Have you ever wondered what to do with the gas in your lawn mower when winter rolls around? It’s a common dilemma for many homeowners. Leaving gas in your mower might seem like a simple solution, but it can lead to some unwanted issues come spring.
In this article, you’ll learn the best practices for managing fuel in your mower during the off-season. We’ll cover the potential risks of leaving gas in the tank, how to prepare your mower for winter, and tips to ensure it starts up smoothly when the grass starts growing again. By following these guidelines, you’ll save time and hassle when it’s time to mow again.
Key Takeaways
- Leave No Gas Behind: It’s advisable to drain the fuel tank or run the mower until the gas is empty before winter storage to avoid issues with stale fuel and engine performance.
- Use Fuel Stabilizers: Adding a fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline can extend its shelf life and prevent degradation during storage, keeping your mower ready for spring.
- Choose Non-Ethanol Fuel: Opt for non-ethanol gasoline, which is less prone to moisture absorption and degradation, ensuring better engine performance after winter.
- Prevent Clogging: Stale fuel can thicken and clog fuel lines; regular maintenance checks and proper fuel management can mitigate this risk.
- Run the Mower Post-Stabilizer: After adding a stabilizer, let your mower run for 5-10 minutes to ensure the treated fuel circulates through the entire system.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Proper storage conditions for your lawn mower will further protect it from winter-related issues and enhance its longevity.
Understanding Lawn Mower Fuel
Understanding lawn mower fuel is essential for maintaining your mower and ensuring it runs efficiently. Different fuels react differently to storage conditions, particularly over winter.
Types of Fuel Used in Lawn Mowers
- Gasoline: Most lawn mowers use regular unleaded gasoline. This fuel type is readily available and works well with most small engines.
- Ethanol Blends: Many gas stations offer blends containing up to 10% ethanol. While these blends are common, they can attract moisture, potentially causing issues.
- Non-Ethanol Gasoline: This fuel type doesn’t contain ethanol and is less likely to absorb water. It’s a better choice for winter storage as it helps prevent engine problems.
- Fuel Stabilizers: Adding a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline extends its shelf life. It keeps fuel fresh, preventing degradation during storage.
Importance of Fuel Stability
Fuel stability refers to how well gasoline holds its properties over time. Fresh fuel can become stale or degraded, especially when left unused for several months. Stale fuel can lead to engine performance issues, such as starting problems and rough idling.
- Degradation: Gasoline can break down and form gum or varnish in your fuel system, making it hard for the engine to run smoothly.
- Moisture Absorption: Fuels containing ethanol can absorb moisture, leading to potential corrosion in your mower’s engine.
- Preventive Measures: To maintain fuel stability, use a fuel stabilizer before storing your mower. Follow the product’s instructions for the correct amount and mixing process.
Proper fuel management ensures your lawn mower is ready when spring arrives, saving you time and hassle.
Risks of Leaving Gas in Lawn Mower Over Winter
Leaving gas in your lawn mower over winter presents several risks that can affect performance when the mowing season resumes. Understanding these risks helps you make informed decisions for fuel management.
Evaporation and Fuel Degradation
Gasoline evaporates over time, especially if it’s not sealed properly. When this happens, vapors can escape, leaving behind a less effective mix that can harm your engine. Fuel also degrades, turning stale after about 30 days. Stale fuel can form gum and varnish deposits, leading to poor engine performance. Using fuel stabilizers before winter can prolong fuel life and ensure that it stays effective.
Potential for Clogging Fuel Lines
Stale gas can thicken and form residues, which may clog fuel lines and filters. This clogs disrupts fuel flow, risking potential engine failure or hard starting in spring. To avoid this issue, consider draining the tank or running the mower until it runs out of fuel before storage. Regular maintenance checks in spring can also help identify and resolve any clogs early.
Best Practices for Lawn Mower Winterization
Preparing your lawn mower for winter ensures it starts easily in the spring. Following these best practices can help maintain your mower’s performance.
