How to Drain Old Gas From Lawn Mower: Easy Steps!

Is your trusty lawn mower sputtering, refusing to start, or just running rough? More often than not, the culprit is old, stale gasoline sitting in the tank. Over time, gasoline degrades, losing its octane and developing harmful deposits. This can wreak havoc on your mower’s engine, leading to performance issues and costly repairs. Don’t let a fuel problem keep your grass from being tamed!

Fortunately, learning how to drain old gas from lawn mower is a straightforward maintenance task that anyone can tackle. It’s a crucial step in ensuring your mower starts reliably and runs efficiently, especially after a long winter storage or if you’ve neglected it for a while. We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, making it simple and safe.

Why Draining Old Gas Is Essential

You might be wondering why it’s so important to go through the hassle of draining old gas. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the health of your lawn mower’s engine. Gasoline is a volatile substance, and when left sitting for extended periods (generally more than 30 days), it begins to degrade. This degradation process leads to several problems:

• Oxidation: Oxygen in the air reacts with the fuel, breaking down its chemical components.
• Water Contamination: Gasoline can absorb moisture from the air, leading to water in the fuel tank. Water and gasoline don’t mix, and water can cause corrosion and rust within the fuel system.
• Gum and Varnish Formation: As gasoline breaks down, it can leave behind sticky residues, often referred to as gum or varnish. These deposits can clog fuel lines, the carburetor jets, and the fuel filter, severely restricting fuel flow to the engine.
• Loss of Octane: The octane rating of gasoline decreases over time, meaning it becomes less resistant to knocking and pinging, which can damage the engine.

Using old, degraded gas can result in:

• Hard Starting: The engine struggles to ignite due to insufficient or contaminated fuel.
• Rough Idling: The engine runs unevenly and inconsistently.
• Stalling: The engine cuts out unexpectedly, often under load.
• Reduced Power: The mower doesn’t have the usual oomph to cut through thick grass.
• Engine Damage: In severe cases, clogged fuel systems and contaminated fuel can lead to permanent engine damage.

Regularly draining and replacing old fuel is a proactive measure that saves you time, money, and frustration in the long run. It’s a fundamental part of lawn mower maintenance that pays off significantly.

When Should You Drain Your Lawn Mower’s Gas?

There are several scenarios where learning how to drain old gas from lawn mower becomes necessary: (See Also: How to Build a Lawn Chair Out of Wood: Build Your Own...)

• End of the Mowing Season (Winterization): This is perhaps the most critical time. Storing a mower with old fuel is a recipe for disaster come spring. Fresh fuel with a stabilizer is ideal for storage.
• Extended Periods of Non-Use: If you know you won’t be using your mower for more than a month, it’s a good idea to drain it or add a fuel stabilizer.
• Suspected Fuel Contamination: If your mower has been sitting for a year or more without attention, assume the fuel is bad and drain it.
• Buying a Used Mower: You never know how long the gas has been in a used mower. Draining it is a smart first step.
• Experiencing Engine Problems: If your mower is exhibiting the symptoms listed above (hard starting, rough running), old fuel is a prime suspect.

Methods for Draining Old Gas From Your Lawn Mower

There are a few common methods for draining old gas, each with its pros and cons. We’ll cover the most effective and safest ones.

Method 1: Using a Siphon Pump (recommended)

This is generally the cleanest, safest, and most efficient method. A siphon pump allows you to easily transfer the old fuel from the tank to a suitable container without tilting the mower.

What You’ll Need:

• Siphon Pump: Available at auto parts stores, hardware stores, or online. Look for one specifically designed for gasoline or fuel.
• Approved Gasoline Container: A red, UL-approved gasoline can is essential for safe storage and transport of flammable liquids.
• Gloves: To protect your hands from gasoline.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses are a must.
• Rags or Paper Towels: For any minor spills.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preparation is Key: Ensure your lawn mower is on a level surface. Never attempt to drain gas while the engine is hot. Let it cool down completely. Work in a well-ventilated area, away from any open flames or sparks.
2. Position Your Containers: Place your approved gasoline container on the ground, ensuring it’s lower than the lawn mower’s fuel tank. This gravity-assisted setup is crucial for siphoning.
3. Insert the Siphon Hose: Carefully insert one end of the siphon hose into the lawn mower’s fuel tank. Push it down as far as it will comfortably go, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the tank to draw out as much fuel as possible.
4. Start the Siphon: There are a few types of siphon pumps. Some have a rubber bulb you squeeze repeatedly to create suction. Others have a priming mechanism. Follow the instructions specific to your pump. The goal is to get the fuel flowing. Once it starts, it will continue to flow as long as the receiving container is lower than the fuel level in the tank.
5. Monitor the Flow: Keep an eye on the fuel level in the lawn mower’s tank and the receiving container. Remove the siphon hose from the tank once the fuel level is low enough or when the receiving container is full.
6. Clean Up: Carefully remove the siphon hose, ensuring any residual fuel drips into the approved container. Seal the container tightly. Wipe up any spills immediately with rags.

