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Do you own a gas-powered lawn mower? If so, knowing how to remove the fuel properly and safely is essential. This guide will show you three methods for removing gasoline from your lawn mower, as well as provide expert advice and tips on doing it right.
Winterizing your lawnmower means draining the gas. However, using a siphon or non-siphon method isn’t all that’s required.
In this article, we’ll take you through what tools and materials are needed for each step of the process.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Winterizing a gas-powered lawnmower is essential for proper maintenance.
- There are three methods for removing gasoline from a lawnmower: the siphon method, the non-siphon method, and manual draining.
- Adding fuel stabilizer helps preserve the quality of stored fuel and prevents clogging.
- Running the mower until it dies clears out the gas tank and fuel lines.
Winterizing a Lawn Mower
To winterize your lawn mower, you’ll need to take the bull by the horns and drain out any remaining fuel – ethanol-free or otherwise – in order to prevent deterioration.
The process is easy; it just takes a few minutes and costs about $20-$50 for supplies such as a siphon pump, fuel stabilizer, spark plug wire, gas can, and other tools like a fuel transfer pump or drain pan.
First, disconnect the spark plug wire from its connector on top of the cylinder head before draining gas from either inside tank using the siphon method or outside tank using the non-siphon method into an approved gasoline container with the lid securely tight.
If there’s still some amount of gasoline left in the tank after running dry, then use manual draining methods outlined above. Adding stabilizer helps preserve the quality of stored fuel over time, which also prevents clogging up lines/carburetor when restarting the engine next season.
Once done, changing oil and checking/changing spark plugs are other important steps that should not be overlooked during this maintenance task.
Draining Gas From a Lawn Mower
You can drain the gas from your lawn mower in two ways: the siphon method and the non-siphon method. The siphon method involves disconnecting the spark plug wire and using a siphon pump to remove gas from the tank, while with non-siphoning, you need to tilt your mower so that it drains into a gasoline container.
Adding fuel stabilizer helps extend storage time for any remaining fuel in either case.
Siphon Method
You can easily siphon gas from your lawn mower with a simple pump – just disconnect the spark plug wire and let the magic happen! To prevent deterioration, use an ethanol-free fuel or manually drain it into a gas can.
A fuel stabilizer helps preserve stored gasoline over time, while draining through either the turkey baster method or via removal of the drain plug.
Follow these steps to complete this process without damaging your engine:
- Fill up your siphon pump with water.
- Insert it into the tank and squeeze the bulb to start vacuum suction.
- Move the fluid around until all is drained out of the system.
- Add stabilizer if desired before running the mower until it dies completely.
Without proper winterization precautions like these, you risk serious damage next season!
Non-Siphon Method
Tilting your mower and draining the gas into a gas can is an alternative method to winterize your lawnmower. To do so successfully, you’ll need to start by disconnecting the spark plug wire and unscrewing the fuel tank cap.
Next, tilt the mower on its side until you see fuel exiting through either a drain tube or air pump hole in order to manually siphon it out. Once all of the gasoline has been drained from both tanks, add some fuel stabilizer before running out any remaining residue within them using an electric starter or manual tilt-start device.
With this simple process complete, you’re now ready for spring with a fully prepped lawnmower!
Adding Fuel Stabilizer
Adding fuel stabilizer to the remaining gas extends its storage life. It is an important step in properly winterizing a lawn mower, as it helps prevent deterioration due to ethanol-free fuels and gas deterioration.
Manual draining of gas from the tank by tilting the mower into a gasoline can with fuel stabilizer added allows for extended storage time for any unused gasoline throughout the winter season. This process should be done after running your last mow of the season dry. If you forget that step, performing manual draining becomes necessary.
Before beginning this process, make sure to have a bottle of fuel stabilizer ready. Then, disconnect the spark plug wire and use a siphon pump or tilt your lawnmower over so that all used oil drains into a canister filled with stabilized gasoline.
Running the Mower Dry
To finish winterizing your mower, run it until the engine shuts off to clear out its gas tank and fuel lines. This helps maximize gas mileage while using ethanol-free fuels, as well as ensure proper fuel storage for the next season.
Before doing this step, make sure to manually drain any remaining gasoline in your mower’s tank. Disconnect the spark plug wires and attach a siphon pump or tilt your lawnmower over so that all used oil drains into a canister filled with stabilized gasoline.
Gas stored in premium form will be less susceptible to deterioration than regular grade when it comes time for use again once spring arrives.
After draining is complete, reattach your lawnmower spark plug wires. Running till empty starts up the process of clearing out any residual liquid from its various components, including the carburetor and lines leading directly from the sucking end of your siphon pump.
Doing this easy step ensures you’ll get maximum performance from the machine come next year!
Tools and Materials
Now that the mower’s fuel tank has been drained, it’s time to gather your tools and materials.
To complete this project, you’ll need a siphon pump, fuel stabilizer, and manual draining tools such as simple tubes or gas-resistant drain containers.
It’s also important to have an empty drain container on hand for when you tilt your lawnmower over during the non-siphon method of draining liquid fuel.
Even if all the steps are followed correctly, forgetting to run out dry can still require manual gas draining in order for winterizing to be successful!
With these items collected together, everything is ready to begin the winterizing process so that next season will bring smooth operation with maximum performance from your mower!
Step-by-Step Guide
You’re ready to winterize your lawnmower and ensure that it’s working optimally next season. The process requires collecting the necessary tools, disconnecting the spark plug wire, using either a siphon or non-siphon method to drain gas from the tank, adding fuel stabilizer for long-term storage of any leftover fuel, and finally running your mower until its engine dies.
