at the fuel tank. You’ll need to find the fuel tank, often located on the side or top of the mower, and then check the fuel level by looking through the translucent fuel tank or using a dipstick.
Finding the Fuel Tank: A Quick Guide
Before you can check the gas level, you need to locate the fuel tank. It’s usually pretty easy to find:
- Look for a translucent container: Most lawnmowers have a transparent fuel tank, allowing you to easily see the fuel level. It’s usually located on the side or top of the mower.
- Check for a fuel cap: If you can’t see a translucent tank, look for a fuel cap. This will often be a black, round cap with a small vent hole. The fuel tank will be located beneath the cap.
How to Check the Gas Level: Different Techniques for Different Mowers
Once you’ve located the fuel tank, it’s time to check the gas level. The process can vary slightly depending on the type of lawnmower you have. Here are the most common methods:
Checking Gas Level in a Translucent Tank
If your lawnmower has a transparent fuel tank, the process is incredibly simple:
- Look at the tank: Simply glance at the tank and visually assess the fuel level.
- Ensure adequate fuel: Make sure the fuel level is high enough to allow you to complete your mowing session. You can generally estimate how much fuel is left by judging the height of the fuel in the tank.
Checking Gas Level Using a Dipstick
For lawnmowers with a non-transparent fuel tank, you’ll need to use a dipstick:
- Locate the dipstick: The dipstick is usually located on the side or top of the tank. It will be a metal rod with a handle.
- Remove the dipstick: Pull the dipstick out of the tank.
- Wipe the dipstick: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any fuel residue on the dipstick.
- Reinsert the dipstick: Insert the dipstick fully back into the tank.
- Remove and check the dipstick: Pull the dipstick back out and observe the fuel level on the dipstick. The dipstick will often have markings to indicate the full, half-full, and empty levels.
Common Fuel Tank Problems and Solutions
Even if you’re checking your gas levels regularly, you might encounter some issues with your fuel tank. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
1. Leaking Fuel Tank:
- Cause: A cracked or damaged fuel tank, a loose fuel cap, or a worn-out fuel line can cause fuel leaks.
- Solution: Replace the damaged fuel tank, tighten the fuel cap, or replace the fuel line.
2. Clogged Fuel Line:
- Cause: Old fuel, debris, or water can clog the fuel line.
- Solution: Clean or replace the fuel line.
3. Fuel Tank Overflowing:
- Cause: Overfilling the tank, a damaged fuel vent, or a blockage in the fuel line can cause the fuel tank to overflow.
- Solution: Avoid overfilling the tank, clear any blockages in the fuel line, or replace the fuel vent.
Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Mower Fueled Up
- Use the right fuel: Use the fuel type recommended by the manufacturer. Most lawnmowers require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
- Store fuel properly: If you’re not going to use your lawnmower for a while, store the fuel in a sealed container.
- Add fuel stabilizer: Fuel stabilizer helps prevent fuel from going bad.
- Empty the tank before storage: If you’re storing your lawnmower for a long period, it’s best to empty the fuel tank to prevent fuel from going bad.
What Happens When You Run Out of Gas?
Running out of gas while mowing is inconvenient, but it can also damage your lawnmower. When the engine runs out of fuel, it can seize up, causing damage to the engine and other parts. This can lead to costly repairs.
Conclusion: Preventative Maintenance is Key
Checking the gas level in your lawnmower is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining your mower’s health and extending its lifespan. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your lawnmower is always ready for action and your lawn stays looking its best. Remember to check the fuel level before each use, and never let the tank run completely empty. With a little preventive maintenance, you can enjoy many years of trouble-free mowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I check the gas in my lawn mower?
It’s a good idea to check the gas level in your lawn mower before every use, especially if you haven’t used it in a while. This ensures that you have enough fuel to complete your mowing task. Additionally, checking the gas level regularly can help you prevent the fuel from going bad, which can lead to engine problems.
While checking before each use is ideal, if you know you’ve filled the tank recently, you can likely skip it if you’re only mowing for a short time. However, it’s always a good idea to make checking the gas level a habit to avoid any surprises.
2. What type of gas should I use in my lawn mower?
Most lawn mowers use regular unleaded gasoline. However, it is always important to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Some manufacturers might recommend using a higher octane gas or a fuel mixture with oil for two-stroke engines.
Using the wrong type of gas can damage your engine, so it’s essential to know what your mower needs. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution and use regular unleaded gasoline.
3. What if the gas tank is empty?
If your lawn mower’s gas tank is empty, simply refill it with the recommended type of gasoline. Be sure to avoid overfilling the tank, as this can cause spills and create a fire hazard.
Once you’ve refilled the tank, start the mower and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that the fuel line is properly primed. If the mower starts and runs smoothly, you’re good to go!
4. Can I use old gas in my lawn mower?
It’s not recommended to use old gas in your lawn mower. Over time, gasoline degrades and can become gummy, which can clog the fuel system and cause engine problems. This can lead to difficulty starting the mower, poor engine performance, and even damage to the engine.
It’s best to use fresh gas that has been stored properly. If you have old gas, it’s better to discard it or use it in another application, like a gas-powered generator or weed trimmer.
5. Where is the gas cap located on my lawn mower?
The gas cap is typically located on the top or side of the lawn mower’s fuel tank. It’s usually a small, round cap with a hinged or threaded lid.
If you can’t find the gas cap, check the owner’s manual for your specific lawn mower model. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions for locating and accessing the gas tank.
6. How do I know if the gas is bad?
If you suspect the gas in your lawn mower might be bad, look for these signs:
- Color: The gas should be clear, but it may have a yellowish tint. If the gas is dark, cloudy, or has a reddish tinge, it’s likely bad.
- Smell: Fresh gas has a distinct odor. If the gas has a stale or sour smell, it may be contaminated.
- Consistency: Good gas should be thin and fluid. If the gas is thick or gummy, it’s definitely bad.
7. What should I do if I have bad gas in my lawn mower?
If you suspect the gas in your lawn mower is bad, it’s best to drain the tank and replace it with fresh gas. To drain the tank, remove the gas cap and use a siphon pump or a small container to remove the old gas.
After draining the tank, add fresh, clean gasoline and start the mower. Let it run for a few minutes to ensure that the fuel line is properly primed and the engine is running smoothly.