Pro Tip: If your siphon pump has a primer bulb, you might need to prime it a few times to get the fuel moving. If it’s a simple gravity siphon, you might need to briefly suck on the outlet hose to start the flow (be extremely careful not to ingest any fuel!).

Method 2: Tilting the Mower (use with Caution)

This method is less ideal as it can be messier and potentially lead to fuel spilling into other engine components. However, it can be a viable option if you don’t have a siphon pump.

What You’ll Need:

• Approved Gasoline Container
• Gloves
• Eye Protection
• Rags or Paper Towels

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the mower is on a level surface. Work in a well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.
2. Position the Container: Place your approved gasoline container directly beneath the fuel cap opening.
3. Tilt the Mower: Carefully tilt the lawn mower forward, so the fuel tank is angled downwards. The goal is to have the fuel pour out of the fuel cap opening into the container.
4. Drain the Fuel: You may need to tilt the mower at an angle that allows the fuel to flow out smoothly. Try to tilt it just enough to get the fuel draining.
5. Stop Tilting: Once the tank is empty, or you’ve removed as much fuel as possible, carefully return the mower to its upright position.
6. Clean Up: Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

Caution: Be extremely careful not to spill fuel onto the engine, exhaust, or other hot components. Also, avoid tilting the mower so much that fuel gets into the carburetor’s air intake or other sensitive parts. This method is best for mowers with a fuel cap directly above the tank opening. (See Also: How to Turn a Brown Lawn Green: Your Ultimate Guide)

Method 3: Using the Carburetor Bowl Drain Screw (for Some Mowers)

Some lawn mowers have a drain screw on the carburetor bowl. This allows you to drain the fuel that has already made its way into the carburetor, which can be a good way to empty the fuel system if the old gas has already reached this point.

What You’ll Need:

• Screwdriver (appropriate size for the drain screw)
• Approved Gasoline Container
• Gloves
• Eye Protection
• Rags or Paper Towels

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Locate the Carburetor: The carburetor is usually located near the engine’s air filter.
2. Find the Drain Screw: Look for a small screw at the bottom of the carburetor bowl.
3. Position the Container: Place your approved gasoline container directly beneath the drain screw.
4. Loosen the Screw: Carefully loosen the drain screw with your screwdriver. Fuel should begin to drain into the container.
5. Drain and Tighten: Once the fuel has drained, re-tighten the drain screw securely.
6. Clean Up: Wipe up any spills.

Note: This method primarily drains the carburetor bowl, not the entire fuel tank. You may still need to use a siphon to drain the remaining fuel from the tank itself.

What to Do with the Old Gas

Disposing of old gasoline improperly can be harmful to the environment and is often illegal. Here’s how to handle it responsibly:

• Local Hazardous Waste Disposal: Most communities have designated hazardous waste disposal sites or events where you can safely drop off old gasoline. Check your local municipality’s website or contact your waste management provider for information.
• Recycling Centers: Some auto parts stores or recycling centers accept used motor oil and sometimes gasoline.
• Fuel Stabilizer Treatment: If the gas is only slightly old and not heavily contaminated, you can sometimes add a fuel stabilizer and run it through the mower. However, for truly old and degraded gas, this is not recommended.
• Never Pour Down Drains or on the Ground: This is extremely harmful to the environment and illegal.

Preventing Old Gas Issues

The best way to deal with old gas is to prevent it from becoming a problem in the first place. Here are some tips:

• Use Fresh Fuel: Always buy gasoline in quantities you’ll use within a month.
• Use a Fuel Stabilizer: For longer storage periods (over 30 days), add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline. This significantly extends the fuel’s shelf life and prevents degradation.
• Run the Engine Dry (for storage): Before storing your mower for an extended period, run the engine until it completely runs out of fuel. This ensures the carburetor is empty and prevents gumming.
• Proper Storage: Store gasoline in approved containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and open flames.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here’s how to address them: (See Also: How to Stop Urine Stains on Lawn: Stop Urine Stains on...)

Learning how to drain old gas from lawn mower is a fundamental skill for any homeowner with a gas-powered mower. By following these steps, you can ensure your equipment runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

Conclusion

Draining old gas from your lawn mower is a vital maintenance task that prevents engine problems and ensures reliable starts. Whether you use a siphon pump, tilt the mower carefully, or utilize a carburetor drain screw, the key is to do it safely and dispose of the old fuel responsibly. By making this a regular part of your mower care, especially before storage, you’ll save yourself headaches and keep your equipment in top working order.

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