Snow Thrower Pre Season Maintenance

Your snow thrower pre season maintenance is due. There is no better time to do this work than now before it gets really cold. Pre-season maintenance is easy when it is still warm. No one wants to be dealing with a snow thrower that will not run properly in cold weather. Especially after that first snow fall when it is really cold and there is lots of snow. We have listed a number of steps for consumers to consider. If you are uncomfortable doing this work yourself, at least test start your machine. Make sure that it is running smoothly. If not arrange for a mechanic to tune it up. The following are the steps to consider.

Snow Thrower Pre Season Maintenance Activities

Always refer to your snow throwers service manual for any details and questions. These are the areas you should be review as part of the pre season maintenance activities:

Check Spark Plug
Assess Belts
Measure Tire Pressure
Grease Auger
Confirm Light is Working
Assess for Loose Bolts
Test Start with Fresh Gasoline
Clean Carburetor if Needed
Test all Gears
Run Auger and Impeller

More Details

Check Spark Plug – Remove the spark plug and remove any corroded material. You will need to reset the gap of the electrode or install a new plug after setting the gap properly.

Assess Belts – All belts need to be at the proper tension. Replace if showing signs of wear.

Measure Tire Pressure – Make sure they are at the proper pressure. Tires seldom need replacement. However if they are showing cracks or losing air frequently, you may want to replace them.

Grease Auger – Add grease to the nipples in the auger with a grease gun. Always use regular grease for this purpose.

Check Light is Working – Check connections and / or replace as needed.

Look for Loose Bolts – Confirm all visible bolts are tight and secure.

Test Start with Fresh Gasoline

Start the engine and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes.

Clean Carburetor if Needed – If the engine runs rough, you may need to have the carburetor cleaned.

Test all Gears – Test all gears in both forward and reverse direction.

Run Auger and Impeller – Make sure the area is clear. Then engage the auger to test that it works properly.

Change the oil – Now that the engine is warm, you can change the engine oil. Place fresh oil in the machine as per the manufacturers instructions.

That is about it for basic level maintenance to get ready for the coming winter. Major repairs may need the services of a small engine mechanic if you are not comfortable doing this yourself.

ernie