The smell of gasoline and the sputtering of a lawn mower engine are familiar sights and sounds of summer. But what happens when you need to store your mower for the winter, or when you’ve accidentally overfilled the tank? You’re left with a potentially dangerous situation, as gasoline is flammable and can degrade over time. The solution? Knowing how to safely remove gas from your lawn mower. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, addressing safety precautions, the necessary tools, and various methods for draining your mower’s fuel tank.
In a nutshell, removing gas from a lawn mower involves carefully siphoning the fuel out of the tank using a siphon pump or a manual method. You’ll then need to dispose of the fuel safely and properly clean your mower’s fuel system. Let’s delve into the details.
Safety First: Understanding the Risks
Before you begin any fuel removal process, prioritize safety. Gasoline is highly flammable and can cause serious injuries if not handled correctly. Here are some crucial precautions:
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Avoid enclosed spaces or areas with potential ignition sources.
- Never smoke or use open flames: The risk of fire is extremely high.
- Wear safety glasses: Protect your eyes from fuel splashes.
- Use gloves: Prevent skin contact with gasoline, which can irritate or cause allergic reactions.
- Keep children and pets away: Ensure they are not in the vicinity during the process.
Tools You’ll Need
To successfully remove gas from your lawn mower, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- A siphon pump: This is the most efficient way to remove fuel. Choose a pump specifically designed for gasoline.
- A clean container: A sturdy plastic or metal container, at least a gallon in size, is ideal for holding the drained fuel.
- A rag or absorbent material: This will be used to clean up any spills.
- Safety glasses and gloves: As mentioned previously, these are essential for safety.
- A fuel stabilizer: This is not necessary for immediate removal, but it’s highly recommended for storing fuel long-term.
Methods for Removing Gas from Your Lawn Mower
There are several methods for draining your mower’s fuel tank. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Using a Siphon Pump
This is the most straightforward and efficient method:
Step 1: Prepare the Pump:
- Clean the siphon pump thoroughly.
- Ensure the pump hose is long enough to reach the bottom of the fuel tank.
- Place the container under the mower’s fuel tank spout.
Step 2: Start Siphoning:
- Insert the pump hose into the fuel tank, making sure it reaches the bottom.
- Start siphoning by creating suction at the other end of the hose.
- Allow the fuel to flow into the container.
Step 3: Complete the Process:
- Continue siphoning until the tank is empty.
- Once finished, remove the pump hose from the tank.
- Carefully transport the fuel container to a safe location for disposal.
2. Manual Siphoning
This method requires a little more effort but can be done without a siphon pump:
Step 1: Prepare the Materials:
- Clean a length of clear plastic tubing or hose, preferably with a diameter of 1/4 inch or larger.
- Prepare a container as described above.
Step 2: Start Siphoning:
- Place one end of the hose into the fuel tank, making sure it reaches the bottom.
- Place the other end of the hose into the container.
- Suck on the hose end that’s in the container, creating a vacuum. This will start the siphoning process.
Step 3: Complete the Process:
- Once siphoning begins, the fuel should flow into the container on its own.
- Keep the hose submerged in the tank to prevent air from entering and stopping the flow.
- Continue siphoning until the tank is empty.
3. Using a Fuel Drain Valve
Some lawn mowers are equipped with a fuel drain valve:
Step 1: Locate the Drain Valve:
- Check the bottom or side of the fuel tank for a small valve with a lever or knob.
Step 2: Open the Drain Valve:
- Open the drain valve, allowing the fuel to flow into the container below.
Step 3: Close the Drain Valve:
- Once the tank is empty, close the drain valve.
4. Removing Fuel from the Carburetor
After draining the fuel tank, you may also need to remove fuel from the carburetor:
Step 1: Locate the Carburetor:
- The carburetor is usually located near the top of the engine.
Step 2: Remove the Fuel Line:
- Carefully disconnect the fuel line leading to the carburetor.
- Hold the fuel line over the container to drain any remaining fuel.
Step 3: Clean the Carburetor:
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away any remaining fuel from the carburetor.
- It’s recommended to have the carburetor professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Properly Disposing of Gasoline
After you’ve successfully removed the gas from your lawn mower, it’s crucial to dispose of it responsibly:
- Never pour gasoline down the drain: This contaminates water supplies and is illegal in most areas.
