Spring is finally here, and the sweet scent of freshly cut grass fills the air. It’s the perfect time to get your lawn mower out of storage and ready for action. But before you fire up the engine, you need to address an often-overlooked issue: old gasoline. This article will guide you through the process of removing old gas from your lawn mower, covering everything from why it’s essential to the safest and most effective methods for doing so.
While it might seem tempting to simply add fresh gas to the old fuel, doing so can cause problems down the line. Old gas degrades over time, forming gum and varnish that can clog your lawn mower’s fuel system, leading to engine trouble, costly repairs, and even damage to your engine.
Why Remove Old Gas from Your Lawn Mower?
Old gasoline, especially if it’s been sitting for a while, becomes unusable and can cause significant damage to your lawn mower’s engine. Here’s why removing old gas is essential:
1. Fuel Degradation:
Over time, gasoline breaks down, resulting in the formation of harmful substances like gum and varnish. These substances can:
- Clog fuel lines: Gum and varnish build up inside the fuel lines, restricting fuel flow and leading to engine stalling or difficulty starting.
- Clog carburetor: The carburetor is responsible for mixing fuel and air. Clogged jets can lead to a rich fuel mixture, causing misfires, rough idling, and difficulty starting.
- Damage fuel pump: The fuel pump can also get clogged by gum and varnish, leading to decreased fuel pressure and potential failure.
2. Engine Problems:
Using old gas can lead to various engine problems:
- Difficulty starting: The engine may struggle to start, especially in cold weather.
- Rough idling: The engine may run unevenly or stall at idle.
- Misfires: The engine may experience misfires, causing poor performance and a decrease in power.
- Reduced lifespan: Old gas can contribute to premature engine wear and tear, reducing its lifespan.
Methods for Removing Old Gas from Your Lawn Mower
There are several methods for removing old gas from your lawn mower, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common techniques:
1. Siphoning:
This method involves using a siphon to manually transfer the old gas from the tank to a separate container.
Advantages:
- Easy: Siphoning is a simple and straightforward method that doesn’t require any special tools.
- Effective: It allows you to remove most of the old gas from the tank.
Disadvantages:
- Messy: Siphoning can be messy, especially if the old gas is thick or contains sediment.
- Not ideal for small amounts: Siphoning might not be practical for removing small amounts of old gas.
2. Using a Fuel Drain Valve:
Many lawn mowers have a fuel drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. This valve allows you to drain the old gas directly into a container.
Advantages:
- Clean and efficient: Using a fuel drain valve is a clean and efficient way to remove old gas.
- Easy to access: The drain valve is typically located in a convenient spot for easy access.
Disadvantages:
- Not all mowers have one: Not all lawn mowers are equipped with a fuel drain valve.
- Can be difficult to operate: Some drain valves can be difficult to operate, requiring force or a special tool.
3. Using a Fuel Line Disconnect:
If your lawn mower doesn’t have a drain valve, you can disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and allow the old gas to drain out.
Advantages:
- Universally applicable: This method can be used on any lawn mower regardless of whether it has a drain valve.
- Effectively removes old gas: This method ensures you remove the old fuel from the fuel line and carburetor.
Disadvantages:
- Requires tools and knowledge: Disconnecting the fuel line requires some technical knowledge and basic tools.
- May require additional cleaning: You may need to clean the fuel line and carburetor after disconnecting the fuel line.
Safely Removing and Disposing of Old Gas
1. Safety Precautions:
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Gasoline fumes are flammable and toxic. Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
- Keep away from open flames: Never work with gasoline near open flames or heat sources.
- Wear protective gear: Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with gasoline.
- Store gasoline safely: Only store gasoline in approved containers and keep them away from heat and ignition sources.
2. Disposal:
- Check local regulations: Dispose of old gasoline responsibly by following local regulations.
- Recycle if possible: Some recycling centers accept old gasoline for disposal.
- Never pour it down the drain: Never pour gasoline down the drain or into the ground.
Preventing Future Gas Problems
1. Use Fresh Gas:
Always use fresh gasoline in your lawn mower. Avoid storing gasoline for extended periods, as it degrades over time.
2. Stabilize the Fuel:
If you need to store gasoline for longer periods, consider adding a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers help to prevent gum and varnish formation.
3. Drain the Tank Before Storage:
Before storing your lawn mower for an extended period, it’s essential to drain the tank and fuel lines. This prevents fuel from degrading and causing problems.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Lawn Mower Running Smoothly
Removing old gas from your lawn mower is an essential maintenance task that can prevent engine problems and ensure a long lifespan for your equipment. By following the safety precautions and disposal guidelines outlined above, you can effectively remove old gas and keep your lawn mower running smoothly. Remember to use fresh gas, consider using fuel stabilizer, and drain the tank before storage to avoid future fuel-related issues. Enjoy a hassle-free mowing season with a properly maintained lawn mower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why should I remove old gas from my lawn mower?
A: Old gasoline, also known as stale gas, deteriorates over time, losing its volatility and forming varnish and gum. This residue can clog the fuel lines, carburetor, and other engine components, leading to difficulty starting, poor performance, and even engine damage. Moreover, stale gas emits harmful pollutants, contributing to air pollution. Removing old gas from your lawn mower ensures proper engine operation and reduces environmental impact.
Q2: How do I know if the gas in my lawn mower is old?
A: If your lawn mower’s gas has been sitting for more than 30 days, it’s likely old and should be replaced. However, the exact age depends on factors such as the quality of the gas, storage conditions, and fuel stabilizer use. You can usually tell if gasoline is old by its smell – stale gas will have a pungent odor. Additionally, look for any discoloration or sediment in the fuel tank.
Q3: How do I safely remove old gas from my lawn mower?
A: Safely removing old gas requires careful handling. First, ensure the lawn mower is turned off and cool. Wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection. Next, use a siphon pump or a gas extractor to carefully remove the gas from the tank. Store the old gas in a sealed container and dispose of it properly at a hazardous waste facility.
Q4: What should I do with the old gas after I remove it?
A: Do not pour old gasoline down the drain, as it can contaminate water supplies. Do not burn it, as this can release harmful fumes. Instead, take the old gas to a local hazardous waste facility or a gas station that accepts old gasoline for recycling. They will handle it properly and prevent environmental damage.
Q5: Can I add fresh gas to the old gas?
A: While it might seem like a quick fix, adding fresh gas to old gas is not recommended. The fresh gas will not improve the quality of the old gas and can actually worsen the problem by creating a mixture that is even more prone to forming gum and varnish.
Q6: Is there a way to prevent gas from going bad?
A: You can prevent gas from going bad by using a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizer helps to prevent the breakdown of gasoline, extending its lifespan. Add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before storing your lawn mower for extended periods. Always check the product’s instructions for the correct dosage.
Q7: What should I do after removing the old gas?
A: After removing the old gas, fill the tank with fresh, stabilized gasoline. Next, run the lawn mower for a few minutes to allow the fresh fuel to circulate through the system. This helps clear out any remaining residues from the old gas. Finally, check the fuel lines, carburetor, and other fuel-related components for signs of clogging and clean them as needed.