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.
Contents
- How to Identify Bad Gasoline in your Lawn Mower
- How to Dispose of Old Lawn Mower Gas
- 1. Mix it with Good Gasoline
- 2. Use Bad Gasoline as Weed Killer
- 3. Burning Bad Gasoline
- 4. Leave the Top Off of the Lawn Mower
- How to Start an Engine that Has Been Exposed to Bad Gasoline
- Will a Lawn Mower Engine Start with Bad Gas?
- Will Octane Booster Help Bad Gas in a Lawn Mower?
- Can You Revive Old Gasoline?
- Author
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
Will a Lawn Mower Engine Start with Bad Gas?
A lawn mower engine can start with bad gas, but it will not run well. The engine may stall or not start at all. If you try to start the engine with bad gas, you may also damage the engine.
Will Octane Booster Help Bad Gas in a Lawn Mower?
Octane booster is a fuel additive used to improve gasoline’s performance. It can help to clean out the old gas and restore performance. If you add octane booster to bad gas in a lawn mower, it may help the engine to run better.
Can You Revive Old Gasoline?
Yes, it is possible to revive old gasoline. Reviving old gasoline will not return it to its original condition, but it will be usable in a lawn mower.
You can clean out the old gas by adding an octane booster or another fuel additive. If the gasoline is dirty, you may need to drain it and refill it with fresh gas.
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.