Fuel smell in garage

[Panda]

This is pretty far OT but I thought I'd ask you guys.

I have a gas can, a lawnmower, and a bike in the garage. I've narrowed it down and the lawnmower is putting out a ton of fumes into the garage. I put some cardboard underneath the lawnmower to see if it's leaking and if it is leaking nothing is making it to the ground.

Any one have any hints for things I can check or things I can do to help reduce the fumes? It's gotten to the point where I have to leave the garage door open to air it out every day.

[SLOWn60]

If it were me; I'd remove anything that might be leaking gas outside until it's resolved!
News at 11!

[DannoXYZ]

Gas cap on mower is most likely vented to atmosphere.

[Panda]

Originally Posted by JacRyann

Gas cap on mower is most likely vented to atmosphere.

You're right it is. Is it safe to block those holes up?

I feel like it isn't and I'll starve the engine when the fuel gets sucked out.

[Panda]

Actually I just put a plastic bag over the fuel cap and then secured it with a rubber band. I'll take off the bag when I run the mower. We'll see if this stops the smell.

Thanks for pointing out the venting caps.

[dcj13]

It's a failed valve in the float bowl of the lawnmower's carburetor.

Verify by checking the oil level in the mower: It'll be way high, because the gas is leaking into the crankcase.

Easiest solution is to install a $7 fuel petcock between the gastank and carb and change the oil.

[Panda]

Originally Posted by dcj13

It's a failed valve in the float bowl of the lawnmower's carburetor.

Verify by checking the oil level in the mower: It'll be way high, because the gas is leaking into the crankcase.

Easiest solution is to install a $7 fuel petcock between the gastank and carb and change the oil.

Thanks, I'll check that because the plastic bag over the air vents in the gas cap didn't work.

[Rifleman]

Originally Posted by dcj13

It's a failed valve in the float bowl of the lawnmower's carburetor.

Verify by checking the oil level in the mower: It'll be way high, because the gas is leaking into the crankcase.

Easiest solution is to install a $7 fuel petcock between the gastank and carb and change the oil.

The hillbilly solution is to only put enough gas in the mower to mow the lawn... the tank should be nearly dry and if you leave the mower out side to cool off, by the time you put it in the garage it's dry.

takes a little bit to figure out exactly how much gas is needed to mow the lawn but you'll figure it out

that's what I do.

But just so you know, your garage is supposed to smell like plywood, brake cleaner and kerosene ... just how it's supposed to be, Toss in a little gas and exhaust and fresh cut grass from time to time as well.

[MrAtom]

you could put a condom over the gas cap and see how quickly it fills up. If it's not a significant amount, check how it seals. Still not, then the mower's probably not your problem.

[Panda]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

The hillbilly solution is to only put enough gas in the mower to mow the lawn... the tank should be nearly dry and if you leave the mower out side to cool off, by the time you put it in the garage it's dry.

takes a little bit to figure out exactly how much gas is needed to mow the lawn but you'll figure it out

that's what I do.

But just so you know, your garage is supposed to smell like plywood, brake cleaner and kerosene ... just how it's supposed to be, Toss in a little gas and exhaust and fresh cut grass from time to time as well.

It smelled a little like gas and exhaust from my bike. But the lawnmower makes it smell a lot like gas.

I think I'll try your technique. I called a local shop and the guy wanted 75 bucks to pull the carbs apart. The lawnmower only cost 100 bucks I'm not sure it's worth it and I'm pretty sure I have just enough tools to disassemble the lawnmower but not enough tools to re-assemble the lawnmower.

[Panda]

Originally Posted by MrAtom

you could put a condom over the gas cap and see how quickly it fills up. If it's not a significant amount, check how it seals. Still not, then the mower's probably not your problem.

I put a plastic bag around the gas cap and then secured it with a rubber band. So it's a little like a giant ill fitting condom. It's not filling up with gas and it still smells poorly so it makes me think it's a failed valve in the float bowl per @dcj13 's suggestion.