The rainy season could be a challenge to many prized items that end up wet. We know that people leave their mowers outside, even during the rain. Is it okay for a lawn mower to get rained on?
Keeping it away from water and moisture might be impossible. Is it possible for lawn mowers to get wet? What are you expected to do if your lawn mower gets wet?
Is it okay for a lawn mower to get rained on?
It is not healthy for the machine to be exposed to water. This can bring up some challenges. Therefore, is it possible for lawn mowers to get wet? Yes, it is possible.
It is possible for lawn mowers to get wet but they should not be soaked in water. Light rain will not spoil it. The main question now is, what is the limit of water that can be allowed?
The aim of this article is to discuss in detail all you should know and the actions you should take if your lawnmower gets wet.
What Causes a Lawn Mower to Get Wet?
Your lawn mower can get wet for a lot of reasons. One of the reasons is, to keep it outside, all through the night.
Another reason is, to keep it where rain will fall on it. Even if the rain did not fall on it, morning dew is capable of making it wet also.
Mowing after heavy rain exposes your lawn mower to water. It can get wet if it is exposed to condensation after it was stored for a long time.
If it is kept under plastic sheets, it may trap moisture. If your deck or fuel tank has cracks or dents, a part of your mower may be exposed to moisture.
Finally, storing fuel for a long time requires fuel stabilizer. If not, water may be introduced to it.
Which Part of the Lawn Mower Can Get Wet?
It is possible for any part of the lawn mower to get wet. It is subject to circumstance, however. The areas that are most sensitive are:
- The spark plug.
- The air filter.
- The carburetor and fuel tank.
- Some other areas such as the wheels, deck and push handle, may also get wet. However, it will not be of any serious issue. The only problem is, that part will start to rust, if the exposure is for a long time. The level of rust will also be determined by the level of the weather conditions.
Will Moisture Damage My Lawn Mower?
Lawn mowers are costly. It is natural that, you will get worried if It gets damaged. Lawn mowers are strong machines.
They are made to survive tough uses. They are able to last long. It will not damage just because it is wet.
If the lawn mower is wet, because rain fall on it, start the lawn mower and leave it to run for some minutes.
This is the only thing you are required to do. It will dry itself by the heat the engine will generate. It will save it from rusting as well.
Alternatively, you can dry it under the Sun for some hours. After that, you start the engine and leave it to run for some minutes.
Really, you can clean and dry off the body with a rag and then keep it where it will be safe and not exposed to weather.
What If Your Lawn Mower Doesn’t Start After Getting Wet?
If after you have done all the things stated above and the engine still refuses to start, you have the need to carry out inspections.
This kind of situation always arise if the lawn mower was left outside during a heavy rain.
Step 1: The Spark Plug
Moisture may stop the spark from working. You have to check the spark plug to clean off moisture or condensation from it.
Take time to clean and dry the spark plug very well. If the need be, use a small sandpaper to remove all residues. Ensure there is appropriate gap between the spark plug and electrode. Expose it to the air to dry.
Haven done these, put the plug back and try if it will start. If it do start, that is good. If it does not start, go over to step two.
Step 2: The Air Filter
Bring out the air filter. Remember to examine the air filter regularly. You may have the need to dry out the lawn mower completely, depending on how wet it is. You may even buy a new one. Try to start the lawn mower again. It it does not start, go to step three.
Step 3: The Fuel Tank and Carburetor
Look for a neat container to drain the gas with. Check for water in the gas. If there is, you will see little bubbles forming on the gas.
It is just like the way cooking oil stays in little bubbles when water is in it. It is a common knowledge that water is heavier than gas. That is why it settles at the bottom.
The case will be very bad if you find water. It means you must bring down almost all the parts of the lawnmower machine: the top cover, fuel tank, air filter, carburetor and so on.
You shall clean the lawn mower and the parts properly. Keep them dry in an open-air. Fill the fuel tank with entirely new gas.
Take proper care to ensure that water did not contaminate the gas. If you are set, start the engine again. It must start this time.
Signs That There’s Water In Your Gas Lawn Mower
- Motor Not Starting – There is the possibility of water setting at the bottom of the fuel tank. Water is neither fuel nor combustible, therefore, the lawn mower will not be able to start.
- Lack of Power and Acceleration – If the performance of your lawn mower is not what it used to be, there may be accumulated water in the fuel tank or carburetor.
- Sudden Stops – When your lawn mower suddenly dies out or shuts down, it is another indication there is water in the tank. Ensure to run a check as soon as possible.
Can a Lawn Mower Be Waterproof?
