how do you care for a snowblower after winter

How do you care for a snowblower after winter?

• Run the engine dry. The single-most important task to guarantee starting next winter is how you deal with remaining fuel now.
• Change the oil.
• Swap out the spark plug.
• Stock up on spare parts.
• Tighten fasteners.
• Check the tires.
• Take care with batteries.

Full Answer

Should you put your snowblower away for the winter?

That being said, it’s probably safe to put away your snowblower, but you might want to leave out that shovel. To make sure your snowblower is ready and in tip-top shape for next winter, it’s important to store it correctly. Consumer Reports recently offered tips on the best storage options.

How do I maintain my snow blower?

Just a few minutes of simple maintenance will keep your snow blower in tip-top shape. 1 Always run the snow blower on a cleared surface to remove any leftover snow from the auger, before you put it away, wipe... 2 Tighten any loose bolts or fasteners after each use. 3 Check for worn or damaged parts and replace them as soon as possible. More ...

How do you clean a snowblower chute?

Use a clean-out tool to clear the chute. Always use a clean-out tool rather than your hands. Some snow blowers come with a clean-out tool, but you can also purchase one separately. The rubber paddles used on some single-stage snow blowers will eventually wear out and need replacement.

How do you lubricate a snowblower with no fuel?

To avoid this hassle and be sure there's no fuel left in the system, simply run the snowblower until the remaining gas burns out. 3. Seal and Protect Your Engine Remove your spark plug, pour a drop of oil into the combustion chamber, and pull the cord a few times to lubricate the cylinder wall and piston.

What do I do with my snowblower after winter?

Snowblower Storage PrepAdd Fuel Stabilizer. Every time you refill your gas cans with fresh gasoline, the first step is to add fuel stabilizer to the can before filling it up. ... Drain the Fuel. ... Seal and Protect Your Engine. ... Wipe it Down and Lubricate. ... Wrap it Up.

Should I run the gas out of my snowblower?

If you've added fuel stabilizer—an additive sold by power-equipment dealers and home centers—to the gas in your snow blower, all you need to do is top off the fuel before you put your snow blower in storage.

Can you hose down a snowblower?

Consumer Reports recently offered tips on the best storage options. First, make sure to clean your snowblower. It does a lot of work during winter, so it's likely dirty. Hose it down on a warm day, removing dirt and salt, both of which can lead to corrosion if left on the machine.

Can a snowblower be left outside in winter?

Registered. I keep mine outside all year long, coverd. As long as it's covered and stabil in gas it will be fine. I always add stabil to the 5gal gas can every time I fill so all my machines are good to go.

How do you store a snowblower after use?

How to Store Your Snow BlowerDrain the Fuel. ... Change the Engine Oil. ... Clean and Protect the Exterior. ... Inspect and Replace Worn Parts. ... Lubricate All Lubrication Points. ... Use a Snowblower Cover.

Is it better to drain gas or use stabilizer?

What to do instead: Avoid risks with gas stabilizer. Manufacturers sometimes recommend draining the tank to winterize a lawn mower because the worst thing you can do is leave old fuel in an engine during long periods of storage.

How often should you service a snowblower?

How Often Do Gas Snow Blowers Need Maintenance? Oil changes are to be done after the first 5 hours of use but are not required again until the end of the year or at 50 hours of use. However, we suggest checking your snow blower oil after every 5 hours of use to ensure it's at the right level and not getting too dirty.

How do I clean my snowblower?

Snowblower Carburetor CleanerTurn off the snowblower engine and leave it to cool.Remove the carburetor bowl, float bowl and flathead.Spray and clean the dirty carburetor with a carburetor cleaner, removing debris with a cloth. ... Clean the bowl, nuts and holes, removing any rust with sandpaper.More items...•

Where should I store my snow blower?

Ideally, you have a garage or storage shed that will protect it from the elements, like sun and rain. If that's the case, all you need to do is ensure you have a properly sized snowblower cover. Put it on, wheel the machine where you want it, and park it. Easy!

How do you drain old gas from a snowblower?

Run Engine to Drain out Residual Gas Despite your pumping efforts, a bit of gas will remain behind in the snowblower. You can get rid of this by running the engine. Replace the cap to the fuel tank, start the engine, and let it run until it shuts off on its own due to lack of gas.

Can you leave a snowblower out in the rain?

You can leave a snowblower out in the rain, but water will get inside and freeze if you don't cover it. More than mere carburetor icing, this will cause icing throughout the machine anywhere the water collects. Notably, if you put away your blower while it's warm from use, some of that water will evaporate inside.

Where should I store my snowblower in the summer?

1:094:00HOW TO Store your snowblower for the Summer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor the second method all you have to do is to run your machine till runs out of fuel. That wayMoreFor the second method all you have to do is to run your machine till runs out of fuel. That way there's not going to be any fuel left in the fuel tank or the carburetor to go back throughout the

What to do if your snow blower is worn?

If this is worn, replace it (leaving it alone could result in damage to the snow blower housing).

How to run a snowmobile before it snows?

1. Inspect and tighten or replace parts as necessary. Check all of the nuts, bolts, screws, belts, and cords to make sure that nothing is loose.

How many belts does a snow blower have?

Two-stage snow blowers have two belts, one for the auger and one for the drive; single-stage snow blowers have only one belt. If the belts are worn or cracked, they should be replaced. Otherwise, make sure they are tight. The starter cord also should be inspected and replaced if there is any evidence of fraying.

What accessories do snow blowers come with?

Different makes and models of snow blowers come with various accessories, such as power steering, headlights, and electric starters. It is a good idea to inspect all of these items and replace any accessories that are broken or worn.

Where are the shear pins on a snow blower?

