The sweet scent of freshly cut grass is a sure sign of summer, but the chore of storing your lawn mower for the off-season can feel like a chore. A full gas tank can pose a problem, as old gasoline can gum up your engine and cause issues when you fire it up the following spring. Draining the gas tank is a crucial step in preparing your mower for storage, but what if you don’t have a siphon handy? Don’t worry! This article will guide you through several effective methods for draining gas from your push lawn mower without a siphon, ensuring your mower stays in top shape until the next mowing season.
A Quick Overview
The most common method for draining gas from a lawnmower without a siphon involves using gravity. This simply means tilting the mower to allow the gas to flow out of the tank. However, this method can be messy and may not be suitable for all mower models. We will explore alternative methods, such as using a syringe or a fuel line disconnect, and provide you with valuable tips and safety precautions to keep in mind throughout the process.
Utilizing Gravity: The Most Basic Method
The most basic method for draining gas from a lawn mower without a siphon is to simply tilt the mower and let gravity do the work. Here’s how to do it:
Safety First
- Wear gloves and safety glasses. Gasoline is flammable and can irritate the skin.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid enclosed spaces or areas with potential ignition sources.
- Prepare a container. Choose a suitable container to catch the fuel, like a gas can or a jar. Make sure it’s clean and dry.
Tilting the Mower for Gas Drainage
- Locate the gas tank. The tank is usually located on the top or side of the mower.
- Tilt the mower. Carefully tilt the mower so that the gas tank is facing downward.
- Open the fuel cap. Unscrew the gas cap to allow the fuel to flow out.
- Catch the gas. Place the container underneath the fuel outlet to catch the draining gas.
Tips for Success
- Be patient. It may take a few minutes for the gas to drain completely.
- Don’t overfill the container. Leave some space at the top of the container to prevent spills.
- Monitor the drain. Keep an eye on the gas flow and stop tilting the mower once the tank is nearly empty.
Potential Drawbacks
- Messy: This method can be messy, especially if you don’t have a perfect angle.
- Incomplete drainage: The tank may not drain completely due to the design of the fuel line and tank.
Using a Syringe: A More Precise Approach
If the gravity method isn’t working for you, or you want a more precise approach, a syringe can be a great tool. This method is particularly useful if your mower has a small fuel tank or if you need to drain only a small amount of fuel.
Gathering Your Supplies
- Syringe: A large syringe (20-30ml) is ideal for this task.
- Fuel line disconnect: This is a small tool that allows you to disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor.
- Gloves and safety glasses: Remember to protect yourself from spills and fumes.
- Fuel container: As before, a clean container is necessary to collect the fuel.
Draining with a Syringe
- Disconnect the fuel line. Using the fuel line disconnect, disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor.
- Insert the syringe. Carefully insert the syringe into the open end of the fuel line.
- Pull the plunger. Slowly pull the plunger of the syringe to draw the fuel from the tank.
- Empty the syringe. Empty the syringe contents into the fuel container.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the tank is empty.
- Reconnect the fuel line. Once you have drained the fuel, reconnect the fuel line to the carburetor.
Important Considerations
- Syringe size: The size of the syringe will determine how much fuel you can drain at once.
- Fuel line access: Ensure that you have access to the fuel line connection point.
- Cleanliness: Keep the syringe and fuel line disconnect clean to avoid contamination.
Fuel Line Disconnect: An Alternative Approach
The fuel line disconnect method offers a more efficient way to drain the gas tank, particularly for those who want a less messy approach.
Safety Precautions
- Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from fuel spills and fumes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent potential ignition hazards.
- Prepare a container to collect the fuel.
Steps to Drain with a Fuel Line Disconnect
- Disconnect the fuel line. Use the fuel line disconnect tool to detach the fuel line from the carburetor.
- Position the mower. Tilt the mower slightly so that the fuel line opening is pointing downwards.
- Drain the fuel. Allow the fuel to flow out of the fuel line opening and into the container.
- Reconnect the fuel line. Once the fuel is drained, reconnect the fuel line to the carburetor.
Additional Tips
- Check for fuel flow: Ensure that the fuel flows smoothly from the fuel line opening. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the tilt of the mower or check for any blockages.
- Complete drainage: Allow the fuel to drain completely before reconnecting the fuel line.
