Starting your lawn mower only to find it sputtering and refusing to run can be incredibly frustrating. Often, the culprit is stale gasoline, which can gum up your engine and make it difficult to start. So, how do you deal with this sticky situation? The answer is simple: run the gas out of your lawn mower.
This article will guide you through the process of safely and effectively running out your lawn mower’s fuel. We will cover the various methods for burning off the old gas, understand why this is necessary, and provide essential safety precautions to keep in mind.
Why Run Gas Out of Your Lawn Mower?
Fuel degrades over time, especially gasoline. When gasoline sits in your lawn mower’s tank, it can begin to form varnish and gum. These deposits can clog the fuel lines, carburetor, and other crucial parts of the engine, leading to:
- Difficulty starting: The engine may sputter, cough, or simply refuse to start.
- Poor performance: The lawn mower may run sluggishly or lose power.
- Engine damage: The accumulation of varnish and gum can lead to engine damage, requiring costly repairs.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to run the old gas out of your lawn mower periodically. This ensures that your engine is running on fresh, clean fuel, leading to a smoother operation and a longer lifespan.
Running the Gas Out: Methods and Safety Tips
The easiest way to run gas out of your lawn mower is to simply use it. This can be done by:
- Mowing your lawn: If you have a small lawn or just a few patches of grass that need attention, you can use this as an opportunity to burn off the old gas.
- Running the engine for a short period: Even if you don’t need to mow, you can run the engine at a high speed for a few minutes to use up the remaining fuel.
Here are some additional tips for running the gas out of your lawn mower:
Safety First:
- Always operate your lawn mower in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline fumes are flammable and potentially toxic.
- Never run your lawn mower indoors.
- Keep children and pets away from the operating area.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and closed-toe shoes.
Important Considerations:
- Don’t try to siphon the gas. Siphoning can be dangerous and may not remove all of the old fuel.
- Use a fuel stabilizer. Adding a fuel stabilizer to your gas can help prevent the formation of varnish and gum. This is especially important if you know you’ll be storing your lawn mower for an extended period.
- Don’t overfill the tank. Overfilling can lead to fuel leaks and spills.
Running Out the Gas: Method 1 – Mowing Your Lawn
This is the most natural and effective way to burn off the old gas, especially if you have a lawn that needs attention. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Inspect and Prepare
- Check your lawn mower for any potential issues: Make sure the blades are sharp, the air filter is clean, and the spark plug is in good condition.
- Ensure the fuel tank is at least half full: You’ll need enough fuel to run the mower long enough to burn off the old gas.
- Check for any leaks or spills: Make sure your fuel tank and lines are free of leaks.
Step 2: Start and Mow
- Start your lawn mower according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mow your lawn at a steady pace. This will help the engine burn fuel efficiently.
- Don’t stop frequently. If you need to stop, don’t let the engine idle for too long, as this can cause fuel to settle and accumulate in the carburetor.
Step 3: Complete the Cycle
- Continue mowing until you’ve used up most of the fuel. You should notice that the engine runs more smoothly as the old gas is replaced with fresh fuel.
- Once the lawn mower begins to sputter or stall, it’s a sign that you’re running low on fuel.
- Turn off the lawn mower and allow it to cool down.
Running Out the Gas: Method 2 – Engine Run Time
This method is helpful if you don’t have a lawn to mow but still want to run the old gas out of your mower.
Step 1: Preparation
- Follow the safety precautions outlined earlier.
- Ensure your lawn mower is in a safe and well-ventilated area.
- Check the fuel tank to ensure it’s at least half full.
Step 2: Running the Engine
- Start your lawn mower according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Increase the engine speed to the highest setting.
- Let the engine run for 10-15 minutes. This will help burn off a significant amount of the old fuel.
Step 3: Completing the Process
- Continue running the engine until it begins to sputter or stall.
- Turn off the lawn mower and let it cool down.
Running Out the Gas: Method 3 – Adding Fresh Fuel
This method can be helpful if you want to avoid running the engine for a long period or if you don’t have enough gas to burn it all off.
Step 1: Adding Fresh Fuel
- Add fresh, high-quality gasoline to your lawn mower’s tank.
- Be sure to add enough fuel to dilute the old gas.
- Don’t overfill the tank.
Step 2: Running the Engine
- Start your lawn mower and run it for a few minutes. This will mix the new fuel with the old fuel.
- Run the engine until it sputters or stalls.
Step 3: Final Steps
- Turn off the lawn mower and allow it to cool down.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you’ve used up most of the old fuel.
Preventing Future Fuel Issues
After successfully running the gas out of your lawn mower, take steps to prevent future problems:
- Store your lawn mower properly. When you’re not using your lawn mower, store it in a cool, dry place.
- Use fresh gasoline. Always use fresh gasoline in your lawn mower.
- Add a fuel stabilizer. A fuel stabilizer can help prevent the formation of varnish and gum in your fuel tank and carburetor.
- Clean your carburetor regularly. A clean carburetor will help ensure that your lawn mower starts easily and runs smoothly.
Conclusion: Keep Your Lawn Mower Running Smoothly
Running the gas out of your lawn mower is a simple yet effective way to prevent engine problems and maintain your mower’s performance. By following the methods and safety tips outlined in this article, you can ensure your lawn mower starts easily and runs smoothly for years to come. Remember to be mindful of safety precautions, and consider using a fuel stabilizer to further protect your mower’s engine.
FAQ
1. Why Do I Need To Run Gas Out of My Lawn Mower?
It’s crucial to run the gas out of your lawnmower for several reasons. First, old gasoline can gum up the carburetor and fuel lines, leading to engine problems. Second, it’s a safety precaution as gasoline is a flammable substance. Storing your lawnmower with fuel in the tank increases the risk of a fire or explosion. Finally, running the gas out helps extend the life of your lawnmower.
2. How Long Does It Take To Run Gas Out of a Lawn Mower?
The time it takes to run out of gas depends on the size of the tank and the type of lawnmower. A small mower with a 1-gallon tank could take around 30 minutes to an hour to run out of gas. A larger mower with a 2-gallon tank could take up to 2 hours. It’s best to run the lawnmower until it stalls due to running out of gas.
3. Can I Just Drain the Gas Out of the Tank?
While it’s tempting to simply drain the gas out of the tank, this isn’t the most effective method. Some fuel will still remain in the fuel lines and carburetor, causing problems later. Running the engine until it stalls ensures all the gas is used up and helps clean out the fuel system.
4. What Happens If I Don’t Run the Gas Out of My Lawn Mower?
If you don’t run the gas out of your lawnmower, you risk damaging the fuel system. Old gasoline can form varnish and deposits that can clog the fuel lines and carburetor, making it difficult for the engine to start or run smoothly. In severe cases, these deposits can permanently damage the engine.
5. Is It Safe to Run My Lawn Mower Until It Runs Out of Gas?
Yes, it is safe to run your lawnmower until it runs out of gas. Just be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area and keep an eye on the engine to make sure it’s not overheating. It’s also a good idea to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any potential spills or splashes.
6. Can I Add New Gas to Old Gas in My Lawn Mower?
It’s not recommended to add new gas to old gas. Mixing old and new gasoline can create a less stable fuel mixture that can cause problems for your engine. It’s better to use up the old gas and then fill the tank with fresh gasoline.
7. What Should I Do After Running the Gas Out of My Lawn Mower?
Once the lawnmower has run out of gas, you can add a fuel stabilizer to the empty tank. This helps prevent the formation of varnish and deposits in the fuel system. You can also change the oil and spark plug to ensure your lawnmower is in top shape for next season.