You’re ready to store your trusty lawn mower for the winter, or maybe you just bought a new one and need to get rid of the old fuel. Whatever the reason, draining the gas from your lawn mower is a simple task that can save you headaches and potential damage down the line. This article will guide you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring you do it safely and effectively. We’ll cover everything from the tools you need to the best practices for handling gasoline, along with some tips for dealing with stubborn fuel and ensuring your mower is ready for its next use.
A Quick Overview:
Draining gas from a lawn mower involves siphoning the fuel out of the tank using a siphon pump or a hose. The process requires a few basic tools and careful handling of gasoline due to its flammability. By following the right steps, you can safely and efficiently remove gas from your lawn mower and prevent potential issues like fuel degradation and engine damage.
Gathering Your Tools
Before you start draining the gas, ensure you have the following tools on hand:
- Siphon Pump: This is the most convenient tool for draining gas. It creates suction to draw the fuel out of the tank. You can find siphon pumps at most hardware stores or online.
- Hose: If you don’t have a siphon pump, you can use a length of clear plastic tubing (about 1/4 inch in diameter).
- Container: You’ll need a container to catch the drained gas. A gas can or a large, sealable jar will work well.
- Gloves: Protective gloves are essential to avoid skin contact with gasoline, which can cause irritation.
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles will protect your eyes from gasoline splashes.
- Rag: A clean rag will come in handy for wiping up any spills.
- Work Gloves: It’s best to have work gloves for this task, as you’ll be handling metal parts.
Choosing the Right Method: Siphon Pump vs. Hose
There are two main ways to drain gas from a lawn mower: using a siphon pump or a hose.
Siphon Pump: This is the easiest and most reliable method. Siphon pumps are specifically designed for draining liquids and create suction that pulls the gas out of the tank.
Hose: This method requires a bit more effort. It involves using a length of hose to create suction and drain the fuel. This method can be more difficult, especially if the gas tank is full.
How to Drain Gas Using a Siphon Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Area: Choose a well-ventilated area away from any heat sources or open flames. It’s also a good idea to have a bucket of water nearby in case of an accidental spill.
- Safety First: Put on your safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and skin.
- Position the Mower: Place the lawn mower on a level surface and make sure the fuel valve is in the “off” position.
- Prepare the Siphon Pump: Remove the cap from the gas tank and insert the siphon pump’s nozzle into the tank.
- Prime the Pump: Use the siphon pump’s bulb to create suction, which will draw gas into the pump.
- Start Draining: Place the hose end of the siphon pump into your chosen container. The gasoline will flow from the tank into the container.
- Monitor the Process: Keep an eye on the fuel level in the tank. When the flow slows down, you can lift the siphon pump slightly to encourage more gas to flow.
- Finish Up: Once the tank is empty, remove the siphon pump and carefully place the hose and pump in a safe location for cleaning.
- Dispose of the Fuel: Gasoline is a hazardous material, so it’s important to dispose of it properly. Never pour it down the drain. Check with your local waste disposal service for proper disposal methods.
- Clean Up: Clean up any spills immediately with a rag and some soapy water. Make sure to dispose of the contaminated rag properly as well.
How to Drain Gas Using a Hose: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Area: Follow the same safety precautions as when using a siphon pump.
- Prepare the Hose: Use a length of clear plastic tubing (about 1/4 inch in diameter). Cut one end of the hose at an angle to create a sharp edge.
- Create Suction: Place the hose’s sharp end into the gas tank and suck on the other end of the hose to create suction. You can also use your mouth to create suction, but this is not recommended, as gasoline fumes can be harmful.
- Drain the Gas: Once you’ve created suction, quickly place the other end of the hose into your container. The gas will flow from the tank into the container.
- Continue Draining: If the flow stops, you may need to repeat the suction process.
- Finish Up: Once the tank is empty, remove the hose and dispose of the fuel properly.
Tips for Removing Stubborn Fuel
If you’re having trouble draining the gas, here are a few additional tips:
- Use a Funnel: If your hose is too small to fit through the tank opening, use a funnel to guide the gas into your container.
- Tilt the Mower: If the gas tank is very full, you can tilt the mower slightly to help the gas flow out. Be careful not to tilt it too much, as this could cause the gas to spill.
