How to Dispose of Old Lawn Mower Gas

Year after year, you faithfully cut your grass with the same old lawn mower. But this year, it’s time for a change. You’ve found a new model that you can’t wait to try out. So what do you do with the old one?

If you’re like most people, you probably just store it in the garage and forget about it. But if your old lawn mower is still running, there’s no need to get rid of it – you can recycle the gas instead.

Let us discuss a few tips on how to dispose of old lawn mower gas properly.

How to Identify Bad Gasoline in your Lawn Mower

Bad gasoline can cause a lot of damage to your lawn mower. It can make the engine run hot, leading to damage or even a fire. It can also cause the carburetor to become clogged, which will make it difficult for the lawn mower to start.

So how can you tell if the gasoline in your lawn mower is bad? Here is what to look for:

• The gasoline should be a light color, like straw. If it’s darker than that, it might be bad.
• The gasoline should have a strong odor. If it doesn’t smell very strong, it might be bad.
• The gasoline should be free of sediment and water. If there’s sediment or water in the tank, it won’t burn entirely and cause problems.
• If you put the lawn mower out in the sun to get rid of bad gasoline, there shouldn’t be any signs of rust or corrosion on the outside parts of the machine. If you see rust spots, that indicates that the gasoline was bad because it likely contained water, which accelerated the metal corrosion.

The lawn mower should be used regularly. If it’s been stored for a long time and does not run often, that can also indicate bad gasoline because gas will evaporate and clog up the carburetor over time.

It isn’t always easy to identify bad gasoline in your lawn mower. If you’re not sure, consider taking the lawn mower to your local mechanic and asking them to look at it.

How to Dispose of Old Lawn Mower Gas

So what should you do if the gasoline in your old lawn mower is bad?

First, start by draining as much of it as possible from the tank into an approved container, such as a gas can or a plastic milk jug. Then, take the container to a place where you can legally dispose of it.

Also refer: Top-rated lawn mower oil extractors

You can take it to a service station for proper disposal, but make sure to follow their rules and regulations first before doing so.

If you want other alternatives for disposing of old lawn mower gas, consider trying these tips:

1. Mix it with Good Gasoline

One easy way to get rid of bad gasoline is to mix it with good gasoline. Just pour the bad gasoline into a gas can then add an equal amount of good gasoline.

Shake the can well, then pour it back into the lawn mower tank. This will help dilute the bad gasoline and make it easier for the lawn mower to start.

Also read: How do you mix gas for lawn mower

2. Use Bad Gasoline as Weed Killer

Another alternative for disposing of bad gasoline is to use it as a weed killer. Just pour the gasoline onto the weeds and let it soak in.

The weeds will die within a few days, and you won’t have to worry about them taking over your garden. Just make sure to wear gloves and goggles while you do this, and follow all safety precautions.

3. Burning Bad Gasoline

You can burn off bad gasoline by pouring it into the lawn mower’s carburetor and operating the machine until all of the gas is gone. If there are any remaining fuel traces in the engine afterward, just let it sit for ten minutes. The engine should then be clear of any bad gasoline.

Also: Recommended oil for kawasaki lawn mower engines

4. Leave the Top Off of the Lawn Mower

Or, better yet, remove it altogether. That’s right, just leave the top of your lawn mower off and let the bad fumes evaporate naturally. Just make sure to put it back on before you try to start the engine again.

Also read: How to clean a metal lawn mower gas tank

How to Start an Engine that Has Been Exposed to Bad Gasoline

If you’ve been storing your lawn mower for a long time and the gasoline has gone bad, the engine will likely be difficult to start. Here are a few tips to help you get it going again:

• Make sure the lawn mower is in a well-ventilated area
• Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and attach it to the spark plug cap
• Pour a small amount (1/4 cup) of good gasoline into the fuel tank
• Turn the lawn mower on its side so that the gas can flow into the carburetor
• Once the gas has flowed into the carburetor, turn the lawn mower upright and reattach the spark plug wire to the spark plug
• Turn on the fuel and let it mix for a few seconds before you try starting the mower
• Add more gas, if necessary, then carefully pull the starter cord to start up your lawn mower

So now you know how to dispose of old lawn mower gas, as well as how to identify bad gasoline.

Be sure to keep this information in mind next time you’re ready to refill your lawn mower tank – and be sure to share it with any friends or family members who also have lawn mowers.