There are a few simple things you can do to make sure that your snow thrower will be ready for next years snow clearing and not cause you any problems. If you are planning to do this work yourself, get out the manual and review any instructions that may be in the manual concerning storage of your snow thrower. If you plan to have a mechanic do the work for you, you may want to speak with the shop to find out the best time to take your snow thrower in for it’s annual maintenance.
One of the biggest problems many consumers have is bad gas in the fall when they go to start the engine after it has sat all summer long. An easy way to preserve your gas is to purchase one of the products from your local auto store that is designed to be added to the gasoline which will keep it fresh and avoid gumming up the gas tank and the smaller parts in the carburetor. There are many products on the market, so we will not recommend any here, however you can also check with your local small engine mechanic to see what they recommend as the best one for your snow blowers engine.
Spending a few dollars on these products can save you hundreds of dollars later and a lot of frustration when your snow thrower refuses to start next winter.
Again follow the instructions in your manual. It is a relatively simple job to do and can add years to the life of the engine. Fresh clean oil lubricates your engine and helps to ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency. Changing the oil now after the end of the winter is a good time to do it. Before all of the sludge in the old oil hardens inside your engine.
Run the engine for a few minutes until it is warm, then shut it off, remove the spark plug wire to avoid potential accidents and drain the oil as per the instructions in the manual. The oil should be hot after the engine has been run and it will drain more quickly and completely as a result.
Follow the instructions in the manual and remove the spark plug to examine it’s condition. Most spark plugs will last several years. They just need cleaning and to be re-gaped from time to time to ensure they continue to meet the specs required by your engine.
Your snow blower may or may not need lubrication. Your manual will tell you if there are any parts that need to be oiled or greased.
Since you are the operator , you may already be aware of something that was not working properly during the winter. This is the time to make repairs. It is much easier to work on your machine in the warm weather than in freezing weather. Now is the time to do it, if everything is working properly. If there is nothing loose or needing adjustment, then all you may need is a quick inspection.
The tires usually do not lose air. However I have found that with older machines the tires sometimes lose air over the years. Fill them to the recommended level. If you are really particular, you should park your snow thrower in its permanent location for the summer. Then place blocks under the housing so that the wheels are off the ground. This will protect the tires.
Every year before I put my snow blower away for the summer, I give it a good wash. This gets rid of any sand , dirt and salt from the housing, the impellers, and the augers. Then I spray all of these same areas with a thin film of oil. This is the same oil that they use to undercoat cars. This oil will protect the housing etc from rusting in areas were the paint may have been scratched off. After 25 years , my snow blower is still going strong and looks like new.
If you need to store it outside, cover the snow thrower with a tarp to protect it from the elements.
If you have other comments and/or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section of this blog.
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