Learning how to get gas out of lawn mower is a basic skill every homeowner should know. Safely removing old gasoline from your mower’s tank is a necessary step before storage or certain repairs. This guide will walk you through the safest and most effective methods.
Old gas can cause serious problems. It leaves behind gummy residues that clog your carburetor and fuel lines. This leads to hard starting, poor performance, and expensive repairs.
By draining the fuel properly, you protect your engine. You also ensure your mower is ready to go when you need it next season. Let’s look at the tools and steps you’ll need.
How To Get Gas Out Of Lawn Mower
There are several reliable ways to remove gasoline. The best method depends on your mower’s design and your available tools. Always work in a well-ventilated area, away from sparks or open flames.
Gather your supplies before you start. You will likely need safety glasses, gloves, a funnel, a fuel container approved for gasoline, and some basic hand tools. Having rags on hand is also a good idea for any spills.
Essential Safety Precautions Before You Start
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Your safety is the most important part of this process. Never rush or skip these precautions.
First, always work outdoors or in a garage with the door wide open. Good ventilation is non-negotiable. Make sure the mower engine is completely cool to the touch before you begin any work.
Disconnect the spark plug wire. This prevents the engine from accidentally starting while you are handling fuel. Simply pull the boot off the spark plug and tuck the wire away safely.
Have a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids nearby. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes and chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin. Avoid any sources of ignition, including cigarettes, pilot lights, and electrical switches.
Method One: Using A Manual Or Electric Fuel Pump
A fuel pump is the cleanest and most controlled method. A simple hand-operated siphon pump is inexpensive and very effective. Electric pumps are faster but cost more.
To use a manual siphon pump, insert the longer tube into the mower’s gas tank. Place the shorter tube into your approved gas can. Then, pump the bulb or mechanism until fuel begins to flow steadily into the can.
For mowers with a fuel line, you can disconnect it at the carburetor. Attach the pump tube there to drain the tank and the fuel line simultaneously. This ensures you get all the old fuel out of the system.
Method Two: The Siphon Hose Technique
This is a classic low-tech approach. You only need a length of clean vinyl tubing. The diameter should fit snugly into the fuel tank opening. This method requires you to start the siphon with your mouth, so extreme caution is needed.
Insert one end of the tube deep into the mower’s fuel tank. Place the other end into your gas can, which must be positioned lower than the mower’s tank. To start the flow, you can use a primer bulb from an old siphon kit or a specialized siphon starter pump to avoid using your mouth.
If you must use your mouth, be incredibly careful not to swallow any gas. Use a clear tube so you can see the fuel coming. The moment you see it nearing the end, quickly lower the tube into the gas can to let gravity finish the job.
Method Three: Draining Via The Fuel Line
Many mowers have a fuel line that runs from the tank to the carburetor. This provides a direct drain point. You will need a pair of pliers and a container to catch the fuel.
Locate the fuel line where it connects to the carburetor. It’s usually a small rubber or plastic hose held on by a clamp. Use pliers to loosen the clamp and carefully slide the hose off the carburetor nipple.
Direct the open end of the fuel line into your container. You may need to open the gas tank cap to allow air to replace the flowing fuel. This will drain the tank and the line completely. Remember to plug the line with a bolt or clamp it shut if you are storing the mower.
Method Four: Tilting And Pouring The Gas Out
For smaller mowers with a simple tank, tilting is an option. It is messy and not the most efficient, but it works in a pinch. Be prepared for spills and have plenty of rags ready.
Place your gas can directly under the mower’s fuel tank opening. Slowly and carefully tilt the mower until the gas begins to pour out. You may need to use a funnel to direct the stream into the can.
A major caution: always tilt the mower so the air filter and carburetor are facing upward. Tilting it the wrong way can cause oil to leak into the cylinder and create a hydraulic lock, which can severely damage the engine. Check your owner’s manual for the proper tilting direction.
Steps For Safe Tilting And Pouring
- Ensure the engine is cold and the spark plug is disconnected.
- Remove the gas cap and place a funnel in your gas can.
- Position the can so it will catch the fuel as you tilt.
- Gently tip the mower, keeping the air filter side up, until fuel flows.
- Hold the mower steady until the tank is empty.
- Return the mower to its upright position slowly.
What To Do With The Old Gasoline
You should never pour old gasoline down a drain, onto the ground, or into the trash. It is hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Most communities have specific guidelines.
Check with your local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal facility. They often accept old gasoline for a small fee or for free. Some auto parts stores also accept it. Store the gas in its approved container with a clear label until you can dispose of it.
If the gasoline is relatively fresh (less than 30 days old) and uncontaminated, you can mix it with fresh gas in your car’s tank. Use a ratio of one part old gas to at least ten parts new gas. The car’s larger fuel system can typically handle this small amount of stale fuel without issue.
Preparing Your Mower After Draining The Gas
Once the tank is empty, you have a few options. For short-term storage (a few weeks), you can simply leave it empty. For long-term winter storage, it’s best to either add a fuel stabilizer to fresh gas and run it for a few minutes, or keep the tank completely dry.
If you choose to stabilize the fuel, add the stabilizer to fresh gas in a separate can, shake it, then pour it into the mower. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the carburetor. This protects the entire fuel system from corrosion and varnish buildup.
Finally, recconnect the spark plug wire if you are done with maintenance. Wipe down the mower to remove any gas residue or dirt. Store it in a clean, dry place until its next use.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even with good instructions, people often make simple errors. Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and keep you safe.
- Draining gas on a hot engine. This is a major fire risk.
- Forgetting to disconnect the spark plug wire. An accidental start is dangerous.
- Using unapproved containers like milk jugs or glass bottles. They can degrade and cause leaks.
- Storing a mower with untreated old gas in it over the winter. This almost guarantees starting problems.
- Improper disposal of gasoline. It harms the environment and is often illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get Gas Out Of A Lawn Mower Without A Siphon?
You can drain the fuel line or carefully tilt and pour the gas out. The tilting method requires caution to avoid spills and ensure you tilt the mower correctly so oil does not leak into the engine cylinder. Using a fuel line disconnect is generally cleaner than tilting.
What Is The Easiest Way To Drain Gas From A Lawn Mower?
Using a simple, inexpensive hand siphon pump is often the easiest way. It’s a clean process that minimizes spills and doesn’t require you to disconnect any parts or tilt the heavy machine. It’s a dedicated tool that makes the job straightforward.
Can You Drain The Gas Tank By Running The Mower Dry?
Yes, you can run the mower until it stops from fuel starvation. However, this leaves the carburetor bowl and fuel lines empty, which can lead to drying out of seals and accelerated corrosion in some models. For long-term storage, using a stabilizer is usually recommended over running the tank completely dry.
How Long Can Gas Sit In A Lawn Mower Before It Goes Bad?
Standard gasoline without a stabilizer begins to degrade in as little as 30 days. The lighter chemicals evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, gummier substance that can clog fuel system. After 60-90 days, it can often cause performance issues. Using fuel stabilizer can extend this life to 12-24 months.
Should I Drain The Gas From My Lawn Mower For Winter?
Yes, it is a very good practice. The best two options are to either drain the tank and carburetor completely, or to fill the tank with fresh gas treated with a fuel stabilizer and run the engine to circulate it. Simply leaving old, untreated gas in the mower over the winter is the most common cause of springtime starting failures.