The smell of freshly cut grass is a quintessential sign of summer, but that blissful feeling can quickly turn sour when your trusty lawn mower sputters and coughs, refusing to start. You might be tempted to blame a clogged air filter or a spark plug gone bad, but the culprit might be hiding in your gas can: old gasoline. This article will explore the complexities of using old gas in your lawn mower, examining the potential problems, signs of trouble, and ultimately, whether it’s okay to use it at all.
In short, using old gas in your lawn mower can lead to a range of issues, from reduced engine performance to complete failure. The longer gas sits, the more it degrades, creating varnish and gum deposits that clog fuel lines and fuel injectors, ultimately hindering your mower’s ability to run smoothly. However, with careful consideration and some proactive measures, you might be able to extend the lifespan of your gasoline and avoid unnecessary headaches.
Understanding Gasoline Degradation: A Silent Saboteur
Gasoline, despite its combustible nature, is surprisingly susceptible to degradation over time. The culprit? Evaporation. As gasoline sits exposed to air, volatile hydrocarbons, the compounds that make it flammable, evaporate. This evaporation process leaves behind a sticky residue called varnish.
The Dreaded Varnish: A Recipe for Disaster
Varnish, a sticky, tar-like substance, is the bane of any lawn mower owner’s existence. It forms in the fuel lines, fuel injectors, and even the carburetor, obstructing the flow of fuel to the engine. This leads to a cascade of problems:
- Reduced Engine Performance: The varnish can clog fuel lines, reducing the amount of fuel reaching the engine. This results in a loss of power, sputtering, and a rough idle.
- Difficult Starting: The varnish can stick the carburetor’s moving parts, making it difficult for the engine to draw fuel and start.
- Engine Stalling: The varnish can also cause fuel injectors to become clogged, leading to a shortage of fuel and eventual engine stalling.
- Engine Damage: In severe cases, varnish buildup can damage the delicate internal components of your engine, leading to costly repairs.
Time is of the Essence: The Shelf Life of Gasoline
The shelf life of gasoline is highly dependent on storage conditions and the presence of stabilizers.
- Ideal Storage: In ideal conditions, with a stabilizer added, gasoline can last for up to 6 months. However, this is a best-case scenario.
- Reality Check: In a typical garage, where temperatures fluctuate and exposure to sunlight is possible, gasoline starts to degrade after just 3 months.
How to Recognize Old Gas: Signs of Trouble
While the smell of your gas might not immediately reveal its age, there are several telltale signs that old gasoline is lurking in your can:
- Cloudy Appearance: Fresh gasoline should be crystal clear. If you notice cloudiness or sediment at the bottom of your gas can, it’s a strong indication of degradation.
- Sticky Residue: Old gas can leave behind a sticky residue on the inside of your gas can. This is a clear sign of varnish formation.
- Unusual Smell: Old gas often develops a pungent, acrid smell. This is due to the evaporation of volatile compounds and the formation of byproducts.
- Difficulty Starting: If your lawn mower starts sputtering or has trouble starting, old gas might be to blame.
Is It Okay to Use Old Gas in Your Lawn Mower?
The answer is a resounding no. While the temptation to use up that old gas might be strong, it’s a gamble that often leads to regret. The problems associated with old gas are simply too numerous and costly to justify the potential savings.
Alternatives to Using Old Gas
Instead of risking engine damage, consider these alternatives:
- Drain and Dispose: The safest option is to drain the old gas from your can and dispose of it properly. Many gas stations accept old gas for disposal.
- Add a Fuel Stabilizer: If you need to store gas for an extended period, consider adding a fuel stabilizer. Stabilizers prevent the evaporation of volatile hydrocarbons and slow down the degradation process.
- Use a Fuel Filter: A fuel filter can help trap some of the varnish before it reaches the engine. However, it’s not a foolproof solution.
Tips for Keeping Your Gas Fresh
Here are some tips to prevent your gas from going bad in the first place:
- Use Fresh Gas: Always use fresh gasoline for your lawn mower.
- Small Can Advantage: Store gas in small containers to reduce the amount of air exposure.
- Seal Tightly: Make sure your gas can is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation.
- Avoid Sunlight: Store your gas can in a cool, dark place to minimize heat and light exposure.
Conclusion: Fresh Fuel for a Happy Mower
Using old gas in your lawn mower is a recipe for disaster. The risks associated with degraded gasoline outweigh any potential savings. By using fresh gas and following proper storage practices, you can ensure that your lawn mower runs smoothly and reliably for years to come. Remember, a happy mower means a happy lawn, and a happy you!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can gasoline sit in a lawnmower before it goes bad?
Gasoline starts to degrade after about 30 days, and it will continue to deteriorate over time. The rate of degradation depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the type of gasoline. However, gasoline stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place can last for up to 6 months. If you have gasoline in your lawnmower that is older than 30 days, it is best to drain it and replace it with fresh gasoline.
2. What happens when you use old gas in a lawnmower?
Old gasoline can cause a number of problems for your lawnmower. It can clog the carburetor, preventing the engine from starting properly. It can also gum up the fuel lines and fuel filter, restricting the flow of fuel to the engine. Finally, old gasoline can also cause damage to the spark plugs and other engine components. If you experience any of these problems, it is likely that you have old gasoline in your lawnmower.
3. What are the signs of bad gas in a lawnmower?
There are several signs that your lawnmower is using old gasoline. The engine may be hard to start, or it may start but run poorly. The engine may also sputter, cough, or die. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to drain your fuel tank.
4. How do I drain the gas from my lawnmower?
Draining the gas from your lawnmower is a simple process. First, locate the fuel tank’s drain plug. You’ll usually find it on the bottom or side of the tank. Place a container under the drain plug, then open the plug to let the gas drain out. Make sure to dispose of the old gasoline properly.
5. Can I use fuel stabilizer to make old gas usable again?
Fuel stabilizers are designed to prevent gasoline from degrading. They work by slowing down the oxidation process, which is the chemical reaction that causes gasoline to break down. If you have old gasoline in your lawnmower, you can add fuel stabilizer to it. However, it is important to note that fuel stabilizers cannot completely reverse the degradation process. So, while using fuel stabilizer may help to extend the life of your old gasoline, it is not a guaranteed solution.
6. How do I prevent gas from going bad in my lawnmower?
The best way to prevent gasoline from going bad in your lawnmower is to use it regularly. If you don’t plan on using your lawnmower for a long period of time, drain the fuel tank and store the gasoline in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. You can also add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline before storing it.
7. What kind of gas should I use in my lawnmower?
Most lawnmowers require regular unleaded gasoline. However, some older models may require a higher octane rating. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on the type of gasoline to use. It’s always a good idea to use fresh gasoline and to avoid using gas with ethanol. Ethanol can cause problems with older lawnmowers.