The warm weather has arrived, and you’re itching to get out there and mow the lawn. You pull out your trusty mower, give it a couple of tugs, and…nothing. You hear a sputtering, a cough, but no roar of life. You might be wondering, “Could old gas be the culprit?” This article will delve into the potential problems old gas can cause for your lawn mower, how to identify if it’s the issue, and what you can do to fix it.
The short answer is yes, old gas can definitely cause your lawn mower to not start. Gas degrades over time, losing its volatility and ability to combust efficiently. This degradation leads to several issues that can prevent your mower from running smoothly or at all.
The Effects of Old Gas on Your Lawn Mower
How Does Gas Degrade?
Gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons, and when exposed to air and sunlight, it undergoes a chemical process called oxidation. This process forms gums and varnishes, which are sticky residues that can clog the fuel system. These residues can also lead to the formation of water in the fuel tank, further hindering the engine’s performance.
The Consequences of Using Old Gas
The effects of old gas on your lawn mower can range from minor inconvenience to serious damage.
1. Reduced Engine Power and Performance
Old gas burns less efficiently, resulting in decreased engine power and sluggish acceleration. You might notice the engine struggling to maintain speed or sputtering during operation.
2. Difficulty Starting
The most common symptom of old gas is difficulty starting. The degraded fuel might not ignite properly, causing the engine to sputter or simply refuse to start.
3. Fuel System Clogging
Gums and varnishes from old gas can accumulate in the fuel lines, carburetor, and fuel filter, restricting fuel flow and preventing the engine from receiving the necessary fuel.
4. Engine Damage
In extreme cases, old gas can lead to engine damage. If the fuel system is severely clogged, the engine might overheat, leading to permanent damage.
How to Identify Old Gas in Your Lawn Mower
If you suspect that old gas is the culprit behind your lawn mower’s starting issues, here’s how to check:
- Look at the Fuel: Old gas can appear discolored, turning yellowish or brown.
- Smell the Fuel: Degraded fuel has a pungent, almost chemical odor, unlike fresh gas.
- Check the Fuel Tank: If there’s rust or sediment in the tank, it’s a sign that the gas has been sitting for a while.
Dealing with Old Gas
If you determine that your lawn mower is suffering from the effects of old gas, there are several steps you can take:
1. Drain the Old Fuel
The first and most important step is to drain the old fuel from the tank.
Here’s how:
- Safety First: Make sure the engine is cool and the mower is turned off.
- Locate the Drain Valve: Many lawn mowers have a drain valve located at the bottom of the fuel tank.
- Open the Valve: Carefully open the drain valve and allow the fuel to drain into a suitable container.
- Discard Properly: Dispose of the old fuel according to your local regulations. Never pour it down the drain or into the environment.
2. Clean the Fuel System
Once the old fuel is drained, it’s essential to clean the fuel system to remove any remaining deposits.
Here’s how:
- Remove the Fuel Filter: Locate the fuel filter and remove it.
- Replace the Filter: Install a new fuel filter.
- Clean the Carburetor: For more thorough cleaning, you can remove and clean the carburetor. This is a more complex procedure and may require specialized tools and knowledge.
3. Add Fresh Fuel
After cleaning the fuel system, add fresh, high-quality gasoline to the tank. Make sure to use the recommended fuel octane rating specified by your mower’s manufacturer.
Preventing Future Problems
To prevent old gas from becoming a recurring issue, consider these tips:
- Use Fuel Stabilizer: Adding fuel stabilizer to the tank can help extend the shelf life of gasoline, reducing the formation of gums and varnishes.
- Store Properly: If your mower will be stored for an extended period, it’s best to drain the fuel tank completely. Store the mower in a cool, dry place.
- Use Fuel Within a Month: Ideally, use up any gasoline within a month of purchase to minimize the risk of degradation.
Conclusion
Old gas can cause a range of problems for your lawn mower, from difficulty starting to engine damage. By understanding the effects of old gas and taking the appropriate steps to address the issue, you can ensure your lawn mower is ready to tackle the mowing season without any hiccups. Remember to drain the old fuel, clean the fuel system, and use fresh gas to keep your mower running smoothly.
FAQ
Will Old Gas Cause My Lawn Mower Not to Start?
Yes, old gas can definitely cause your lawn mower not to start. Gasoline deteriorates over time, losing its volatility and becoming gummy. This gum can clog the fuel system, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. The older the gas, the more likely it is to cause starting problems.
You can test if old gas is the culprit by draining the fuel tank and adding fresh gasoline. If the mower starts after that, then old gas was the problem.
How Long Can Gas Sit in a Lawn Mower Before It Goes Bad?
Gasoline can start to deteriorate after about 30 days. However, the rate of deterioration depends on several factors, including storage conditions, fuel additives, and the type of gasoline. It’s best to use gasoline within 30 days for optimal performance.
If you store gasoline for longer periods, you can add fuel stabilizer to slow down the deterioration process. Fuel stabilizer helps prevent gum formation and keeps the fuel in good condition for longer.
What Happens to Gas When It Goes Bad?
As gasoline ages, it undergoes a chemical process called oxidation. This process leads to the formation of gum and varnish, which can clog fuel lines, carburetor jets, and other parts of the fuel system. The resulting fuel system blockage prevents the engine from receiving the necessary fuel to start and run properly.
Old gas also loses its volatility, meaning it evaporates more slowly. This makes it harder for the engine to draw fuel into the combustion chamber, further hindering the starting process.
How Can I Tell If My Gas is Bad?
There are a few signs that indicate your gasoline is bad:
- Appearance: Old gasoline may have a darker, more yellow or brown color.
- Smell: It may have a strong, pungent odor, different from the clean, fresh smell of new gasoline.
- Consistency: You might notice a sticky residue or gum forming in the fuel tank or fuel lines.
- Starting problems: Difficulty starting the engine or sputtering after starting are common indicators.
If you suspect your gasoline is old, it’s best to drain it and replace it with fresh gasoline.
Should I Empty My Lawn Mower’s Gas Tank For Winter Storage?
It’s a good idea to empty your lawn mower’s gas tank before winter storage. This helps prevent the gasoline from deteriorating and gumming up the fuel system. If you’re storing the mower for a longer period, it’s also recommended to run the engine until it’s out of gas.
If you don’t want to drain the tank, add fuel stabilizer to the gas before storage. Fuel stabilizer helps prevent gum formation and preserves the quality of the gasoline for a longer duration.
Can I Use Old Gas in My Car?
It’s not recommended to use old gas in your car. Just like lawn mowers, cars can experience similar problems with old gas. While cars may have larger fuel tanks and are used more frequently, old gas can still affect performance and cause fuel system issues.
For optimal performance and fuel system health, it’s best to use fresh gasoline in your car.
Can I Add New Gas to Old Gas?
It’s not recommended to mix old gas with new gas. Adding new gas to old gas will not reverse the deterioration process. The old gas will still contain gum and varnish, which can clog the fuel system.
To ensure optimal performance, drain the old gas and replace it with fresh, clean gasoline.