How to Safely and Effectively Empty Gas Out of Your Lawn Mower

Lawn mowers, like any piece of machinery powered by gasoline, require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. A crucial part of this maintenance is properly emptying the fuel tank, especially when storing the mower for the off-season, performing repairs, or dealing with stale gas. Leaving gasoline in your mower’s tank for extended periods can lead to several problems, including gumming up the carburetor, causing starting difficulties, and potentially damaging the engine. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods for emptying gas from your lawn mower.

Table of Contents

Why Empty the Gas Tank? Understanding the Need

Gasoline isn’t designed to sit idle for long periods. Over time, it can degrade and form varnish or gum-like deposits that clog the fuel lines, carburetor jets, and other vital engine components. This degradation is exacerbated by exposure to air and temperature fluctuations.

Stale gas can lead to:

Difficulty starting the mower.
Reduced engine performance.
Rough idling.
Engine damage in severe cases.
Carburetor damage

Furthermore, storing a lawn mower with a full tank of gasoline presents a fire hazard. Gasoline fumes are highly flammable, and a leak or spill could have serious consequences. Emptying the tank reduces this risk significantly.

Safety First: Essential Precautions Before You Begin

Before you even think about emptying the gas tank, prioritizing your safety is paramount. Gasoline is a volatile and flammable substance, so taking the necessary precautions is essential to prevent accidents.

Here are the key safety measures to follow:

Work in a well-ventilated area: Always perform this task outdoors or in a garage with open doors and windows to allow for adequate ventilation. This prevents the build-up of flammable fumes.
Avoid open flames and sparks: Keep the mower away from any potential ignition sources, such as cigarettes, lighters, matches, or electrical equipment that could produce sparks.
Wear appropriate protective gear: Gloves are a must to protect your skin from gasoline exposure. Eye protection, like safety glasses, is also recommended to prevent splashes from getting into your eyes.
Have a fire extinguisher nearby: It’s always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher rated for gasoline fires readily available in case of an emergency.
Never smoke while working with gasoline: This should be self-explanatory, but it’s worth reiterating.
Use a siphon pump specifically designed for gasoline: Do not use a garden hose or any other improvised method, as this can be dangerous.
Dispose of gasoline properly: Never pour gasoline down drains or into the ground. Contact your local waste management facility for proper disposal guidelines.

Method 1: Siphoning the Gas

Siphoning is a common and relatively easy method for emptying the gas tank. It involves using a siphon pump to draw the gasoline out of the tank and into a suitable container.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:

A siphon pump (available at most auto parts stores).
An approved gasoline container (red, plastic, and clearly labeled).
Gloves and safety glasses.
Rags or absorbent pads to clean up any spills.

The Siphoning Process: Step-by-Step

Prepare the Mower: Ensure the lawn mower is turned off and the engine is cool. Position the mower on a level surface.
Open the Fuel Tank Cap: Carefully remove the fuel tank cap.
Insert the Siphon Hose: Insert one end of the siphon hose into the fuel tank, making sure it reaches the bottom of the tank. Insert the other end into your approved gasoline container.
Activate the Siphon: Follow the instructions on your siphon pump to activate the siphon. This usually involves squeezing a bulb or using a pump handle.
Monitor the Flow: Observe the gasoline flowing through the hose. Ensure the container is positioned lower than the fuel tank to facilitate the siphoning process.
Stop the Flow: Once the tank is empty or you’ve reached the desired level, carefully remove the siphon hose from the fuel tank and the container.
Clean Up: Use rags or absorbent pads to clean up any spills immediately. Dispose of the rags properly.
Secure the Fuel Tank Cap: Replace the fuel tank cap securely.

Tips for Successful Siphoning

Make sure the siphon hose is long enough to reach the bottom of the fuel tank and extend into the container without kinking.
If the siphon doesn’t start immediately, try priming the pump by squeezing the bulb several times.
Keep an eye on the container to prevent it from overflowing.
If the flow stops prematurely, check for kinks in the hose or obstructions in the fuel tank.

Method 2: Draining the Gas Through the Carburetor

This method involves draining the gasoline through the carburetor’s drain plug. It’s a slightly more involved process than siphoning, but it can be useful if you want to ensure that all the fuel is removed from the carburetor bowl as well.

Necessary Tools and Materials

An approved gasoline container.
A wrench or socket set (to remove the drain plug).
Gloves and safety glasses.
Rags or absorbent pads.
A small funnel (optional, but helpful).

