A Snowblower also called a snow thrower, is a machine used to get rid of unwanted snow from the areas where it may cause trouble, e.g., driveways, roads, railway tracks, sidewalks, etc.
Snowblowers can be powered by electricity or diesel and gas. Electric snowblowers use electric power to run, and they are quite easy to use and maintain. However, a gas-fueled snowblower could be a little harder to maintain.
If you own this machine but don’t know how to drain gas from snowblower, then we will teach you everything, from maintenance to operation.
Maintenance of Gas-Fueled Snowblower
Gas fueled snowblower is a pretty powerful tool that can help you clear that unwanted snow from your driveway. However, its maintenance can be a bit hassle every year. You have to drain the gas tank before storing the snowblower as the snowy season ends.
To avoid this unnecessary hassle, you can use an electric power snowblower. But if you already own a gas-fueled snowblower and you don’t know how to drain gas from a snowblower, then we will help you with instructions.
Why Do You Need to Drain a Snowblower?
Draining your snowblower before storing it away is very important to keep your machine running smoothly and avoid any complications for the further season. Before you store your snowblower, don’t forget to empty the tank, or you’ll pay the price in the coming season.
Gas contains ethanol, which, when mixed with any moisture or vapors, may cause corrosion and lead to the clogging of the engine. It may jam your engine, and it won’t start. You would even have to bring it down to a repair shop to a professional to get your engine cleaned.
Properly maintaining and caring for your engine is extremely important. It will keep your snowblower clean and healthy, increase its life, and save you a lot of money.
Draining the gas is quite simple and does not require any skills or tools. The only important thing is to remember to drain it and take all safety precautions while you do so.
How to Drain Gas from Snowblower?
After understanding the importance of why you need to drain the gas, let us now teach you how to drain gas from a snowblower in the following step-by-step instructions.
Preparation to Drain Gas
Before draining the gas, find an outdoor location to carry it out. Running your snowblower inside will expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Remember that you are handling a flammable substance, so be very careful. Stay away from open flames or any heating units.
Try to find a flat surface so the snowblower doesn’t slip away and avoid paved surfaces because if spilled, the gas might damage the pavement.
Safety Precautions
Snowblowers are large and powerful machines, and considering your safety before their maintenance is very important. Take the following precautions to ensure your safety:
- Never perform any maintenance on your snowblower when it is powered on. Shut down your snowblower first!
- If your snowblower has been running for a while, then it may be hot and burn your hands. Let it cool off first for about an hour before maintenance.
- Don’t run the snowblower in a closed space because the carbon monoxide can be very dangerous.
- Wear safety gloves and goggles.
- Avoid wearing loose clothes or long scares as they can get tangled between the moving parts and cause injury.
- Also, wear earplugs because the engine can be very loud, and it may damage your hearing.
Tools You’ll Need
- Latex gloves
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Earplugs
- Siphon pump
- Catch pan (to collect gas as it drains)
Step-by-Step Instructions
After taking all safety measurements and collecting all the tools you need, it’s time to gear up and drain the gas from your snowblower.
Follow these simple steps to understand how to drain gas from a snowblower. And to help you better, we have provided a link to a short video tutorial. It will make the process easier for you.
Step 1: Move the Snowblower Outside
Find a suitable location to perform maintenance on your snowblower and set it up there. Make sure the engine is powered off and cooled down before you start.
Step 2: Get Acquainted with the Siphon Pump
A siphon pump is a simple tool and quite easy to use. But if you have never used one before, familiarize yourself with its various parts and how it works. It consists of a small pump that is used to generate suction. It is a manual pump, and you will need to squeeze in one hand to start pumping.
Two tubes are attached to this pump. The end of one tube is placed into the tank from which you are sucking out the gas. Whereas the end of the other tube is placed into the catch pan, in which you are emptying your gas.
Step 3: Remove the Lid of Fuel Tank
Find the gas tank of your snowblower and unscrew its lid. Once the tank is open, insert one tube of the siphon pump in your gas tank.
Pro Tip: To make sure no residue gas is left in the tank, insert the tube as deep as possible.
Step 4: Set the Catch Pan
Place the catch pan on the floor next to the gas tank. Put the other tube of the siphon pump into the catch basin.
Step 5: Start Draining the Gas
Start squeezing the siphon pump to drain the gas from your gas tank. Squeeze the manual pump from one hand, simultaneously supporting the siphon pump from the other hand. Ensure that you pump out maximum gas from the tank of your snowblower.
Step 6: Start the Engine to Get Rid of Remaining Gas
Even though the siphon pump will help you drain the maximum amount of gas from your snowblower, a small amount of gas may remain in the gas tank.
To get rid of any residual gas, you will need to turn the engine on. Screw the lid back on the gas tank. Please turn on the engine and let it run as long as possible. Let it turn off automatically when it runs out of all gas.
Off-Season Storage Tips for Snowblower
Once you have drained the snowblower, it is ready to be stored till the next season. The following tips will come in handy while storing your snowblower:
- Completely drain the gas out of the tank of your snowblower before storing it.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to your tank for additional protection from the residual gas. Fuel stabilizer doesn’t let the gas absorb moisture, so if you left some gas in the tank or forgot to drain it altogether, it won’t let the engine clog.
- Now properly seal and cover the engine to protect it and ensure no moisture gets in.
- Wipe down the engine and the body of the snowblower with a lubricant to avoid corrosion.
Conclusion
Leaving the gas in your tank for a long period may cause you a lot of trouble for the coming season. So, if you weren’t cleaning your gas tank or didn’t know how to clean it, you know it now.
This article has covered how to drain gas from a snowblower with step-by-step instructions and amazingly helpful tips. Leave your queries or concerns in the comment section below.