As a gardening and landscaping expert, I understand the importance of properly maintaining lawn equipment, including push mowers. One common concern that many people have is how long gasoline can sit in a push mower without causing any issues. The length of time that gasoline can sit in a push mower depends on various factors, such as the gasoline formula and whether it has been treated with a fuel stabilizer.
Gasoline is a volatile substance that can degrade over time, especially when exposed to air and moisture. Depending on the gasoline formula, it can start to degrade in as little as 30 days. This degradation can result in the formation of varnish and gum deposits that can clog the mower’s fuel system and cause starting and running problems.
To prevent this from happening, there are two main options you can consider. The first option is to empty the gas tank completely if you know that the push mower will not be used for an extended period of time. This ensures that there is no old gasoline left in the tank that can potentially cause problems later on.
However, completely emptying the gas tank may not be practical or necessary for everyone. In such cases, the second option is to add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. A fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive that helps to keep gasoline fresh and prevent it from degrading. It works by inhibiting the formation of varnish and gum deposits that can clog the fuel system.
When using a fuel stabilizer, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add the correct amount to the gasoline. This will ensure that the stabilizer is effective in preserving the gasoline for a longer period of time.
Properly treated gasoline with a fuel stabilizer can stay good for up to a year. This means that if you add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline in your push mower, you can safely leave it sitting for up to a year without worrying about it degrading and causing any issues when you eventually use the mower again.
I have personally experienced the benefits of using a fuel stabilizer in my own push mower. In the past, I neglected to use a stabilizer and left gasoline in the mower over the winter months. When I tried to start the mower in the spring, it was difficult to start and ran poorly. I had to clean the fuel system and replace the spark plug before it ran smoothly again. Since then, I have always used a fuel stabilizer and have not encountered any similar problems.
Gasoline can start to degrade in as little as 30 days, but properly treated gasoline with a fuel stabilizer can stay good for up to a year. To prevent any issues, you can either empty the gas tank completely or add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your push mower runs smoothly and efficiently whenever you need to use it.
