1. Stale Fuel: Over time, gasoline tends to deteriorate and lose its combustibility. When you leave gas in your lawn mower for an extended period (usually over a month), it can become stale and fail to ignite properly, preventing the engine from cranking.
2. Clogged Carburetor: Old gasoline can form gummy deposits in the carburetor, which is responsible for mixing fuel and air before sending them to the engine. These deposits can obstruct fuel flow and prevent the engine from getting the necessary fuel to crank and run.
3. Damaged Fuel System Components: Stale fuel can break down and corrode metal components in the fuel system, including fuel lines and fuel injectors. This damage can lead to fuel leaks and disrupt fuel delivery, making it challenging for the engine to crank.
4. Water Contamination: If your lawn mower's fuel tank is exposed to moisture, water can mix with the gasoline over time. Since water doesn't compress like fuel, its presence in the fuel mixture can cause engine knocking, poor combustion, and difficulty cranking.
To prevent these issues and keep your lawn mower in good condition, it's essential to use fresh fuel. Drain any old gas from your mower's tank before storing it for extended periods. Alternatively, you can add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline to extend its shelf life and prevent it from deteriorating rapidly.
