The sweet, intoxicating smell of gasoline – it’s a hallmark of summer, of weekends spent tending to the lawn. But what happens when the season ends and your trusty lawn mower needs to be tucked away for the winter? Leaving gas in the tank can lead to gumming, varnish buildup, and a whole host of problems that can make your lawn mower difficult to start next spring. This article will guide you through the process of safely and effectively emptying the gas out of your lawn mower, ensuring a smooth start next season.
A quick overview: The safest and most efficient way to empty gas from a lawn mower is by using a siphon pump. This method involves drawing the gas out of the tank and into a container, minimizing spillage and ensuring a clean process. While alternative methods exist, they often involve more risks and can be less effective.
Choosing the Right Approach
Before getting started, it’s crucial to understand the different methods for emptying your lawn mower’s gas tank.
Siphon Pump Method
The siphon pump is the most recommended method for emptying a lawn mower’s gas tank. It involves using a siphon, a flexible tube designed to draw liquid from one container to another, to transfer the gas from the tank into a safe container. This method offers several advantages:
- Safety: Using a siphon pump minimizes the risk of spills and accidental exposure to gasoline.
- Efficiency: Siphon pumps are designed to quickly and effectively transfer fluids, making it a fast and convenient process.
- Cleanliness: The siphon method helps to prevent spills and keeps your workspace clean.
How to use a siphon pump:
- Gather your materials: You’ll need a siphon pump, a clean container (such as a gas can or a jar), and a pair of rubber gloves.
- Prepare the siphon pump: Follow the instructions provided with your siphon pump. Some require priming with liquid, while others are self-priming.
- Attach the siphon pump: Place the siphon pump into the gas tank of your lawn mower, ensuring the intake end is submerged in the gasoline.
- Connect the outlet: Connect the siphon pump’s outlet to the clean container.
- Start the siphon: Follow the instructions provided with your siphon pump to initiate the flow of gasoline.
- Monitor the process: Keep a close eye on the siphon and the container to ensure a steady flow of gasoline and to avoid overfilling the container.
- Safely dispose of the gas: Once the gas tank is empty, safely dispose of the gasoline according to your local regulations.
Alternatives to Siphon Pumps
While the siphon pump is the preferred method, other options exist:
- Gravity method: This involves simply tipping the lawn mower over with the gas tank facing downwards and allowing the gas to flow out. However, this method is less efficient, more prone to spills, and can be unsafe.
- Using a small hose: This involves using a small hose to drain the gas out of the tank. This method is also prone to spills and can be difficult to manage.
These alternatives are less desirable as they can lead to spills and exposure to gasoline. The siphon pump offers the safest and most efficient method for emptying your lawn mower’s gas tank.
Safety Precautions
Gasoline is a flammable and hazardous substance. Always prioritize safety when working with gasoline:
- Wear protective gear: Always wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, and long pants to protect your skin and eyes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Avoid working in enclosed spaces, as gasoline fumes can be dangerous.
- Keep gasoline away from heat and open flames: Do not smoke or work near any heat sources while handling gasoline.
- Store gasoline properly: After emptying the tank, store the gasoline in a proper container, away from heat and open flames.
- Dispose of gasoline properly: Follow your local regulations for proper gasoline disposal.
Beyond Emptying the Tank
Once you’ve successfully emptied the gas tank, there are additional steps you can take to ensure a smooth start next season:
- Run the engine dry: After emptying the tank, run the engine until it stops to help remove any remaining gas in the fuel lines.
- Stabilize the fuel: Consider adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank before storing your lawn mower. This will help prevent fuel from degrading over time.
- Clean the carburetor: If you’re experiencing starting problems or have not used your lawn mower for a long time, consider cleaning the carburetor.
- Store properly: Store your lawn mower in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Conclusion
Emptying the gas tank of your lawn mower is an essential step in preparing it for storage during the off-season. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively empty the gas, ensuring a smooth start the next time you need to mow your lawn. Remember, always prioritize safety and follow local regulations when handling gasoline.
FAQs
1. Why do I need to empty the gas out of my lawn mower?
It’s crucial to empty the gas out of your lawn mower for several reasons. Firstly, gasoline degrades over time, losing its potency and becoming more difficult to ignite. This can lead to starting problems and engine damage. Secondly, storing gasoline in your mower over long periods poses a safety risk. Gasoline is flammable and can leak or evaporate, potentially causing a fire. Finally, emptying the gas allows you to perform routine maintenance or store your mower for an extended period safely.
2. Is it safe to empty the gas out of my lawn mower myself?
Yes, emptying the gas out of your lawn mower is generally safe if you take the proper precautions. However, it’s important to do it in a well-ventilated area, away from any open flames or sparks. Use a proper gas container designed for storing fuel, and make sure it’s tightly sealed. Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from spills or splashes.
3. What are the steps involved in emptying the gas from my lawn mower?
Emptying the gas from your lawn mower involves a few simple steps. First, ensure your mower is completely cool and the engine is off. Locate the fuel tank cap and carefully unscrew it. Next, use a siphon pump or a funnel to transfer the gasoline into your designated container. Be careful not to spill any fuel, and make sure you seal the container tightly once you’re done.
4. What should I do with the gasoline after I’ve drained it from my mower?
After emptying the gas from your mower, it’s important to dispose of it properly. Never pour gasoline down the drain or onto the ground, as this can cause environmental harm. Instead, look for local recycling centers or hazardous waste disposal facilities that accept gasoline. Alternatively, you can use the drained gasoline for other purposes, such as cleaning metal parts or running small engines.
5. How often should I empty the gas from my lawn mower?
The frequency with which you should empty the gas from your lawn mower depends on how often you use it and the type of gasoline you use. If you use your mower regularly, you can usually go a few months between draining. However, if you store your mower for an extended period, it’s best to drain the gas before storing it. Additionally, if you use gasoline that has been sitting for a long time, it’s best to drain it and replace it with fresh fuel.
6. What happens if I don’t empty the gas out of my lawn mower?
Failing to empty the gas out of your lawn mower can have several negative consequences. The gasoline can degrade, making it harder to start your mower or even causing engine damage. Additionally, the gasoline can leak or evaporate, posing a fire hazard. Lastly, if you store your mower for an extended period with gas in the tank, you may find it difficult to start it again.
7. Are there any special considerations for emptying the gas from a riding lawn mower?
Emptying the gas from a riding lawn mower is very similar to emptying it from a push mower. The main difference is that you may need to find a more stable location to perform the task. If your riding mower has a separate fuel tank for the engine and the battery, you may also need to empty the battery fuel tank as well.