As winter settles in, lawn mowers get a break from regular use. One of the biggest questions homeowners face is what to do with the fuel left in the tank at the end of the mowing season. Leaving it alone may seem harmless, but stale gas creates headaches later.
To help you make an informed decision, here are the pros and cons, along with step-by-step instructions, for draining your tank versus using a fuel stabilizer.
How Old Fuel Affects Your Lawn Mower
Gasoline doesn’t stay fresh forever. It can break down in as little as three months and form varnish-like deposits that clog the carburetor and fuel system, leading to hard starts, sputtering, or complete failure come spring. It may even require rebuilding or replacing parts of the fuel system, a costly and time-consuming task.
Both draining the fuel and using a fuel stabilizer are solutions.
Draining the Fuel: Pros and Cons
An empty tank eliminates the risk of fuel turning stale and forming deposits that clog the carburetor or fuel system. It also reduces moisture inside the tank, which helps prevent corrosion during months of storage.
However, running the lawn mower until it’s empty may be inconvenient, and using a siphon pump can be messy. An empty tank also leaves rubber seals and gaskets exposed to air, which may cause them to dry out.
Using a Fuel Stabilizer: Pros and Cons
Using a fuel stabilizer may be a quicker and cleaner option. When mixed with fresh gas, it protects the fuel system, keeping components lubricated while the mower sits unused.
The tradeoff is that this method requires precision: the stabilizer must be added to fresh fuel in the correct amount, and the engine needs to run long enough for the treated gas to circulate. Fuel stabilizer does not work with stale gas.
How to Drain Fuel From Your Lawn Mower
A siphon pump is the easiest and most efficient tool for removing gas from a lawn mower. Follow these steps to transfer the fuel safely.
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and keep clear of open flames, sparks, or smoking.
- Let the mower cool completely. Hot engines and gasoline don’t mix safely.
- Place your gas can nearby, making sure it sits lower than the mower’s fuel tank.
- Place one end of the siphon hose into the mower’s fuel tank and the other into the gas can.
- Use the pump to begin transferring fuel. Once moving, gravity will do most of the work.
- Keep siphoning until the fuel stops coming out. Tilt the mower slightly if needed to remove the last bit of gasoline.
- Secure the cap tightly to your gas can once the transfer is complete.
Clean up any spills right away, and never siphon gasoline by mouth; only use a pump designed for fuel.
How to Use a Fuel Stabilizer
There are two ways to use a fuel stabilizer.
- You can add stabilizer directly to the fuel tank of your lawn mower. To do so, put the designated amount of stabilizer into a fuel tank that’s less than full and top off the fuel level. Then start the engine and allow it to run for 10 minutes to mix the stabilizer with the fuel.
- If storing fuel in a gas can for 3 months or more, follow the instructions to add the correct amount of stabilizer to the can, and then seal the container with a cap.
Make Fuel Handling Easier With EZ-POUR®
Winter prep doesn’t have to be a hassle.
If you’re draining your mower’s tank, EZ-POUR®’s Transfer Pump gives you a simple way to move gasoline into your gas can. The box comes with three adapters, so you can choose the one that matches your container and start pumping 2.4 gallons per minute. Additionally, there is a sensor in the nozzle that turns the pump off to prevent spills.
You’ll also need a solid base cap to keep the gasoline in your gas can from going stale. EZ-POUR®’s options provide an airtight seal to prevent spills, vapor leaks, and the oxidation that causes gas to expire.
Be prepared for winter. Browse our online store or visit one of our retailers to find your items today!