What is the best way to empty gas from lawn mower?

Having leftover gas in your lawn mower at the end of the mowing season can be problematic. Gas that sits unused for months on end can go bad, clogging up carburetors and fuel lines. The best way to avoid issues with stale gas is to empty out any remaining fuel before storing your mower for the winter.

Should you drain the gas from your lawn mower before winter storage?

Yes, it is highly recommended to drain the gas from your lawn mower before storing it away for the winter. Here are some key reasons why:

• Prevents stale gas issues – Gas that sits for months on end can start to degrade and turn into varnish. This can clog up the carburetor and fuel lines.
• Avoids engine problems – Stale gas can cause damage to engine parts like the carburetor, fuel pump, and fuel injectors. Draining gas prevents costly repairs.
• Extends mower life – Getting rid of old gas helps keep your mower’s engine and fuel system clean and running smoothly for years to come.
• Saves money – Draining old gas avoids pricey repairs needed from stale fuel issues. It’s a simple way to protect your investment.
• Easier starting – Come spring, fresh gas makes it much easier to start your mower after months of sitting idle.

The consensus among manufacturers, mechanics, and lawn care experts is to always drain the gas from your mower before winter storage. Doing so will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

How to drain gas from a lawn mower

Draining the gas from your lawn mower is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Turn off the mower – Make sure the power switch is off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. This prevents any chance of accidental starting during the process.
2. Locate the drain – Most mowers have a gas cap where you add fuel. Look near there to find a drain bolt or valve to empty out gasoline.
3. Place a collection pan – Have an empty gas can or pan ready to collect the drained fuel. Make sure it is approved for gasoline storage.
4. Open the drain – Use a wrench to slowly open the drain bolt or valve. Gas will begin flowing out.
5. Drain completely – Allow all the gas to fully drain out until the tank is empty. Be patient as this can take 10-15 minutes.
6. Close the drain – Once empty, close the drain valve or tightly replace the bolt.
7. Dispose properly – Safely store the old gas until you can dispose of it properly. Never pour it down drains or on the ground.

Always follow any specific draining instructions in your mower’s owner’s manual. The basic process is fairly straightforward. Take care to avoid spills and have proper ventilation when draining gasoline.

Tips for draining gas from lawn mowers

Follow these tips for safe and effective gas draining:

• Run mower dry – Mow your last lawn of the season with very little gas in the tank. This leaves less fuel to drain out.
• Let engine cool – Only drain gas from a cooled down engine to avoid burns.
• Work outdoors – Drain gas in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources.
• Use a siphon – For small tanks, a hand siphon pump can quickly drain leftover gas.
• Seal container – Seal the container of drained gas so no fumes escape.
• Add stabilizer – Consider adding fuel stabilizer to your last mower fill-up to keep gas fresh longer.
• Check filters – Remove and inspect air, fuel, and oil filters for any debris or blockages.

Taking proper safety precautions is critical when draining gas. Work slowly and carefully to avoid spills, sparks, or inhalation of fumes.

What to do with old gas from a lawn mower

Once you have drained all the old gas from your mower’s tank, you’ll need to dispose of it properly. Here are a few options:

• Bring to a hazardous waste collection event – Many municipalities periodically collect household hazardous waste like old gasoline.
• Bring to a gas station – Some gas stations may accept small amounts of old gas to add to their overall fuel reserves.
• Contact hazardous waste disposal – Private companies can help properly dispose of old gasoline for you.
• Add to a nearly empty vehicle tank – As a last resort, you can slowly add small amounts of old gas to a car or truck tank that is nearly empty to be consumed.
• Allow evaporation in a ventilated area – Letting the gas fumes evaporate outdoors is better than dumping down a drain.

It is illegal to pour gasoline down storm drains or onto the ground. Follow your local regulations for proper disposal methods.

Storing equipment with gas over the winter

For equipment you plan to keep gas in over the winter months, follow these tips:

• Use fuel stabilizer – Add stabilizer to remaining gas to prevent degradation.
• Keep tank full – Fuller tanks prevent condensation which can cause fuel issues.
• Disconnect battery – Remove battery and store it indoors over winter.
• Run dry before storing – Operate equipment until tank is nearly empty before storing away.
• Store properly – Keep unused equipment sheltered in a clean, dry location.
• Maintenance check – Do any needed repairs and maintenance before winter storage.