- Don’t throw it in the trash: Gasoline can leak and pose a fire hazard.
- Contact your local waste management facility: They can provide guidance on proper disposal methods.
- Consider using a gasoline-absorbing product: These products can help neutralize the fuel and make it safer for disposal.
Cleaning Your Lawn Mower
Once you’ve removed the gas, it’s a good practice to clean your lawn mower’s fuel system:
- Clean the fuel tank: Thoroughly rinse the tank with water and dry it completely.
- Clean the fuel lines: Use a small brush or pipe cleaner to clear any debris from the lines.
- Replace fuel filters: This is a good opportunity to replace the fuel filter for optimal performance.
Storing Your Lawn Mower
After you’ve cleaned your mower, proper storage is crucial to prevent issues with your fuel system:
- Use fuel stabilizer: Adding fuel stabilizer to the fresh fuel before storing the mower can prevent fuel degradation and varnish buildup.
- Run the engine: After adding fuel stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate through the system.
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated area: This will prevent moisture from damaging your mower.
- Keep the fuel tank full: This reduces the risk of rust forming inside the tank.
Conclusion
Removing gas from your lawn mower is a necessary task for safe and efficient operation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely drain your mower’s fuel tank, properly dispose of the gasoline, and clean your fuel system. Remember to always prioritize safety, wear protective gear, and follow local disposal regulations. With careful attention to these details, you can ensure a smooth and problem-free lawn mowing season, year after year.
FAQs
1. Why do I need to remove gas from my lawn mower?
Removing gas from your lawn mower is important for several reasons. Firstly, gasoline degrades over time, becoming less efficient and harder to start your mower. Secondly, storing gasoline in your mower can lead to gum and varnish buildup in the carburetor and fuel lines, causing damage and requiring costly repairs. Lastly, removing gasoline before winter storage is essential to prevent fuel line damage from freezing temperatures.
By draining the gas and using a fuel stabilizer, you ensure that your mower runs smoothly and starts easily the next time you need it.
2. How do I safely remove gas from my lawn mower?
Removing gas from your lawn mower requires careful attention to safety. Always work in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames or sparks. Ensure your lawn mower is cold and the engine is off. Use a siphon pump or a fuel transfer pump to carefully extract the gasoline from the tank.
Never pour gasoline directly into the ground or down a drain. Dispose of it properly at a designated gasoline disposal location or a local recycling center.
3. What if I don’t have a siphon pump?
If you don’t have a siphon pump, you can use a small plastic container and a length of clear tubing. Insert the tubing into the gas tank, making sure the end is submerged in the gasoline. Then, place the other end of the tube into the plastic container and suck on the end of the tubing to start the siphon. Be careful not to inhale any gasoline vapors.
Alternatively, you can carefully pour the gas from the tank into the container, making sure to do so over a safe surface and away from any ignition sources.
4. How do I know when all the gas is out?
The best way to ensure all the gas is out is to tilt the mower back and forth while watching the fuel tank. Continue siphoning until no more gas comes out of the tank.
You can also use a small flashlight to shine into the tank to see if any gas remains. Once you’ve removed as much as possible, run the engine for a few seconds to clear any remaining fuel in the fuel lines.
5. What should I do with the gasoline after I remove it?
It’s important to dispose of gasoline responsibly. Never pour gasoline down a drain or onto the ground. You can take it to a designated gasoline disposal location at a gas station or a local recycling center.
Check with your local municipality or environmental agency for specific instructions on how to dispose of gasoline in your area.
6. Should I add anything to the fuel tank after removing the gas?
After draining the gas, it’s a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent gum and varnish buildup. Fuel stabilizers help to prevent fuel deterioration and keep your mower ready for use when you need it.
Follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer bottle carefully for the correct amount to add.
7. What if my lawn mower has a carburetor?
If your lawn mower has a carburetor, you’ll need to take extra steps to remove the gas and prevent damage. After removing the gas from the tank, you should also remove the carburetor bowl and clean it thoroughly.
This will ensure that any residual fuel is removed and prevent gum and varnish buildup from clogging the carburetor. You may also need to clean the fuel lines to ensure they are free of any debris or sediment.