How To Drain Gas From Lawn Mower

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Once winter rolls around, an important job you should undertake is draining the gas from the lawn mower. 

If you do not do this important step, you might find that by springtime your lawn mower will not start. Fortunately, it is much simpler than you might think.

In this guide we shall take a look at how to drain the gas from your lawn mower, which should take less than thirty minutes of your time.

Oh, and just to note, we shall be looking at both the siphon and non-siphon methods. So, let’s get to it!

Why Do You Need To Drain The Gas From A Lawn Mower?

When you own a lawn mower that works on gas, you need to make sure that you regularly maintain it. Because of this, you need to know how to drain the gas and how to fill it back up.

Due to it being an internal combustion machine, it is important to winterize it. This is because over the cold months the gas will start to deteriorate, all thanks to the oxidation that will change the composition. 

This will make the gas less combustible, and in turn means your lawn mower might not work come spring. 

However, if you do not want to go through the process below, you can also run the tank dry. To do this, you will need to partially fill the tank when mowing for the last time that season.

Then all you need to do is use the mower until it stops. 

What Tools And Materials Are Needed To Drain A Lawn Mower?

Here are the tools and materials you will need for the processes below (you will not need them all – it depends which method you are doing):

  • Can for gas storage
  • Siphon pump (for the siphon method)
  • Extra long funnel (for the non-siphon method)
  • Workbench or sawhorses (for the non-siphon method)
  • Fuel stabilizer

How To Drain Gas From Lawn Mower: Non-Siphon Method

How To Drain Gas From Lawn Mower: Non-Siphon Method

Step 1: Use Funnel

Place the funnel securely into the gas can. Make sure it does not fall over.  

Step 2: Locate The Gas Cap

Find where the gas cap is on the lawn mower and open it. Lift the lawn mower up (get someone to help if needed) and tilt the opening towards the funnel. 

Step 3: Pour Gas Into The Can

Now watch as the gas falls from the lawn mower and into the funnel, which should land safely into the gas can. 

You may need to keep tilting forward as the gas starts to decrease inside the lawn mower. You will also not want to rush this job – slow and steady is best!

Step 4: Add Stabilizer

Once you have finished, put the lawn mower down and add stabilizer to the gas in the can. 

Step 5: Run It Dry

If the lawnmower is not outside, move it to an outdoor location. Once done so, you will need to reconnect the lawn mower’s spark plug wire. 

From here you can let the lawn mower run. Once it dies, it is ready to store for the winter. However, you may also want to check other areas of the lawn mower too, like the oil and changing any parts. 

How To Drain Gas From Lawn Mower: Siphon Method

Step 1: Disconnect Spark Plug Wire

You will need to first locate exactly where the spark plug is. From here, you can remove the wire.

You may find that your gas lawn mower has a spring clip which is insulated. This ensures that you will not accidentally become hurt during the draining of the gas process. 

Do always check what your gas lawn mower has however. It is best to always practice safety first!

Step 2: Attach Siphon Pump

The next step is to locate where the gas cap is. Once found, remove the cap so you can access the gas tank.

Find the sucking end of the siphon pump and attach it to the tank. The bottom of the pump should go into the gas can.

You will also want to place the gas can really close to the mower. This minimizes any chance of it spilling. 

Step 3: Use Siphon Pump

Now everything is connected, you can start pumping the gas out of the lawn mower and into the gas can. You will know it has finished once the gas stops moving through the pump.

Step 4: Remove Siphon Pump

Once finished, gently shake the pump to remove any excess gas that might still be in there. Once you are satisfied you can remove the siphon pump from the gas can and lawn mower. 

You might find that you need to dry the tops of both openings due to gas lingering around. Just use an old cloth or a paper towel for this easy job.

Step 5: Add Stabilizer

Add some fuel stabilizer to the gas can. This means it will work after months of not using it. To understand how much to put in, you will need to know how much gas you have.

The usual math is an ounce of stabilizer for every two gallons of the gas. 

Step 6: Run It Dry

Just like the non-siphon method, you will need to run the lawn mower dry. Do always make sure the lawn mower is outside when doing this method. 

Follow the steps above in step 5 of the non-siphon method. 

Final Thoughts

If you have a gas lawn mower, then it is very important to remove the gas when storing the internal combustible machine during the winter. 

If you do not, you may find that your lawn mower will not work once you come to mowing the backyard for the first time that year. This is because the gas can become oxidized, which can prevent it from working the same.

To avoid this, all you need to do is drain the lawn mower of its gas, add a stabilizer to the gas and store it away safely. 

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