Imagine this: it is time to mow your grass, and your equipment is causing you issues. It won’t start, no matter the effort you put into it. But that’s weird: it is not an old mower.
But did you know that what you put on it will affect your equipment’s durability? It might never cross your mind that gasoline might spoil. But the truth is that gas does break down over time.
Just like food items spoil, fertilizers and gas might not perform as well after some time. But will old gas ruin a lawnmower? And what should you know about it?
Keep reading to find out!
Will Bad Gas Ruin a Lawn Mower?
Let’s go straight to the core of the question. The truth is that old gas in your lawnmower might cause it to perform poorly (or not start). Your mower might not run smoothly or sputter during operation.
The situation might worsen if your gasoline gets into contact with water: sediments building up in the tank can end up in the carburetor, which will cause trouble in starting your mower.
Don’t forget that water is denser than gasoline, so if there is some in your fuel, it will get into the carburetor, which will cause hard starting, running, and stopping.
Of course, the impact of old gas on your mower depends on the type of equipment you use. But what causes problems to your tool and why?
Over time, additives in the gasoline break down and form sediments while alcohol octane boosters (which affect the gas volatility) evaporate and leave what’s left less combustible.
Plus, inadequate storage might contribute to its degradation. Indeed, water build-up can cause it to stop performing as it should.
Also, the level of degradation depends on the product you purchase: low-quality ones might spoil in as little as 30 days. But if you properly store your gas, it might stay good for as long as one to three years. You might be able to extend its shelf life by treating it with stabilizers.
Can you Fix Your Mower?
If you are sure your mower isn’t working because you are using old gasoline, the best thing you can do to fix the problem is to remove residue that might be choking your tool’s engine.
If there is gasoline in the tank still, remove it: using the same gas after fixing your equipment will cause the same problems. When the oil you use on the engine is dirty, it grinds on parts and might ruin the mechanism.
If the oil level is low, it can even burn it! So, we suggest you not skip changing the gasoline on your mower. Don’t forget that you should do it every 25 to 50 hours of usage (or every three months: whichever comes first). Doing so will keep damage to a minimum.
If you have plenty of old gasoline that you can’t use on your mower, don’t worry: it is possible to recondition it. However, ensure you check your state’s regulations: each area has different rules.
Reconditioning involves filtering the gasoline using fabric or other fine materials and mixing it with fresh products in a set ratio. The result is only suitable for engines with carburetors. Remember not to use it in fuel injection mechanisms.
Also, depending on your mower, you might have to remove and clean the carburetor. And if the issue is so severe that the fuel line clogs, you might have to replace that too!
Will Bad Gas Ruin A Lawn Mower: The Bottom Line
So, despite what you may be thinking, gasoline expires. Its shelf life depends on how well you store it and its quality. Don’t forget that sometimes, it is worth investing a couple of dollars more on good quality if that means avoiding issues with your mower.
If you allow external elements (like water) to get into it, you might cause it to degrade sooner. Also, running small engines with old gasoline might have a considerable impact and ruin your mower so much that you won’t be able to fix it. Follow the recommendations of changing the oil in your equipment regularly to prevent that from happening.
If you need to extend your gas shelf life, purchase a fuel stabilizer: you can find that online or at your favorite gardening store. Choose a high-quality product for the best results.
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