What to Do If You Accidentally Put Straight Gas in Your Weed Eater

When it comes to using the right fuel for your small engines, such as a weed eater, itrsquo;s crucial to use the proper mixture to avoid damage and ensure optimal performance. However, accidents can happen, and if you accidentally put straight gas in your weed eater, here are the steps you should take to resolve the issue.

Understanding the Problem

By ldquo;straight gasrdquo; we mean gasoline without the appropriate two-stroke oil mixed in. This can happen at fuel stations when filling your gas cans. The consequences of using straight gas in your weed eater can range from reduced performance to permanent damage. To prevent such issues, itrsquo;s important to understand the types of wrong fuel you might accidentally use and their potential impacts.

What Type of ldquo;Wrong Gasrdquo;

The most common mistake is putting the wrong grade of gasoline in a mower or weed eater. For instance, using premium gas in a mower that requires regular unleaded isnrsquo;t harmful, but itrsquo;s a waste of money. The key is to know the manufacturerrsquo;s recommendation and stick to it. Other common mistakes include adding diesel fuel to a gasoline-powered engine or putting ethanol-rich gasoline in an engine that doesnrsquo;t require it.

Handling the Situation

The first step is to identify the type of fuel you used and the amount present in the fuel tank. Herersquo;s a guide to handle each situation:

Accidents Involving Premium Gas

Putting premium gas (higher octane) in your lawn mower will not cause significant harm. Your mowerrsquo;s engine is designed to work with regular unleaded gas, so premium gas will not cause significant damage. However, it is a waste of money since premium gas is more expensive and unnecessary for normal operation.

To minimize the harmful effects, let the fuel sit for a few minutes. If the weed eater starts up on its own, itrsquo;s a good sign that not enough premium gas is present to cause issues. If it doesnrsquo;t, you can safely empty the tank and refill with regular unleaded.

Accidents Involving Diesel Fuel

While diesel fuel is a light lubricant, it isnrsquo;t suitable for gasoline engines. However, a small amount of diesel fuel in the carburetor can be cleaned out, and the engine can often start with a few pulls of the cord. Herersquo;s what you should do:

Check if your weed eater starts when the fuel tank is still warm and only has a small amount of diesel. If it starts, itrsquo;s likely the diesel is already mixed with the gasoline in the carburetor. If it doesnrsquo;t start, drain as much diesel fuel from the tank as possible. You can roll the mower onto its side to help remove the diesel. Make sure to get most of it out as long as you can. Refill the tank with regular unleaded gasoline and run the weed eater as you normally would. A small amount of diesel in the fuel isnrsquo;t harmful; it just wonrsquo;t start as smoothly as gasoline alone.

Prevention is Key

To prevent such accidents in the future, consider simplifying your fuel procurement process. By purchasing ethanol-free gas specifically for small engines and mixing it with the appropriate oil, you can avoid the need to check labels or worry about wrong fuel types. This precautionary step ensures that your weed eater will run smoothly, even if left unused for long periods.

Conclusion

Accidents happen, and knowing how to handle them is crucial. By understanding the types of wrong gas and the steps to take, you can keep your weed eater running smoothly. Always check the fuel type and follow the manufacturerrsquo;s guidelines to avoid any issues. Proper fuel is not just about saving money, but also about keeping your equipment in good working condition.