Imagine this: You’re ready for a relaxing weekend of mowing the lawn. You pull out your trusty lawn mower, fill the tank with gas, and pull the starter cord. But instead of the familiar roar of the engine, you hear a sputter and then nothing. Frustration sets in as you realize your gas is old and has gone bad. Now, you’re stuck with a mower that won’t start, and a tank full of unusable fuel.
This scenario is all too common for lawn mower owners. But don’t despair! This article will equip you with the knowledge and step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively remove gas from your lawn mower tank. We’ll cover everything from safety precautions to disposal options, ensuring you can get your mower running smoothly again.
Why Remove Old Gas?
Old gas, also known as stale gas, can become unusable due to the process of evaporation. The volatile components of gasoline evaporate over time, leaving behind a sticky residue that can clog your mower’s carburetor and fuel lines. This can lead to engine problems like:
- Difficulty starting: The clogged carburetor prevents proper fuel flow, making it harder to start the engine.
- Rough running: The sticky residue can disrupt fuel delivery, leading to a rough, sputtering idle or uneven performance.
- Engine damage: If the clog is severe, it can restrict fuel flow so much that the engine stalls and eventually damages internal components.
Therefore, removing old gas and replacing it with fresh fuel is essential to keep your lawn mower running efficiently and prevent costly repairs.
Safety First: Precautions Before You Begin
Before you dive into removing gas, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Gasoline is flammable and can be hazardous if not handled properly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Avoid enclosed spaces or areas with potential ignition sources like open flames or electrical sparks.
- Wear protective gear: Use safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes, and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with gasoline.
- Have fire extinguisher handy: Keep a fire extinguisher readily available in case of any accidental spills or fires.
- Disconnect the battery: Before working on the fuel system, disconnect the battery to prevent accidental electrical ignition.
Understanding Your Lawn Mower’s Fuel System
To remove gas safely and effectively, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how a lawn mower’s fuel system works:
- Fuel tank: The gas tank holds the fuel for the engine.
- Fuel line: A rubber tube connects the tank to the carburetor.
- Fuel filter: A small filter located in the fuel line catches debris and prevents it from reaching the carburetor.
- Carburetor: This complex part mixes fuel and air to create a combustible mixture for the engine.
By understanding these components, you can visualize the flow of fuel and where to access it for removal.
The Best Way to Remove Gas from Your Lawn Mower Tank
Now that you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, let’s get into the actual process of removing gas from your lawn mower tank:
1. Locate the Fuel Tank and Disconnect the Fuel Line
- Locate the fuel tank: It’s typically located on the side or top of the mower deck.
- Disconnect the fuel line: Carefully disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. This is usually done by pinching a clamp or squeezing a quick-connect fitting.
- Remove the fuel line: Once the fuel line is disconnected, gently pull it away from the carburetor. Be careful not to damage the line or the carburetor.
2. Siphon the Fuel
- Use a siphon pump: This is the most common and efficient method for removing gas from the tank.
- Insert the siphon hose: Insert one end of the siphon hose into the tank and the other end into a container, such as a clean gas can or a jar.
- Start the siphon: Start the siphon pump by sucking on the hose or using a priming bulb, creating a vacuum. This will draw the gas out of the tank and into the container.
- Beware of air bubbles: If the siphon starts to draw air bubbles, stop and reposition the hose to ensure a continuous flow.
3. Empty the Fuel Line
Once the tank is mostly empty, remove the remaining fuel from the fuel line.
- Use a clean rag: Wipe the fuel line with a clean rag to absorb any remaining gas.
- Blow into the line: Carefully blow into the fuel line to force out any remaining fuel.
4. Reconnect the Fuel Line
- Clean the fuel line connection: Before reconnecting the fuel line, clean the connection points on the fuel line and carburetor with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Reconnect the fuel line: Carefully reattach the fuel line to the carburetor, ensuring a secure connection.
5. Dispose of the Fuel Properly
Once the gas is removed, dispose of it safely and responsibly.
- Never pour gasoline down the drain: This can contaminate water sources and harm the environment.
