The crisp air, changing leaves, and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes – autumn is a beautiful time. But with the arrival of cooler temperatures also comes the inevitable end of the lawn mowing season. As you prepare your mower for its winter slumber, one essential step is draining the fuel tank and carburetor. This seemingly simple task is crucial for preventing costly engine damage and ensuring your mower starts smoothly next spring.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of draining a lawn mower, explaining the reasons behind this step, and providing detailed instructions for both gas and oil. We’ll also cover some essential safety tips and address common questions you might have.
Why Drain Your Lawn Mower?
Draining your lawn mower before winter storage is essential for several reasons:
- Preventing Fuel Degradation: Gasoline can degrade over time, forming varnish and gum that can clog fuel lines and damage the carburetor. This degradation happens faster in cold temperatures, making winter storage particularly risky.
- Avoiding Engine Corrosion: Fuel contains water, which can settle in the fuel tank and carburetor, leading to corrosion and rust. Draining the tank eliminates this risk.
- Ensuring Smooth Startup: A clean fuel system ensures your mower starts easily in the spring, eliminating frustrating delays and potential engine problems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining a Lawn Mower
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- A fuel-resistant container: Choose a container specifically designed for gasoline, such as a metal gas can or a plastic container labeled for fuel.
- A funnel: This will help you pour the fuel into the container without spills.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from fuel contact.
- Eye protection: Safety goggles or glasses are essential to shield your eyes.
- A rag: Use this to clean up any spills.
- An old towel: Place this under the mower to absorb any fuel drips.
Important Safety Tip: Always work in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames and heat sources.
Now, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Mower for Draining
- Shut off the engine and allow it to cool completely.
- Remove the spark plug: This will prevent the engine from starting accidentally.
- Locate the fuel tank: Most lawn mowers have a fuel tank located on the side or top of the engine.
- Find the fuel drain valve: The valve is usually a small screw or lever located at the bottom of the fuel tank.
2. Drain the Fuel Tank
- Place your fuel container beneath the drain valve.
- Carefully open the drain valve. This will allow the fuel to flow out of the tank.
- Continue draining until all fuel has been removed.
- Close the drain valve tightly.
- Dispose of the drained fuel properly: Contact your local recycling center or waste disposal facility for instructions on safe disposal.
3. Drain the Carburetor
- Locate the carburetor: It’s usually found near the engine’s air filter.
- Find the carburetor drain screw: This is a small screw located on the bottom or side of the carburetor.
- Place a container under the drain screw.
- Open the drain screw to let the fuel out.
- Close the drain screw once the fuel stops flowing.
- Dispose of the drained fuel appropriately.
4. Additional Steps for Winterization
- Add fuel stabilizer: This helps prevent fuel degradation and ensures your mower starts smoothly next spring. Follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer bottle for the correct amount.
- Remove the air filter: Clean or replace the air filter before storing your mower.
- Change the oil: This prevents oil from thickening and damaging the engine during winter storage.
5. Storing Your Mower
- Clean your mower: Remove any dirt, grass, or debris that may have accumulated during the season.
- Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area: Avoid storing the mower in humid or damp places.
- Cover it with a protective tarp: This will help protect the mower from dust and moisture.
How to Drain a Lawn Mower with a Fuel Shut-off Valve
Some lawn mowers have a fuel shut-off valve instead of a drain screw. If your mower has a fuel shut-off valve, follow these steps:
- Locate the fuel shut-off valve: It’s usually located near the fuel tank or carburetor.
- Turn the valve to the “off” position. This will stop the flow of fuel to the engine.
- Start the engine and let it run until it stalls: This will drain the fuel line and carburetor.
- Close the fuel shut-off valve.
- Remove the spark plug and drain any remaining fuel from the carburetor: You can use a syringe or a small tube to remove fuel from the carburetor bowl.
Draining Your Lawn Mower Oil
While draining the fuel tank and carburetor is crucial, it’s also essential to drain the engine oil before winter storage. Here’s how to do it:
- Warm up the engine: Run the mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil.
- Locate the oil drain plug: It’s usually found at the bottom of the engine.
- Place a container under the drain plug.
- Carefully loosen and remove the drain plug: Oil will start to flow out.
- Wait for the oil to drain completely.
- Replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Add fresh oil: Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct type and amount of oil to use.
FAQs About Draining a Lawn Mower
- Q: How often should I drain my lawn mower? A: You should drain your lawn mower’s fuel tank and carburetor before winter storage or if you won’t be using it for more than a month.
- Q: What if I forget to drain my lawn mower? A: If you’ve forgotten to drain your lawn mower and it’s been stored for a while, you can still try to start it. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank and try to start the engine. If it runs, run it for a few minutes to circulate the fuel. If it doesn’t start, you may need to have the carburetor cleaned or replaced.
- Q: Can I use the drained fuel for something else? A: No, it’s not recommended to use drained fuel for anything else. It may have degraded and could damage other equipment.
Conclusion
Draining your lawn mower’s fuel tank and carburetor is a simple yet essential step for winterizing your equipment. By taking these steps, you can prevent costly engine damage and ensure your mower is ready to go when you need it in the spring. Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area, use appropriate safety gear, and dispose of fuel properly. And don’t forget to drain the engine oil too! With these tips, you can keep your lawn mower running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I drain the gas from my lawn mower?
Draining the gas from your lawn mower is an essential step in winterizing your equipment because gasoline can degrade over time. When it sits in the tank, it can become stale and gum up the carburetor, leading to problems when you try to start the mower in the spring. Moreover, gasoline is flammable, and storing it in a mower over the winter could pose a fire hazard. By draining the fuel, you ensure that your mower remains in good working condition and prevent any potential safety risks.
2. What kind of fuel should I use for my lawn mower?
It’s best to use fresh, high-quality gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 for your lawn mower. Avoid using fuel that’s been sitting around for a long time, as it can contain moisture and other contaminants that can damage your engine. If you’re unsure about the quality of your fuel, it’s always better to drain it and replace it with fresh fuel.
3. Is it necessary to drain the gas from a lawn mower every year?
While it’s not strictly necessary to drain the gas every year, it is highly recommended. If you live in a climate with frequent temperature fluctuations, the fuel can degrade more quickly. Even if you don’t use your mower often, it’s still a good practice to drain the gas at least once a year to prevent any potential problems.
4. How do I drain the gas from my lawn mower?
The process for draining the gas from your lawn mower varies depending on the model. You’ll typically find a drain valve at the bottom of the gas tank. If there’s no drain valve, you’ll need to siphon the gas out using a siphon pump. Make sure to drain the gas into a safe container and dispose of it properly.
5. What should I do with the drained gasoline?
Do not pour gasoline down the drain or into the ground, as it can contaminate the environment. Instead, dispose of it properly by taking it to a local hazardous waste disposal facility. You can also contact your local waste management company to find out where you can dispose of gasoline safely.
6. What other steps should I take to winterize my lawn mower?
In addition to draining the gas, you should also change the oil, clean the air filter, and sharpen the blades. You should also consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent it from degrading while in storage. Finally, make sure to store the mower in a dry, well-ventilated place.
7. What should I do if my lawn mower won’t start in the spring?
If your lawn mower won’t start in the spring, there could be several reasons. The most common reason is a clogged carburetor. You can try cleaning the carburetor yourself, or you can take it to a professional for repair. If the carburetor is clean and the mower still won’t start, there could be another problem, such as a faulty spark plug or a clogged fuel line.