As most lawnmowers have a combustion engine, many users are confused about how to open the gas can.
Mowing the lawn is a chore that needs to be done regularly if we want a clean and beautiful lawn. But if the fuel is old or if the tank is empty, you can’t proceed.
With this in mind, being able to fuel up your lawnmower’s tank or do an inspection will help you keep your machine in top form.
The best solution for the lawnmower’s gas can is to check the manual and the instructions there. This way, you can be certain of the fuel that the engine needs and how to properly open the gas can and the gas section of the lawnmower.
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Why Do I Need to Keep the Fuel Fresh?
To keep your lawnmower in top shape, you need to maintain it properly and use only quality fuel. When the time for refilling comes, you need to be prepared to do it with the proper can of gas by your side.
Use only the adequate fuel recommended by the manufacturer, and if possible, add a fuel stabilizer to prolong its freshness.
This liquid is easy to find online or in specialized shops, and it’s affordable!
Why Is Removing Old Fuel Important?
The removal of old fuel is pivotal—this is recommended when the lawnmower is going to be stored for a longer period of time, for example, throughout winter.
This is a crucial step because old gasoline isn’t good for your lawnmower. After several months, its deposits will settle to the bottom, and the fuel’s overall quality will diminish.
Keep this in mind when leaving the gasoline in the lawnmower for long periods when you’re not using it.
How to Open the Gas Can of a Lawnmower?
Generally speaking (although it ultimately depends on the brand of the lawnmower you have), here’s how to open the lawnmower’s gas can:
- Find the gas tank
A lawnmower’s gas tank is similar to a plastic jug located on the front, side, or top of the engine. However, on other models, the gas tank may be covered up, as it is the remaining part of the engine.
If this is the case with your lawn mower, skip this part and check out the following step.
- Look for the gasoline receptacle
This part is usually covered with a black cap and may feature a gasoline symbol. This symbol may differ among brands, but it’s usually “gas” or a little gas pump photo.
- Take out the gas cap
If the cap is threaded, you can remove it by twisting it right off the top. For other models, you may need a key, or the cap may be attached by a keyed locking mechanism.
For such models, try turning it until the opening point matches up and then lift up the cap.
- Put a funnel in the receptacle
This won’t be necessary if the gas can have a pouring nozzle built into it, like that by Briggs & Stratton.
If it doesn’t have this addition, using a nozzle helps you put all of the gas from the can into the tank, avoiding spillage.
- Pouring the gas from the can into the lawnmower’s can
Do this slowly, especially if you’re using a funnel. The funnel’s neck will only allow so much gas at one time. But, don’t pour it too slowly- this will end up spilling over the sides of the funnel.
If there’s a pouring nozzle, you can pour as fast as you prefer. As you fill it up, you can see the level in the tank. Stop before it becomes too full.
When it’s done, take out the funnel. Screw on the cap tightly and the lawnmower gas is ready!
How to Drain Old Fuel from a Lawnmower?
When you need to remove old gas from the tank, you need to wait for the engine to cool down. You place a jerry can on the ground, right next to the cap. Keep the hose lower than the fuel level in the tank so that the gas can flow uninterrupted.
Next, press the hose deep into the tank so that it reaches the bottom and is submerged in the gas. Blow into the hose to check if you hear bubbles; if you do, you’ve placed it properly.
Then, put the other part of the hose into the jerry can and place the short hose close to the opening, but don’t press it too much because it doesn’t need to be submerged.
Using an old rag, close the opening well, ensuring no air gets out. Afterward, blow air into the short hose or use an air compressor. The air pressure in the gas tank will elevate and force the air into the longer hose.
You keep blowing until you see the gas flowing into the jerry can. When the gas is flowing, stop blowing because gravity will do the work for you.
To stop the flow, lift up the hose or the jerry can. Remove all the hoses and close the gas opening. Don’t forget to cover the jerry can, too, because gasoline releases vapors! And, since there’s always some fuel in the engine, run it until it’s out of gas.
How Should I Clean a Dirty Gas Cap on My Lawnmower?
After you’ve learned how to open the gas can of your lawnmower, some cleaning may be in order.
Since your lawnmower works in rough outdoor environments, various parts, like its gas tank cap, will get dirty.
Luckily, you can clean it in a couple of steps. Take a dry cloth and rub off the debris. Then, clean the cap with the same cloth after you’ve dipped it in petrol.
Remember to open the small hole in the gas cap to allow air into the tank when the gas is used.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to open a lawnmower’s gas can is pivotal because it helps you keep the fuel clean and prevent its further deterioration. Regular cleaning will also benefit the gas tank.
Although it may seem like a difficult task if you’ve never done it before, once you see that it’s actually a simple procedure, you will enjoy it, knowing your lawnmower is functioning optimally!