The shear pins are located between the auger and the gear casing.

Why do skid shoes need to be replaced?

The skid shoes adjust the height of the auger in order to keep it from scraping the ground or picking up stones. Skid shoes should be replaced if they are worn. The rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing, it is time to replace the rubber.

How to clean rust off snowblower?

Take a warm, wet cloth and wipe down the snowblower, removing salt and other types of stains. Once it dries, spray the exposed metal parts with a rust preventative or engine storage spray to protect them from rust and corrosion. 5. Wrap it Up.

What to do if you forgot to drain gas from snow blower?

It's an extra level of assurance, so if you forgot to drain the fuel from the tank before storage, the chances of damaging your snowblower or having gunk in your tank are less likely. 2. Drain the Fuel. At the end of the snow blowing season, you never want to keep fuel in your snow blower, even if the gas is stabilized; always drain the tank.

Why do you need to stabilize gas in a snowblower?

Stabilizing the gas in a can should be done before filling up your snowblower to ensure that your engine will continually run clean and start reliably during the winter and after off-season storage. Fuel stabilizer prevents your gas from breaking down and turning into a soupy, varnish-like gunk that can clog your tank, injectors, ...

Why do you put a roof over a snow blower?

Either way, having a roof above your snowblower will help protect it from the elements between uses or while in storage. Now go enjoy your summer knowing that the 10 minutes you spent preparing your snow blower will prevent hours of frustration and unwanted shoveling when the snow falls again next season.

How to clean a snowblower that has salt stains?

An often overlooked step, rough conditions can leave salt stains covering your snowblower, which can cause corrosion to the metal components if left untreated in off-season storage. Take a warm, wet cloth and wipe down the snowblower, removing salt and other types of stains. Once it dries, spray the exposed metal ...

Do snowblower covers work?

Snowblower covers are not expensive, but they'll preserve the life of your snow thrower and keep it looking like new by saving your paint job from scratches. Unlike plastic tarps or garbage bags, covers are meant to breathe, which prevents "sweating" and moisture build-up from humidity throughout the year.

Can you store a snow blower in spring?

For most of us, spring starts when we store the snow thrower and pull out the lawn mower, and that rare ly follows the calendar. Still, improperly storing your blower can mean a headache when next season snows without warning, and with a vengeance. Follow the simple maintenance steps below to save hundreds in costly repairs ...

Step 1. Drain the Fuel System

For starters, empty the fuel system by running the engine dry. It’s a good idea to use Toro Premium Fuel Treatment all season long but if you haven’t being doing that, put a little in your tank before you run the fuel out.

Step 2. Change the Engine Oil

Now that you’ve drained the fuel system, it’s a great time to change the engine oil and refill it with fresh Toro 4-Cycle Winter Engine Oil. Do it while the engine and oil are still warm to make sure that more of the old oil drains out.

Step 3. Inspect Cables, Rotor Blades, and Scraper

Give your machine a walk around inspection. Tighten any loose cables, nuts or fasteners. Inspect wear parts like your rotor blades and scraper on a signle-stage blower or the auger scraper and skids on a two-stage machine.

Step 4. Protect from Rust – Especially in Humid Summer Months

If you have a two-stage machine, grease the wheel shafts to inhibit rust. If you find any chipped surfaces, sand them and then touch them up with Toro Red Touch-Up Paint so they don’t expand during the humid summer months.

What is the difference between a 1 and 2 stage snow blower?

A single stage snow blower, also called a snow thrower, is the most basic model available. It works well for lighter snowfalls of up to eight inches. However, it cannot cut through larger snow drifts as well as a two stage snowblower. Additionally, they do not work well on gravel or uneven surfaces.

What does a snowblower tune up consist of?

There are two types of snow blowers: electric and gas. Electric snow blowers require little maintenance aside from replacing the battery every couple of years. Gas snow blowers; however, do require yearly maintenance. This maintenance includes: inspecting the belts, tightening bolts, changing spark plugs and more.

How do you properly store a snow blower after winter?

Properly store a snow blower by cleaning it thoroughly. Getting rid of all salt and debris will lower the chances of rust forming on the machine while it sits over the summer months. Also check the tire pressure; if it is sitting unevenly, the auger box or another part of the machine could scrape the ground.

How to clean a snow blower that is corroded?

At the end of the snow season, your blower is bound to have accumulated a buildup of dirt and salt. Grab a mild soap solution and a warm cloth to remove salt and buildup that can cause your machine to corrode over time. You can also power wash it with that same mild soap solution on a lower pressure setting.

How to run a snow blower when it runs out of gas?

This can be done in several different ways: Run your snow blower until it runs out of fuel. Drain the fuel through the fuel line. Use a fuel transfer pump to siphon the gas out, then run the engine dry. 2. IF YOU CAN’T EMPTY THE GAS TANK. If you run into a situation where you can’t empty the gas tank and have to store your snow blower ...

What is a snow blower cover?

Snow blower covers are designed to breathe and prevent moisture from accumulating during those hot and humid months. However, a tarp will also do the job and will prevent your machine from collecting buildup and will protect it from getting scratched.

Why won't my snow blower start?

One of the most common reasons snow blowers don’t start after sitting in storage all summer is because of clogs caused by old broken down gasoline. The best way to store your snow blower so that it starts up again come winter is to empty all of the gas from the machine. This can be done in several different ways:

What to do if you can't empty the gas tank?

IF YOU CAN’T EMPTY THE GAS TANK. If you run into a situation where you can’t empty the gas tank and have to store your snow blower with gasoline in it, then you will need to use a fuel stabilizer . Fuel stabilizer prevents fresh fuel from breaking down by preventing the ethanol in the fuel from oxidizing and potentially damaging ...