Collecting Tools
Gather your tools and materials for successful winterizing, so you can get the most out of your mower next season! You’ll need a siphon pump, fuel stabilizer, tubes, or gas-resistant drain containers. Don’t forget to have an empty container ready when tilting the lawnmower over during the non-siphon method.
Make sure to run out dry as this is essential in order for winterizing to be complete.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using premium ethanol-free fuels as they are less prone to deterioration and help achieve ideal ratios for burning efficiency too! With these items collected together, everything is ready – now let’s begin draining that mower’s gas tank!
Disconnecting Spark Plug
Before you start draining the gas, make sure to disconnect the spark plug wire. It’s an important process that must be done for safety reasons and proper fuel tank draining.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Ethanol-free fuels are less susceptible to deterioration, so use these when storing your gas for long periods of time.
- Make sure all spark plug cables have a good connection before beginning any process involving fuel siphoning or storage.
- This essential maintenance task should always follow specific steps for optimal results.
It’s also beneficial to add stabilizers as they help keep your stored gasoline from deteriorating over time while it sits in its container until next season arrives! Properly winterizing and properly running out dry is an essential step and will ensure a smoother transition into using your mower come springtime after following this easy guide offered by Family Handyman with handy visuals too!
Siphon or Non-Siphon Method
Once you’ve disconnected the spark plug wire, it’s time to decide whether you’ll use a siphon or non-siphon method for draining fuel from your lawnmower.
Benefits of properly draining gas include preventing deterioration and ensuring the mower starts in spring.
A siphon pump is necessary for this process, as well as adding fuel stabilizer to stale gasoline stored in a gas can.
The non-siphoning method involves tilting the mower so that its tank empties into said container—both should be done outdoors in a ventilated area for safety reasons and proper maintenance.
Both methods are essential steps when winterizing your lawnmower; however, make sure not to forget running out dry!
Adding Fuel Stabilizer
After draining your lawn mower’s fuel, it’s important to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas can.
Premium ethanol-free fuels are less susceptible to deterioration and will help ensure that your carburetor stays clean from bad gasoline. Fuel stabilizers help prevent the buildup of moisture and sediment in the mower’s gas tank.
Adding this product during the winterizing process completes the draining task, ensuring no harm comes from leaving old fuel inside the machine over long periods of time.
Following these steps ensures proper maintenance for how to remove gas from lawnmowers this season!
Running Mower Till Engine Dies
To complete the winterizing process, you’ll want to run your mower’s engine until it stalls out. This ensures there isn’t too much gas left in the tank and that all fuel types are cleared from the carburetor, increasing its chance of being successfully stored over the winter months.
Running safely avoids accidental sparking, which can be caused by bad gas still lingering inside.
Drain techniques, such as siphoning or tilting, will also help purge what remains after running your machine dry.
Is Draining Gas Necessary?
Yes, draining gas from your lawnmower is absolutely necessary for proper winterization.
With premium ethanol-free fuels, they are less susceptible to deterioration and oxidation, which causes fuel storage issues. These issues can be avoided with a simple drain job. Siphon pumps make it easy by allowing you to quickly remove gas from the tank while also preventing spills or hazardous fumes during the process.
But if there’s still some residual fuel left in your tank after running dry, adding a stabilizer helps preserve its lifespan until next spring arrives.
Expert Advice and Tips
If you’re looking to winterize your mower without breaking the bank, it’s key to remember a few tips. First, prevent gas deterioration by opting for premium ethanol-free fuels that last longer in storage.
When draining the tank manually or using a siphon pump, be sure to keep your mower in its original position and add fuel stabilizer into any leftover gas stored in the can.
Moreover, if you have forgotten about running out all remaining fuel before storing away – no worries! You can still drain what is left from inside the tank through non-siphon methods such as tilting them up and pouring off remaining gasoline into an empty container; just make sure that whatever container you use has been prepped with some fuel stabilizer prior so as not to ruin its condition after sitting idle during colder months.
Now go ahead and cross this one off of those dreaded home improvement lists – happy winterizing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What other winterization steps should I take?
Winterize your lawn mower by changing the oil, checking or replacing the spark plug, and cleaning the underside. Add fuel stabilizer to stored gas for a longer life. Run it dry to clear the tank, lines, and carburetor for optimal performance in the spring.
What type of fuel stabilizer should I use?
For optimal results, utilize a fuel stabilizer specifically formulated for small engines such as lawn mowers. This will guarantee that your gasoline remains fresh and potent throughout the winter season.
Refrain from employing generic fuel additives that may harm engine components or impact performance.
How much does it cost to winterize a lawn mower?
Winterizing your lawn mower costs between $20 and $ It is a simple process that takes less than half an hour, so you will be ready for spring in no time!
How often should I winterize my lawn mower?
Winterize your lawn mower at least once a year to keep it running smoothly. Doing so will prevent deterioration of the gas and ensure you get reliable performance when spring arrives.
Are there any safety precautions I should take?
Always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your eyes and hands when working with gasoline. Never use a flame or heat source near fuel, as it is extremely flammable. Make sure the area is well-ventilated while draining gas from the mower; fumes can be dangerous if inhaled.
Have an approved container ready for storing drained gasoline safely away from any ignition sources until disposal.
Conclusion
It’s important to properly drain your lawnmower’s gas tank at the end of each season. This will not only help the engine perform better in the spring but also save you time and money.
Draining the gas can be done in two ways: with a siphon or without. Adding fuel stabilizer is a simple way to extend the life of the stored gas. Running the mower until the engine dies will help ensure the tank is fully drained.
Winterizing your lawnmower is not a difficult task and can be completed in just a few steps. With the right tools and materials, you’ll have your mower ready for the spring in no time.