Draining Procedure: Step-by-Step

Prepare the Mower: Ensure the lawn mower is turned off and the engine is cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Locate the Carburetor Drain Plug: The drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the carburetor bowl. Consult your lawn mower’s owner’s manual if you’re unsure of its location.
Position the Container: Place the gasoline container directly beneath the carburetor drain plug.
Loosen the Drain Plug: Use a wrench or socket to carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for gasoline to start flowing out as soon as the plug is loosened.
Remove the Drain Plug: Completely remove the drain plug and allow the gasoline to drain into the container.
Wait for Complete Drainage: Allow all the gasoline to drain from the carburetor bowl and fuel tank. This may take a few minutes.
Reinstall the Drain Plug: Once the draining is complete, carefully reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely.
Clean Up: Use rags or absorbent pads to clean up any spills. Dispose of the rags properly.
Reconnect the Spark Plug Wire: Reconnect the spark plug wire.

Important Considerations for Carburetor Draining

Be extremely careful when loosening and removing the drain plug. Applying too much force can damage the carburetor.
Make sure the container is positioned correctly to catch all the draining gasoline.
If you’re having trouble locating the drain plug, consult your lawn mower’s owner’s manual.
Consider using a small funnel to direct the gasoline into the container and minimize spills.

Method 3: Running the Engine Until It Stalls

This method is the simplest, but it’s also the least precise. It involves running the engine until it runs out of gas. While it seems straightforward, it’s not always the most effective way to completely empty the fuel tank, and it’s best suited for situations where only a small amount of gas needs to be removed.

How to Run the Engine Dry

Prepare the Mower: Ensure the lawn mower is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Start the Engine: Start the lawn mower as you normally would.
Let It Run: Allow the engine to run at its normal operating speed until it begins to sputter and eventually stalls due to fuel starvation.
Attempt to Restart: Try to restart the engine a few times to ensure that all the remaining fuel in the carburetor has been used up.

Limitations of Running the Engine Dry

This method doesn’t guarantee that all the fuel is removed from the tank. A small amount of residual fuel may remain.
It can be hard on the engine to run it completely out of gas, as it can lead to overheating and other issues.
It’s not suitable for situations where you need to completely empty the tank for storage or repairs.
It relies on the engine successfully starting and running, which may not be possible if the gas is already severely stale.

Dealing with Stale Gasoline

If you suspect that the gasoline in your lawn mower is stale, it’s even more important to remove it properly. Stale gas can cause significant engine problems.

Signs of stale gasoline include:

A varnish-like odor.
A dark or discolored appearance.
Difficulty starting the engine.
Poor engine performance.

When dealing with stale gasoline, take extra precautions to prevent spills and contamination. Dispose of the stale gas responsibly according to your local regulations.

Proper Disposal of Gasoline

Never dispose of gasoline improperly. Pouring it down drains, onto the ground, or into regular trash cans is illegal and environmentally harmful.

Here are some acceptable methods for disposing of gasoline:

Take it to a hazardous waste collection facility: Your local waste management facility likely has a designated hazardous waste collection program. Contact them to find out the drop-off location and hours.
Contact a local auto repair shop: Some auto repair shops may accept used gasoline for recycling or disposal.
Mix it with fresh gasoline (in limited quantities): If the gasoline is only slightly stale, you may be able to mix it with a large quantity of fresh gasoline (e.g., 1 part stale gas to 10 parts fresh gas) and use it in your car or truck. However, this is not recommended if the gas is severely stale or if you’re unsure of its quality.
Use a gasoline stabilizer: Gasoline stabilizers can help to extend the life of gasoline and prevent it from going stale. If you know you’ll be storing gasoline for an extended period, adding a stabilizer can help prevent future disposal issues.

After Emptying the Tank: Preparing for Storage

Once you’ve emptied the gas tank, there are a few additional steps you can take to prepare your lawn mower for storage, especially during the off-season.

These steps include:

Stabilize the Fuel System: Even after emptying the tank, some fuel may remain in the carburetor and fuel lines. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel can help prevent gumming and varnish buildup.
Change the Oil: Changing the oil before storing the mower helps to remove contaminants that can damage the engine over time.
Clean the Mower: Remove any grass clippings and debris from the mower deck and engine. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Store in a Dry Place: Store the mower in a dry, sheltered location to protect it from the elements.
Cover the Mower: Use a mower cover to protect it from dust, dirt, and moisture.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your Lawn Mower for Optimal Performance

Emptying the gas from your lawn mower is a simple yet essential maintenance task that can significantly extend the life of your machine and prevent costly repairs. By following the safety precautions and methods outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively empty your gas tank and prepare your mower for storage or repairs. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your lawn mower running smoothly for years to come. Don’t neglect this important step!

