Gas in Oil: What to Do When Fuel Leaks Into Your Briggs & Stratton Engine's Oil

  • Updated on Apr 2, 2025
  • Published on Mar 4, 2025
  • 2 minute(s) read
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Based on the provided instructions, I'll fix the formatting of the article and ensure it follows the KB article format:

KB Category: Maintenance & Care KB Subcategory: Engine Maintenance

New KB Article:

Gas in Your Oil: How to Fix It and Prevent Future Issues

Finding gas in your engine oil can be concerning, but with prompt action, you can prevent serious damage to your Cyclone Rake engine. This common issue has straightforward solutions that most owners can handle themselves.

How to Identify Gas in Your Oil

If you notice these signs, you likely have fuel contaminating your oil:

  • Strong gasoline smell when checking oil

  • Oil appears thin, diluted, or lighter in color than normal

  • Oil level is higher than it should be

  • Engine smoking more than usual

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Drain the Contaminated Oil

  • Locate the oil drain plug on your engine

  • Place a suitable drain pan beneath to catch the contaminated oil

  • Loosen the plug and allow all oil to drain completely

  • Dispose of contaminated oil properly at a recycling center

2. Check Spark Plug and Cylinder

  • Remove the spark plug and examine it—it may be wet or dirty if gas has leaked into the engine

  • Replace spark plug if needed

  • Pull the recoil starter several times to expel any fluid that may have leaked into the cylinder head area

  • Dry the area thoroughly

  • Install a new spark plug or reinstall the cleaned, dry original

3. Verify Complete Drainage

  • Check the oil level using the dipstick to ensure all contaminated oil has been removed

  • If there's still evidence of fuel, repeat the draining process

4. Refill with Fresh Oil

  • Add the correct type and amount of oil as specified in your Briggs & Stratton engine manual

  • For most Cyclone Rake engines, refer to the recommended oil chart in your owner's manual

5. Inspect and Fix the Underlying Problem

Most gas-in-oil issues are caused by:

Carburetor Problems:

  • Remove and clean the carburetor using proper carburetor cleaner

  • Inspect the float needle assembly to ensure it's properly sealing when fuel is not needed

  • Check for worn gaskets, needle seats, or other damaged components

  • Replace any worn parts as necessary

Fuel Shut-Off Valve Issues:

  • Verify the fuel shut-off valve closes completely when the engine is not in use

  • Replace if the valve is leaking or not functioning properly

Important Reminders

  • Never run your engine with gas-contaminated oil as this can cause serious damage

  • Always refer to your specific Briggs & Stratton engine manual for maintenance guidance

  • If you're uncomfortable performing these steps yourself, please locate a qualified Briggs & Stratton service center for professional assistance

These steps will help you address the immediate problem of gas in oil and prevent it from happening again by fixing the underlying cause.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help! Our team is always happy to assist. Whether you'd like to call, schedule a callback, or send us a message through our Contact Us form, we're ready to help!