Addressing Specific Challenges
While the methods outlined above are generally effective, certain lawnmower models may require adjustments. Here are some common scenarios:
Mowers with a Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Some mowers feature a fuel shut-off valve, which can be helpful for draining the tank. To use this method:
- Locate the fuel shut-off valve. This is usually a lever or knob located near the fuel tank.
- Turn the valve to the “off” position. This will prevent any fuel from reaching the carburetor.
- Drain the fuel. Use one of the previously mentioned methods to drain the fuel from the tank.
- Reconnect the fuel line. Once the tank is empty, reconnect the fuel line to the carburetor and turn the fuel shut-off valve back to the “on” position.
Mowers with a Fuel Line Filter
Some mowers have a fuel line filter, which can sometimes trap fuel and prevent it from draining completely. If you suspect this is the case, you can try:
- Remove the fuel line filter: Disconnect the fuel line and remove the filter. You can then drain the fuel from the fuel line and filter separately.
- Clean the filter: If the filter is dirty or clogged, clean it using a fuel filter cleaner or replace it with a new one.
Mowers with a Fuel Gauge
If your mower has a fuel gauge, you can use it to monitor the fuel level and stop the draining process when the gauge indicates an empty tank.
Important Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety when dealing with gasoline. Here are some important safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid working in enclosed spaces or areas with potential ignition sources.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses. Gasoline is flammable and can irritate the skin.
- Handle gasoline with care. Avoid spilling or splashing fuel.
- Dispose of fuel properly. Dispose of the drained fuel at a designated fuel disposal facility.
- Keep fuel containers closed. Store fuel containers securely and away from any ignition sources.
- Do not smoke near fuel. Gasoline vapors are highly flammable.
- Keep children and pets away. Ensure that children and pets are not present during the draining process.
Conclusion
Draining the gas tank from your push lawn mower without a siphon is a simple task that can be accomplished with a few basic tools and techniques. Whether you choose to utilize gravity, a syringe, or a fuel line disconnect, remember to prioritize safety and follow the steps outlined in this article. By properly storing your lawn mower, you can ensure that it remains in top shape and ready for action when the next mowing season arrives.
FAQ
1. Why should I drain the gas from my lawn mower?
Draining the gas from your lawn mower is important for a few reasons. First, it prevents the gas from going bad. Over time, gasoline can lose its potency and become difficult to ignite. This can lead to problems starting your mower and poor performance. Secondly, draining the gas helps to prevent potential spills or leaks, which can be harmful to the environment and your health. Lastly, draining the gas allows you to store your mower safely for extended periods without the risk of fuel-related issues.
2. Is it safe to drain gas from my lawn mower?
Yes, it is generally safe to drain gas from a lawn mower, but it’s crucial to take precautions. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid any open flames or heat sources. Wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection. You should also dispose of the drained gas properly by taking it to a local hazardous waste facility, as dumping it directly into the ground can be harmful.
3. What tools do I need to drain the gas from my lawn mower?
To drain the gas from your lawn mower without a siphon, you will need a few basic tools:
* A clean container – A jar or bottle with a lid is ideal to collect the gasoline.
* A wrench or socket – You’ll need this to loosen the gas tank cap.
* A piece of tubing or hose – This will help you transfer the gas from the tank to the container.
4. How do I drain the gas from my lawn mower without a siphon?
First, ensure the lawn mower is off and cooled down. Locate the gas tank cap and use your wrench or socket to loosen and remove it. Next, insert one end of your tubing into the gas tank, making sure it reaches the bottom. The other end of the tubing should be placed inside your clean container. Tilt the mower slightly to allow the gas to flow from the tank into the container. Once the gas stops flowing, you can remove the tubing and secure the gas tank cap.
5. What should I do with the drained gas?
It is essential to dispose of the drained gas properly. Never pour it down the drain, into the ground, or into the trash. Instead, take the container to a local hazardous waste facility. They have the resources and expertise to handle gasoline safely and responsibly.
6. How often should I drain the gas from my lawn mower?
It is generally recommended to drain the gas from your lawn mower at least once a month, especially during the off-season. However, if you plan on storing your mower for a longer period, it’s best to drain the gas completely and run the engine until it stops to clear any remaining fuel in the carburetor.
7. Can I leave the gas in the tank if I don’t use the mower for a long time?
Leaving gas in the tank for extended periods can cause it to degrade and form varnish, which can damage the engine. This can lead to difficulty starting the mower or poor performance. It is always recommended to drain the gas and store your mower properly, especially during the winter months.