Why is it important to remove gas from my lawn mower before storing it for the winter?

Removing gasoline from your lawn mower before long-term storage, such as over the winter, is crucial to prevent fuel degradation and potential carburetor damage. Gasoline can break down over time, forming gum and varnish deposits that clog the carburetor jets and fuel lines. This can lead to starting problems, poor engine performance, and even require costly repairs when you try to use the mower again in the spring.

Furthermore, old gasoline can become corrosive and damage internal engine components. Storing a mower with stale fuel creates a significant risk of fuel leaks and potential fire hazards. Emptying the fuel tank eliminates these issues, ensuring your lawn mower is ready for use when the mowing season returns.

What are the different methods for emptying gas from a lawn mower?

There are a few common methods for safely and effectively emptying the gas from a lawn mower. One method involves using a siphon or fuel pump to extract the gasoline directly from the fuel tank. Another approach is to run the engine until it burns through all the fuel in the tank and carburetor.

A third option, recommended with caution and for specific mower types, is to carefully tip the mower over to drain the fuel into a suitable container. However, this method requires extreme care to avoid spills and potential damage to the mower, and it’s generally not recommended for mowers with electric start systems due to the risk of fuel entering sensitive electronic components.

What safety precautions should I take when emptying gas from my lawn mower?

Safety should be your top priority when handling gasoline. Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Gasoline vapors are highly flammable, so keep open flames, sparks, and heat sources far away from the work area. This includes smoking, using power tools that can create sparks, and working near appliances with pilot lights.

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes and gloves to protect your skin from contact with gasoline. Have a fire extinguisher readily available in case of an emergency. Collect the drained gasoline in an approved fuel container and store it safely away from living areas and potential ignition sources.

What type of container should I use to store the gasoline I remove from my lawn mower?

It’s essential to store drained gasoline in a container specifically designed for fuel storage. These containers are typically made of sturdy, non-reactive materials like polyethylene and are designed to prevent leaks and vapor emissions. Look for containers that are clearly marked as being approved for gasoline storage and meet all applicable safety standards.

Avoid using containers made of glass or other materials that could easily break or react with the gasoline. Never use food or beverage containers, as this could lead to accidental ingestion. Ensure the fuel container is properly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and the release of harmful vapors into the environment.

Can I just use fuel stabilizer instead of emptying the gas tank?

Using fuel stabilizer is a good preventative measure, but it’s not always a complete substitute for emptying the gas tank before long-term storage. Fuel stabilizer helps prevent gasoline from breaking down and forming gum and varnish deposits, but it doesn’t remove any existing contaminants that may already be present in the fuel.

While stabilizer can extend the life of gasoline for several months, it’s generally recommended to empty the tank if you’re planning on storing the mower for an extended period, such as over the entire winter. This ensures that no old or contaminated fuel remains in the system, minimizing the risk of starting problems and engine damage.

How do I dispose of the gasoline I remove from my lawn mower?

Proper disposal of used gasoline is crucial to protect the environment and prevent potential hazards. Do not simply pour gasoline down the drain, into the sewer system, or onto the ground, as this can contaminate waterways and soil. Contact your local waste management authority or recycling center to inquire about proper disposal methods for gasoline in your area.

Many communities offer hazardous waste collection programs or designated drop-off locations where you can safely dispose of gasoline and other flammable liquids. Some auto repair shops or gas stations may also accept used gasoline for recycling or disposal. Always follow local regulations and guidelines for disposing of hazardous materials.

What should I do if gasoline spills while I’m emptying the tank?

If gasoline spills during the emptying process, it’s important to act quickly and safely to minimize the hazard. Immediately stop what you’re doing and turn off the engine if it’s running. Use absorbent materials, such as rags or paper towels, to soak up the spill. Avoid using water, as it will spread the gasoline and potentially carry it into drains or waterways.

Dispose of the contaminated absorbent materials properly, following local regulations for hazardous waste. Allow the area to air out completely to dissipate any remaining gasoline vapors. If the spill is large or occurs indoors, ventilate the area thoroughly and consider contacting your local fire department for assistance.