Drain the gas from your mower after the mowing season, or keep an eye on the fuel level while mowing, so you don’t run out of gas. Of course, the most straightforward method is to simply open the throttle wide and let the engine run until it runs out of gas.
People frequently overlook this final stage, and this is where the problems begin. When the gas has been in the mower for more than a few months, it can form sediment and condensation, making it difficult to start the mower again when the time comes.
If your lawnmower doesn’t start after an extended period, it could be due to faulty gasoline. Before winterizing, it’s best to empty the gas tank and check the tank’s condition regularly. Don’t worry if you don’t have a siphon pump to suck out the fuel. We are here to show you how to drain the tank with everyday household items.
Table of Contents
Collect The Needed Supplies
A gas-resistant drain container is the first tool you’ll need to drain the gas. If you don’t have an empty can, you can use a drain pan. The drain pan is a compact metal pan with raised edges that collects and handles the old gas. After that, you’ll require a drain tube.
It’s preferable if you have two simple plastic hoses in your collection. You can get these tools quickly from any hardware or lawnmower maintenance store. Additionally, you will also need some drop cloths or rags to complete this gas draining task.
The other required tools or equipment for this project are Siphon, starting fluid, safety glasses, tarp and cat litter.
Remove The Power Plug
Place the mower on a level, sturdy surface. To stop it from moving, use the parking brakes. It’s a good idea to unplug the spark plug cables as a precaution. This will prevent the engine from starting by accident. Close the gasoline cap and turn off the ignition. Removing the power plug is precautionary to save yourself.
Drag Out The Gas Without Siphon
You’ll need two pieces of plastic hose if you don’t have a siphon. It’s best if they’re transparent. Make sure the length is sufficient to reach the gas tank from the container; the other might be shorter. Place the empty drain container on the ground near the mower’s gas tank. For perfect siphoning, ensure the empty can collect the gas is lower than the gas tank’s bottom.
Ensure the longer tube or hose is completely submerged in the gasoline in the mower’s gas tank. It’s preferable if it reaches the tank’s lowest point. The tube appears to be in contact with the tank’s base. So, you can move out the gas effortlessly and efficiently.
Place the shorter hose into the gas tank a few inches so that the two tubes are parallel. On the other hand, the shorter tube should not come into contact with the fuel inside the tank. Its primary goal is to provide an air channel between the tank and the surrounding environment.
Drain The Gas
You’re all ready for the exhausting work now. To propel the liquid fuel out, you’ll need to produce a propulsive force. Blow vigorously into the shorter tube’s open end to force air into the tank.
The procedure becomes significantly easier if you have access to an air pump or compressor. Use it to blow air into the tank, but make sure to cover the tank opening with a cloth or rag.
While blowing in the tank, make sure you don’t inhale any petrol vapors. After a few blows, you’ll see that fuel begins to flow out of the tank through the other tube. You can cease blowing when the flow becomes continuous. The rest is taken care of by gravity and pressure differences. Almost all of the fuel will have been drained from the tank.
Open The Drain Tube
You have two alternatives for removing the residual fuel from the mower. Drain the fuel from the carburetor or run the mower until it is completely depleted. Detach the gasoline line between the carburetor and the fuel tank to drain the carburetor’s gas. It always has some petrol in it.
Allow it to flow into a drain pan beneath the tank. Some lawnmowers have a drain tube at the tank’s base, while others have a drain plug in the tube connecting the tank to the carburetor. You can also drain the fuel by opening the container and dropping it into a pan beneath it.
Reconnect The Plug To Run The Lawnmower
Close the tank after removing the tubes from the aperture. Because gasoline is highly volatile, close the can as well. It should be saved for later use. You’ll note that the tank always has a small amount of fuel left in it. It’s still a good idea to empty the gas tank if you’re storing the mower for a longer length of time, such as in the winter.
Replace the spark plug and start the engine. Take the lawnmower outdoors and run it until the gas runs out and the engine dies. You’ll have drained all of the gas at this point!
Conclusion
In short, you have to move out all the gas from the lawnmower to winterize it efficiently. No doubt, gasoline is also an expensive fuel. So, you can drag it out from the mower tank when not needed and store it for later use.
For sure, nothing would be more satisfying the moving out the gasoline from the mower’s tank by following the mentioned points and steps. Enjoy keeping your lawnmower free of smell and well-maintained for a long span by getting out the old gas from the tank!