Even with proper care, it’s still best to completely drain gasoline if possible. Stored gas can eventually degrade and cause problems.

Signs of bad gas in a lawn mower

Here are some signs that the gas in your mower has gone bad while in storage:

• Difficult starting – The engine won’t start or takes several tries to turn over and ignite.
• Rough idle – The mower starts but idles unevenly or stalls out frequently.
• Weak performance – Loss of power and inability to mow effectively at full speed.
• Sputtering – The engine sputters, surges, or misfires during operation.
• Black smoke – Excessive exhaust smoke while running, especially when accelerating.
• Foul smell – The fuel has a sour, varnish-like odor.
• Fuel leaks – Signs of fuel leaks around the tank, fuel lines, or carburetor.

If your mower exhibits any of these symptoms, bad gasoline could be the culprit. Safely drain and dispose of old gas and replace with fresh fuel.

How to clean gummed up gas from a lawn mower

If old gasoline has clogged up your mower’s fuel system, you’ll need to clean it out. Here is a step-by-step process:

1. Drain old gas – Empty out remaining gasoline from the tank, lines, and carburetor.
2. Remove carburetor – Take apart the carburetor so you can access its jets and passages.
3. Clean passages – Use small wire and carb cleaner fluid to clear any gummed up tube and jets.
4. Flush system – Run fresh gas through the tank, lines, filters to dissolve any remaining varnish.
5. Inspect components – Check the spark plug, fuel filter, lines for any lingering deposits.
6. Consider rebuild – For extensive gumming, a full carburetor rebuild may be needed.
7. Reinstall – Carefully reassemble carburetor, reconnect all parts, and add fresh gas.

Severe cases may require taking the mower to a small engine repair shop if you are unable to fully clean the fuel system yourself. Prevent this by always emptying gas before winter storage.

Safety tips for draining gas

Draining gasoline requires great care. Follow these safety precautions:

• Turn off mower – Ensure the mower is powered down with spark plug disconnected.
• No smoking – No open flames. Gas fumes are extremely flammable.
• Outdoors only – Drain gas only in an outside area with good ventilation.
• No spills – Use a collection pan and work slowly to prevent fuel spills.
• Eye protection – Wear eye covering in case of splashing or splatters.
• Seal containers – Store old gas in sealed, approved fuel containers only.
• Wash hands – Rinse hands thoroughly after handling gasoline.
• Check for leaks – Inspect for any fuel leaks or damage after draining.

Gasoline and its vapors can ignite easily and are toxic. Take every safety precaution when draining or handling used gas.

FAQs about emptying gas from a lawn mower

Can I leave gas in my mower all winter?

It is strongly advised to drain all gasoline from your lawn mower before winter storage. Gas that sits unused for many months can start to degrade and cause fuel system damage.

What’s the easiest way to drain gas from a mower?

The quickest method is using a hand siphon pump to vacuum out old gasoline through the mower’s fuel cap opening.

Can I pour old gas down my drain?

No, it is illegal and hazardous to dispose of gasoline down any drain or sewer. It contains toxins and can contaminate groundwater.

Should I change my fuel filter when winterizing?

Yes, replace the fuel filter and inspect other filters at the end of season. Preventative maintenance now saves problems later.

How do I dispose of old gasoline safely?

Bring it to a hazardous waste collection site, gas station, or waste disposal company. Allowing it to fully evaporate outside is also an option.

Can gas sitting for months damage my mower’s engine?

Yes, degraded gasoline can leave gum, varnish, and debris that will clog fuel parts and cause eventual engine damage.

Conclusion

Draining unused gasoline from your lawn mower before winter storage is crucial to avoid problems from degraded fuel. The draining process is fairly simple – just be sure to take proper safety precautions and dispose of old gas appropriately. Putting in this small effort now will save you from potentially costly issues down the road. Follow the recommended tips to keep your mower’s fuel system clean and engine running smoothly for years to come.