- Try a Different Hose: If you’re using a hose, try using a longer or thinner hose to see if that helps.
- Warm the Gas Tank: If the gas is very cold, you can try warming the tank with a heat gun or hair dryer to make it easier to flow. Use caution and avoid overheating the tank.
- Add a Little Air: If the tank is mostly empty, you can try blowing a little air into the tank to force the remaining fuel out. Use caution and don’t blow too much air, as this could cause the tank to explode.
Storing Your Lawn Mower After Draining the Gas
Once you’ve drained the gas from your lawn mower, you need to prepare it for storage. Here are some essential steps:
- Clean the Tank: After draining the gas, it’s a good idea to clean the tank with a small amount of gasoline to remove any remaining residue.
- Replace the Cap: Make sure to replace the gas cap tightly to prevent moisture from entering the tank.
- Check the Oil: Check the oil level and top it off if necessary.
- Clean the Mower: Clean any dirt or debris from the mower’s exterior.
- Store in a Dry Place: Store the mower in a dry, well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight and moisture.
Final Thoughts: Safety First
Draining gas from your lawn mower may seem like a simple task, but it’s important to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents. Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gear, and be mindful of potential spills.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively drain gas from your lawn mower, ensuring that it’s properly prepared for storage or disposal. If you have any concerns about draining the gas, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of removing gas from a lawn mower?
Removing gas from a lawn mower is important for several reasons. First, it helps prevent the gas from going bad, which can lead to engine problems. Second, it makes it safer to store the mower for extended periods. Finally, it can help prevent the mower from leaking gas, which can be harmful to the environment.
It’s important to note that you should never try to remove gas from a hot engine. Always let the mower cool down completely before attempting to remove the gas.
What tools do I need to remove gas from a lawn mower?
You will need a few basic tools to remove gas from a lawn mower, including a siphon pump, a gas can, and gloves. You may also want to have a rag or paper towels on hand to clean up any spills.
A siphon pump is a device that uses suction to transfer liquids from one container to another. It’s a good option if you need to remove a large amount of gas from the mower. A gas can is necessary to store the gas once it has been removed from the mower. Gloves are important to protect your hands from the gas.
How do I safely remove gas from a lawn mower?
The first step is to disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from accidentally starting. Then, locate the gas tank cap and carefully remove it. Next, insert the siphon pump into the tank, making sure the hose is fully submerged in the gas.
Once the siphon is in place, start to pump the handle up and down until the gas begins to flow into the gas can. Keep pumping until all of the gas is out of the tank. Be careful not to overfill the gas can. Once the gas has been removed, replace the gas tank cap and reconnect the spark plug wire.
What do I do with the gas I have removed from the lawn mower?
The gas you have removed from your lawn mower should be disposed of properly. It’s important to not pour it down the drain or on the ground. This can contaminate the environment. Instead, take it to a local recycling center or auto parts store that accepts gas for recycling.
You may also be able to find a gas station that has a designated area for disposing of old gasoline. Check with your local authorities for information on how to dispose of gasoline safely.
What if my lawn mower has a carburetor with a bowl?
If your lawn mower has a carburetor with a bowl, you will need to drain the bowl as well as the tank. To do this, locate the drain screw on the bottom of the carburetor bowl. Place a container underneath the drain screw to catch the gas. Then, loosen the drain screw and let the gas flow out. Once the gas has drained out, tighten the drain screw.
This process will ensure that you remove all of the gas from the carburetor, which is essential for proper storage.
How often should I remove gas from my lawn mower?
It is generally recommended to remove the gas from your lawn mower before storing it for more than 30 days. This will help to prevent the gas from going bad and damaging the engine. You can also consider using a fuel stabilizer to help prevent the gas from degrading over time.
If you are planning to store your lawn mower for an extended period of time, it is best to remove the gas and drain the carburetor completely.
Can I run my lawn mower until it’s out of gas before storing it?
It is not recommended to run your lawn mower until it is out of gas before storing it. This is because the fuel system will still contain a small amount of gas that can go bad over time and damage the engine.
It is best to remove the gas from the tank and carburetor before storing your lawn mower for an extended period of time.