Hey there, it’s your pal Jeff here. I’ve got a funny story for you about old gas and lawn mowers. So, I was mowing my lawn the other day and I ran out of gas.
No big deal, right? I just went to the garage, grabbed a can of gas, and filled ‘er up.
But here’s the thing – I didn’t realize that the gas in that can had been sitting in there for like, six months. And let me tell you, it was not a good time.
What Happens When You Use Old Gas in a Lawn Mower?
Long story short, my lawn mower sputtered and died within minutes of me using that old gas. And it wasn’t just because I was out of gas – it was because the gas had gone bad.
You see, over time, gasoline starts to break down and form all kinds of nasty stuff, like varnish and gum. And when that gunk gets into your lawn mower’s engine, it can cause all kinds of problems.
How Long Does Gas Last in a Lawn Mower?
So, how long does gas last in a lawn mower before it goes bad? Generally, gas lasts about three to six months in a lawn mower (or other gas-powered equipment).
After that, it starts to break down and can cause problems. So, if you’ve got some gas that’s been sitting around for six months (or longer), it’s probably not a good idea to use it in your lawn mower.
How Can You Tell if Your Gas is Too Old?
But how can you tell if your gas is too old to use in your lawn mower? There are a few ways to check. First, you can try the “sniff test.”
Give the gas a good sniff – if it smells like chemicals or has a strong, unpleasant odor, it’s probably no good. You can also try the “float test.”
Pour a small amount of gas into a clear container, and see if any weird-looking gunk floats to the top. If you see any weird stuff floating around, it’s time to ditch that gas.
Can You Use 2 Year Old Gas in a Lawn Mower?
Using 2 year old gas in a lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment) is generally not a good idea.
Gasoline starts to break down and form gunk and contaminants over time, and the longer it sits, the worse it gets. After about two years, the gas is likely to be so degraded that it could cause serious problems for your lawn mower’s engine.
So, if you’ve got some gas that’s been sitting around for a couple of years, it’s best to ditch it and refill your tank with fresh, high-quality gas.
Trust me, your lawn mower (and your mow-sesh) will thank you. And if you need to store gas for a while, make sure to follow the tips in the FAQ section to help extend its shelf life.
FAQ
Can I Use 6 Month Old Gas in My Mower?
In general, it’s not a good idea to use gas that’s been sitting around for six months (or longer) in your lawn mower.
The gas may have started to break down and form gunk and contaminants that can clog up the engine and cause problems. It’s generally best to drain the old gas out of the tank and refill it with fresh, high-quality gas instead.
Can Old Gas Damage a Lawn Mower?
Yes, old gas can definitely damage a lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment).
When gasoline starts to break down, it can form all kinds of gunk that can clog up the engine and cause serious problems.
How Do You Store Gas for a Lawn Mower?
If you want to store gas for your lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment), here are a few tips:
- Store the gas in a clean, approved container.
- Keep the container in a cool, dry place.
- Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas to help extend its shelf life.
Conclusion: Don’t Skimp on the Gas
In conclusion, it’s generally not a good idea to use old gas in your lawn mower (or any other gas-powered equipment).
If you’ve got some gas that’s been sitting around for a while, it’s best to ditch it and refill your tank with fresh, high-quality gas. Trust me, your lawn mower (and your mow-sesh) will thank you.
So go out there and give your lawn the cut it deserves, my grass-cutting friend! Just make sure you’ve got some fresh gas in the tank first.