Draining Gas from Your Lawn Mower: Essential Steps and Considerations

During the winter or when you're not using your lawn mower for an extended period, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure it's properly maintained. One of these steps is to drain the gas from the fuel tank. This action can be incredibly beneficial in preventing a variety of issues, such as corrosion and damage to the engine due to stale fuel.

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower's Fuel System

When your lawn mower has been sitting unused for some time, draining the fuel tank is a crucial step to perform. By doing so, you avoid several potential problems:

Preventing damage to the engine due to corrosion from stale gasoline. Improving the longevity and performance of the mower's fuel system. Reducing the risk of fuel-related issues when you come to use the mower again.

Some mowers require complete draining of the fuel, while others allow you to store fuel in the tank with the addition of a stabilizer. Let's explore these options in more detail:

Draining vs. Maintaining Fuel in the Lawn Mower

Unless you are storing your mower for an extended period (such as a year), it's generally better to completely drain the fuel tank. For shorter storage periods, such as four months, it's common to use fuel stabilizers to extend the life of the remaining fuel.

Short-Term Storage

If you only need to store your mower for a few months, a stabilizer can be added to the fuel tank to prevent it from deteriorating. This approach saves time and effort because you don't need to drain the fuel each time. For example, if your lawn mower is only idle for about four months, filling it with stabilized fuel and running it for a few minutes at the end of the mowing season is sufficient.

Long-Term Storage

For longer storage periods, such as a year, it's advisable to completely drain the fuel tank. Any fuel left in the tank for an extended period will eventually degrade, forming a gelatinous mess, especially in steel tanks. Plastic tanks are less prone to this issue. In such cases, draining the fuel tank is the best practice.

Additionally, it's a good idea to consider using a mist of diesel fuel or another type of solvent to help combat condensation-induced corrosion. Some enthusiasts recommend adding a small amount of diesel to the fuel tank to ensure that the mower is properly protected.

Preventing Condensation Damage

Condensation is another common issue when storing fuel-powered equipment. During periods of inactivity, condensation can form inside the fuel tank, leading to corrosion and other problems. This is particularly true for steel tanks. To mitigate these risks:

Drain the fuel tank completely if you're storing the mower for an extended period. Use fuel stabilizers and run the engine for a few minutes to ensure protection. Consider adding a small amount of diesel or another fuel to the tank to combat moisture.

No matter how you decide to store your mower, it's crucial to be mindful of the fuel levels and to take necessary precautions to ensure that your lawn mower is always in top condition. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your mower but also ensures that it performs optimally when you need it most.

In conclusion, draining the gas from your lawn mower or using fuel stabilizers is a vital step in maintaining the health and longevity of your lawn mower. Always prioritize regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs and ensure a smooth mowing experience.