Lawn mowers are highly sensitive. Making them to be waterproof may not be possible. With the help of a plastic protective cover, water can be prevented from entering into sensitive parts. However, this cannot give it total protection.
Waterproof and water-resistance are not the same thing. Devices can still be spoilt by water, if they are exposed so much.
You are free to cut wet grasses but, you are advised not to. The reasons are as follows :
- They are difficult to cut;
- They give more labour to the machine.
- It does not allow for clean cuts.
- It is very likely to create ruts in the soil;
- It makes the blades dull.
What happens if rain gets in your gas tank?
The car will stall out if the problem is not fixed quickly. Also, it can destroy the engine.
What happens if water gets in your lawn mower gas tank?
When there is a small amount of water, the engine will start smoothly. However, the mower may sputter, stall or completely stop running.
How do you get water out of a riding lawn mower gas tank?
- Disconnect the spark plug for safety.
- Siphon the diluted gas. Insert the siphon tube of a hand-pump into the gas tank of the lawnmower. .
- Drain the oil.
- Empty the carburetor bowl, a metal cylinder located on the side of the machine. ..
- Wipe out the insides of the gas tank, oil tank and carburetor bowls with clean rags.
How can you tell if there is water in your gas tank?
The following symptoms happens when water is in your gas tank:
- Sputtering or idling problems
- Sudden increase/decrease in power.
- Rust in the gas tank.
- Poor fuel economy.
- The car refuses to star
What does bleach in gas tank do?
Bleaches are made of water and chlorine. Chlorine is denser than water and is expected to stay at the bottom of the tank.
This does not happen the chlorine gas in the bleach would react with the fuel, and cause corrosion in all the parts that are exposed to it,
How long does it take water to separate from gas?
Water absorption from the air is far slower at lower temperatures and humidity. It would take over two years to saturate one gallon in a can.
Will rubbing alcohol remove water from gas?
When you add alcohol to a gas tank with water and gasoline, the alcohol sinks to the bottom and absorbs the water.
The result becomes what is no longer harmful to your car’s engine.
Does seafoam remove water from gas?
Sea Foam absorbs water in the fuel tank, and allows it to be burned up without any challenges in the combustion chamber.
What is the best fuel treatment for water in gas?
Mostpeople use Heet because it is the industry standard if you need an additive to remove the water from your gas tank.
For example, ISO-HEET a gas anti-freeze, but can remove up to 5x the water as other additives.
Does fuel stabilizer remove water from gas?
A fuel tank will not need to be drained, as it will keep the car’s fuel fresh for up to 24 months. Even after storage, the fuel additive will ensure a quick and easy start. In order to prevent corrosion, water is removed from the fuel system
How long does it take Heet to remove water from gas?
HEET takes at least 15-20 minutes to eliminate moisture. However, many other factors, such as temperature, have an effect on this time. The maximum time required is approximately three hours
How much does it cost to fix water in gas tank?
It can cost you about $50 to $150. The repair when water enters a gas tank depends much on what you need to replace. If you do the job by yourself, you can expect to pay the least money.
However, the location, degree of repair, and service charges can affect the cost.
Water In Fuel
If you want to get water in the fuel tank through a loose oil cap, it can cause critical performance problems.
Short Term Effects
- Running and stopping
- Poor performance
- Hard stopping
Long term effects
- Corrosion in the tank
- Corrosion in carburetor
- Corrosion in the fuel lines
Air Intake
When water enters a mower, air intake can cause water to get sucked into the cylinder. When this happens, it causes the water to leak past the rings and into the sump.
Safety Hazards
When mowing on your slopes, wet grass can be slippery and became a safety hazard. You should take extra precautions to make sure both you and your mower have good traction at all times.
Will Mowing Wet Grass Ruin my Lawn Mower?
If you are wet grass, it could end up as a poorly done job. As a result, you have unevenly cut grass, and your tires and feet leave a bad impression on the soil.
When this happens, you can suffer from an infection. Also, you may have to redo the work when the grass is dry.
Therefore, mowing wet grass is recommended and may end up damaging your mower if you continue doing this.
- Wet grass can clog up under the mower deck. If you are mulching the clippings, the clumping is even worse. It may not shoot the grass out the side or bag them. The wet clippings lead to corrosion, which can lead to rust long term.
- Also, wet and clogged up grass ends up getting stuck on the bottom of the mower deck. When it dries, it cakes on there. The moisture buildup can lead to mold on the bottom of your mower deck.
- Finally, if the grass clippings are clogged, they would disrupt the rotation of the blades, which can end up causing a great deal of stress on the engine of your mower as it has to work extra hard to power through it.