Draining the Fuel System
Draining the fuel system prevents issues caused by stale gasoline. Follow these steps for effective draining:
- Run the Mower: Start your mower and let it run until the tank empties. This method clears the fuel lines and carburetor of gas.
- Turn Off Gas Valve: If your mower has a gas valve, turn it off before the engine stalls to ensure no gas remains in the lines.
- Siphon Remaining Fuel: Use a siphon pump to remove any remaining gas from the tank if needed. Dispose of the leftover fuel according to local regulations.
Draining the fuel system minimizes the risk of residue and clogs when spring arrives.
Adding Fuel Stabilizer
Adding a fuel stabilizer helps maintain gas quality during storage. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Choose the Right Stabilizer: Select a stabilizer designed for small engines. Read the label to ensure compatibility.
- Add Stabilizer to Fresh Gas: Pour the stabilizer into your mower’s fresh fuel. Follow the recommended dosage per gallon.
- Run the Mower: Allow the mower to run for 5-10 minutes after adding the stabilizer. This action circulates the treated fuel throughout the engine.
- Store the Mower: Once the engine runs with stabilizer-treated fuel, store your mower in a cool, dry place.
Using a fuel stabilizer prevents oxidation and breakdown, keeping your mower ready for action when mowing season starts.
Alternatives to Leaving Gas in Lawn Mower
Proper fuel management ensures your lawn mower stays in excellent working condition. Consider these alternatives to leaving gas in the mower over winter.
Storing the Mower with Empty Tank
Storing your mower with an empty tank is a straightforward method. First, run the mower until it runs out of fuel. This approach eliminates most of the gas, reducing the risk of stale fuel. Make sure to drain any remaining gas from the fuel lines and carburetor. You can disconnect the fuel line and let residual gas drain. This step prevents clogging and buildup in the fuel system, making it easier to start in the spring.
Using Non-Ethanol Fuel
Using non-ethanol fuel is another viable option. Non-ethanol gasoline has a longer shelf life than ethanol-blended fuels. It doesn’t absorb moisture as easily, which reduces the chance of fuel degradation during storage. If you choose this type of gas, fill the tank before winter and add a fuel stabilizer. This practice keeps the fuel fresh for the duration of storage. Additionally, always run the mower for a few minutes after adding stabilizer to ensure it circulates through the system. This method guarantees a smoother start when the mowing season returns.
Conclusion
Taking the right steps to manage the gas in your lawn mower over winter can save you a lot of trouble come spring. By draining the tank or using a fuel stabilizer, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother start when it’s time to mow again.
Remember that fresh fuel is key to keeping your mower running efficiently. Whether you choose to store it empty or with stabilized non-ethanol fuel, you’ll help prevent those pesky engine issues.
So as winter approaches, take a moment to prepare your mower. You’ll thank yourself when the grass starts growing again and your mower is ready to go. Happy mowing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with the gas in my lawn mower during winter?
To avoid engine issues, it’s best to either drain the gas tank or run the mower until it’s empty before storing it for winter. This prevents stale fuel buildup and potential clogs when you start the mower in spring.
Can I leave gas in my lawn mower over winter?
Leaving gas in your mower can cause problems like evaporation and fuel degradation, leading to engine performance issues. It’s recommended to drain the tank or use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh during storage.
What type of fuel is best for lawn mowers?
Regular unleaded gasoline or non-ethanol gasoline is preferred for lawn mowers. Non-ethanol fuel generally lasts longer and resists moisture absorption better than ethanol blends, making it ideal for winter storage.
How do fuel stabilizers help lawn mower fuel?
Fuel stabilizers extend the shelf life of gasoline by preventing degradation and the formation of harmful deposits. Adding a stabilizer before storage ensures your mower is ready to start smoothly when spring arrives.
What are the risks of using stale fuel in my mower?
Stale fuel can thicken, clog fuel lines, and create deposits that harm engine performance. This can result in hard starting or engine failure when you try to use the mower after winter.