- Take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility: Many municipalities have dedicated facilities for disposing of hazardous materials like gasoline.
- Mix with absorbent material: You can also mix the gas with absorbent materials, like cat litter or sawdust, to solidify it. Once it’s solidified, you can dispose of it in a sealed container with non-hazardous trash.
Additional Tips and Troubleshooting
Here are some additional tips and troubleshooting steps to help you remove gas from your lawn mower tank:
- If the siphon doesn’t work: If your siphon pump isn’t working, you can try using a turkey baster or a syringe to remove small amounts of gas from the tank.
- Use a fuel stabilizer: Adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas can help prevent it from going bad in the first place.
- Consider draining the tank after each use: If you don’t plan on using your lawn mower for a while, it’s best to drain the tank and store the fuel separately.
- Inspect the carburetor: If you suspect that your carburetor is clogged, consider cleaning or replacing it.
Final Thoughts
Removing gas from your lawn mower tank is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to prioritize safety and follow the steps carefully. By understanding the process and taking necessary precautions, you can keep your lawn mower running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. Remember to always dispose of fuel responsibly and follow the recommendations of your local waste management facility.
FAQ
1. Why do I need to remove gas from my lawnmower tank?
It’s important to remove gas from your lawnmower tank for several reasons. Firstly, gasoline can degrade over time, especially when exposed to air and heat. This degradation leads to gumming and varnish formation, which can clog fuel lines and hinder your mower’s performance. Secondly, storing a full tank of gas for extended periods increases the risk of fire hazards and environmental contamination. Lastly, removing gas before performing maintenance or repairs on your mower reduces the risk of spills and accidents.
2. What are the potential risks of not removing gas from my lawnmower tank?
Not removing gas from your lawnmower tank can lead to several problems. Firstly, degraded gasoline can clog your mower’s fuel system, leading to difficult starting, reduced power, and even engine damage. Secondly, a full tank of gas increases the risk of fire hazards, especially if the mower is stored indoors or near flammable materials. Lastly, gasoline spills and leaks can contaminate soil and water sources, causing environmental damage.
3. What tools do I need to remove gas from my lawnmower tank?
You’ll need a few basic tools to safely remove gas from your lawnmower tank. A siphon pump is the most common method and can be purchased at most hardware stores. You’ll also need a suitable container for holding the drained gas, such as a gas can or a glass jar. Additionally, wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to protect yourself from spills and fumes.
4. How do I safely drain the gas from my lawnmower tank?
Draining gas from your lawnmower tank requires a few simple steps. First, ensure the mower is turned off and cooled down. Next, find the fuel tank cap and carefully remove it. Then, insert the siphon pump into the tank and start siphoning the gas into your prepared container. If your mower doesn’t have a siphon tube, you can use a small hose or a turkey baster to manually drain the gas.
5. What should I do with the drained gasoline?
Once you have drained the gas from your lawnmower tank, you need to dispose of it properly. Avoid pouring it down the drain or into the ground, as this can contaminate water sources. The best option is to take the drained gas to a local hazardous waste facility. If this isn’t possible, you can mix the gasoline with absorbent materials like cat litter or sawdust to make it less flammable and then dispose of it in a sealed container with your regular trash.
6. Can I add fuel stabilizer to my lawnmower tank to prevent gas degradation?
Yes, adding a fuel stabilizer to your lawnmower tank can help prevent gas degradation and extend the life of the fuel. Fuel stabilizers are available at most hardware stores and auto parts shops. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage and mix the stabilizer thoroughly with the fuel. Remember that even with a stabilizer, it’s still best to drain the gas from your tank after an extended period of storage.
7. How often should I remove gas from my lawnmower tank?
The frequency of removing gas from your lawnmower tank depends on how often you use it. If you use your mower regularly, you may not need to drain the tank every time. However, if you’re storing your mower for an extended period, especially during winter, it’s crucial to drain the tank to prevent fuel degradation and potential issues. It’s a good practice to drain the tank at least once every three months if the mower is not being used.