The sweet smell of freshly cut grass is a welcome sign of summer. But what happens when that peaceful moment is interrupted by the sputtering, coughing, and refusal of your lawnmower to start? Chances are, you’re dealing with bad gas. It’s a common problem, but thankfully, it’s often easy to fix. This article will guide you through the process of getting rid of bad gas and breathing new life into your lawnmower. We’ll cover identifying the symptoms, draining the old fuel, and cleaning your carburetor.
The Tell-Tale Signs of Bad Gas
Bad gas, also known as stale gas, occurs when gasoline ages and degrades over time. This can happen if you’ve left fuel in your lawnmower for a long period, especially during the winter months.
The most obvious sign of bad gas is when your lawnmower starts sputtering, coughs, and eventually refuses to start. Here are some other common symptoms:
- Difficulty starting: Your lawnmower may crank but fail to ignite, or it might start but quickly sputter out.
- Engine misfiring: The engine runs unevenly with a rough idle or sudden bursts of power.
- Black smoke: You might notice black smoke coming from the exhaust.
- Smell of gasoline: There might be a stronger smell of gasoline coming from the engine.
If you suspect bad gas, it’s best to address the issue quickly before it causes further damage to your lawnmower.
The Fix: Draining the Old Gas and Cleaning the Carburetor
The most effective way to deal with bad gas is to drain the old fuel and clean the carburetor. This process usually requires a few simple tools and is manageable for most DIYers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from any splashes of gasoline.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from the gasoline and any potential grime.
- A container for the old gas: This should be a container that is specifically designated for gasoline and has a tight lid.
- A siphon pump: This makes the draining process much easier. You can find siphon pumps at most hardware stores.
- A small, flat-head screwdriver: You might need this to loosen the fuel line.
- Clean rags: For wiping up any spills and cleaning the carburetor.
- Carburetor cleaner: This will be used to clean the carburetor thoroughly.
Step 2: Locate the Fuel Tank
The fuel tank on your lawnmower is usually located near the engine, but its exact position may vary depending on the model.
Step 3: Drain the Old Gas
- Locate the fuel shut-off valve: This valve is usually found on the fuel line, close to the fuel tank.
- Turn the valve off: This prevents any new fuel from entering the tank while you drain it.
- Carefully siphon the gasoline: Use the siphon pump to draw the fuel out of the tank and into your container. Be cautious to avoid any spills.
- If you don’t have a siphon pump: You can remove the fuel line from the tank and let the gas drain out into your container.
Step 4: Clean the Carburetor
- Locate the carburetor: It’s typically connected to the fuel line and sits near the engine.
- Remove the carburetor: Refer to your lawnmower’s manual for instructions on how to safely detach the carburetor.
- Clean the carburetor thoroughly: Use a carburetor cleaner and a small brush to remove any dirt, debris, or residue inside the carburetor. Pay close attention to the small jets and passages.
- Reassemble the carburetor: Carefully put the carburetor back together, ensuring that all parts are properly aligned.
Step 5: Refill the Fuel Tank
- Use fresh, high-quality gasoline: Always use fresh gasoline that is designed for small engines.
- Avoid adding fuel stabilizers: Fuel stabilizers are helpful for long-term storage, but for short-term use, they aren’t necessary.
Step 6: Test Your Lawn Mower
Once the old fuel is removed, the carburetor is cleaned, and the tank is filled with fresh gasoline, test your lawnmower. It should now start smoothly and run properly.
Preventing Future Bad Gas Issues
To avoid bad gas in the future, follow these simple steps:
- Use fuel stabilizers: If you plan to store your lawnmower for more than a few weeks, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This helps prevent the gasoline from degrading.
- Drain the fuel tank: If you’re storing your lawnmower for an extended period, drain the fuel tank completely. This will prevent the fuel from degrading and causing problems when you’re ready to use it again.
- Use fresh gasoline: Always use fresh gasoline for your lawnmower. If you’ve had gasoline in your tank for a long time, it’s best to drain it and use fresh gas.
When to Seek Professional Help
While draining the old gas and cleaning the carburetor is a simple process, it’s not always the solution. If you have an older lawnmower, it’s possible that the carburetor has become clogged and needs to be replaced.
If your lawnmower still doesn’t start after you’ve addressed the bad gas issue, you may need to seek help from a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the problem and provide necessary repairs.
Conclusion
Bad gas is a common problem that can be easily resolved with a little effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can eliminate the stale fuel and get your lawnmower running smoothly again. Remember to use fresh gasoline, avoid long-term storage without fuel stabilizer, and address any persistent problems with a qualified mechanic. With proper care, your lawnmower will continue to provide you with years of reliable service.
FAQ
What is bad gas and why is it bad for my lawn mower?
Bad gas, or stale gasoline, is gasoline that has been sitting for an extended period of time. Over time, gasoline evaporates and oxidizes, leaving behind harmful residues that can clog your lawn mower’s fuel system and damage its engine. This residue can gum up the carburetor, fuel lines, and fuel filter, causing difficulty starting, poor performance, and even engine failure.
Preventing bad gas is crucial for maintaining your lawn mower’s health and longevity. By storing your gasoline properly and using fuel stabilizers, you can avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with bad gas problems.
How do I know if my lawn mower has bad gas?
There are several signs that indicate your lawn mower may have bad gas. If you notice difficulty starting your mower, sputtering or hesitation during operation, or a decrease in power and performance, it could be a sign of bad gas. Additionally, if you see signs of fuel leaking from the carburetor or fuel lines, it could be a symptom of a clogged fuel system caused by bad gas.
If you suspect bad gas in your lawn mower, it’s best to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your equipment.
How do I get rid of bad gas from my lawn mower?
The best way to get rid of bad gas is to drain the fuel tank and replace it with fresh, high-quality gasoline. You can drain the tank by opening the fuel valve and siphoning out the old gas. Alternatively, you can use a drain plug to remove the fuel from the tank.
After draining the tank, it’s important to clean the carburetor and fuel lines with a carburetor cleaner. This will remove any remaining residue and ensure a clean fuel system for your lawn mower.
Should I use a fuel stabilizer?
Using a fuel stabilizer is highly recommended to prevent the formation of bad gas. Fuel stabilizers are additives that slow down the oxidation process and prevent the breakdown of gasoline. They can be added to your fuel tank to protect your lawn mower from the harmful effects of stale gas.
By using a fuel stabilizer, you can ensure that your gasoline remains fresh and usable for longer periods.
What is the best way to store gasoline?
Storing gasoline properly is essential to prevent it from going bad. The best practice is to store gasoline in a sealed, airtight container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid storing gasoline in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can accelerate the deterioration process.
When storing gasoline, it’s important to remember that the container must be properly labeled and stored away from any potential sources of ignition.
How long can gasoline be stored before it goes bad?
Gasoline can generally be stored for up to 3 months without significant degradation if it is stored properly. However, it’s best to use gasoline within 30 days for optimal performance and to prevent the formation of bad gas.
If you plan to store gasoline for longer periods, it’s highly recommended to use a fuel stabilizer. This will help extend the shelf life of your gasoline and ensure that it remains fresh and usable.
How do I know if the gas in my lawn mower is bad?
While it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of poor performance, there are a few telltale signs that suggest bad gas might be the culprit. A pungent odor, a discolored fuel tank, or residue in the fuel lines all point to potential gasoline degradation.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and drain and replace the fuel. This will help ensure that your lawn mower is running smoothly and efficiently.