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How To Winterize Snow Blower: Store A Snow blower Properly

Follow these steps for how to store a snowblower properly:

  1. Drain fuel from the tank.
  2. If you can’t drain the fuel, add a fuel stabilizer to it.
  3. Seal the engine with oil.
  4. Wipe down the snowblower.
  5. Cover it with a snowblower cover.
  6. Store it in a dry place.

How amazing does this snowblower look despite its old age? That’s because it was properly stored in the off-season! You, too, can achieve these same results by learning how to winterize snow blower the right way!

A parked snow blower

Spring has arrived and the snow has melted. It’s time to put away your snowblower for the better part of the year. You won’t be needing it until next winter. But if you don’t properly store your snowblower, you will have trouble starting it when the time comes. I’ve learned that the hard way!

That’s why I wanted to share these steps for storing a snowblower with you. I don’t want you wasting your money on repairs that are easily avoidable. Let’s get right to business! 

How To Store A Snowblower For Summer 

What You Will Need

  • Fuel transfer pump kit
  • A gas can
  • Fuel stabilizer
  • Snowblower engine oil
  • A new spark plug
  • Mild soap
  • A soft cloth
  • Rust prevention spray
  • A snow blower cover or tarp

Steps

  1. Drain The Fuel


    BOYISEN Siphon Pump for Gasoline - Gas Siphon Pump Hand Fuel Transfer Pump for Fish Tank Oil Petrol Water Syphon Pump with 2 Durable Hose Corrosion Resistant (Rubber)
    The first thing you need to do is drain the fuel from the tank. Never let gas sit in the tank while your snowblower is in storage. The number one reason why snow blowers don’t start after summer is stale fuel blocking the system.

    When ethanol-based fuel sits in the tank untreated with fuel stabilizer, it turns into a varnish-like soup that clogs the carburetor, fuel lines, and injectors. Those are very hard to clean and often need to be replaced because of how gummed up they are.

    Save yourself the trouble by simply emptying the gas tank at the end of each snow-blowing season. You can drain fuel in three ways:

    1. Run your snowblower until it runs out of fuel.
    2. Drain the fuel through the fuel line.
    3. Drain the fuel with a siphon pump and run the engine dry.

  2. Use Fuel Stabilizer If You Can’t Empty The Tank


    STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer - Keeps Fuel Fresh for 24 Months - Prevents Corrosion - Gasoline Treatment that Protects Fuel System - Fuel Saver - Treats 80 Gallons - 32 Fl. Oz. (22287)
    If you are in a situation where you can’t drain the gasoline from the tank, you will need to use a fuel stabilizer. A fuel stabilizer is an additive that prevents fresh fuel from breaking down and going stale. Ethanol in the fuel oxidizes with time and draws moisture into itself. Both cause corrosion and rusting in the engine’s internal components.

    It’s the job of the fuel stabilizer to minimize this damage by absorbing any water in the tank before ethanol gets to it. That’s how Star Tron and StaBil keep fresh fuel from deteriorating.

    Add the fuel stabilizer directly to the snowblower tank. Directions on the bottle should tell you how much to use.

    But don’t let fuel stabilizer stop you from draining gas from your snowblower. Remember, it is always better to drain it!

  3. Seal The Engine With Oil




    The next step is to seal and protect the engine against moisture. You will first need to remove the spark plug wire and unscrew the spark plug underneath with a deep socket wrench. Take it out completely.

    You can go ahead and pour a drop of motor oil into the combustion chamber. Pull the cord a few times to spread the oil and lubricate the piston and cylinder wall.

    While you are at it, inspect your spark plug and replace it with a new one if it is damaged or has carbon deposits on it. You should replace the spark plug every season or after every 100 hours of use to ensure the easy starting of the engine.

    When you replace the spark plug, keep pulling on the cord until you feel resistance. This is an indicator that the engine has been sealed and protected against moisture in the air.

  4. Wipe Down The Snowblower




    The next best thing you can do is wipe down the exterior of your snowblower with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. This will remove any salt stains from the machine’s housing. If left untreated, salt can cause paint chipping and corrosion to the metal parts.

    Simply add a sufficient amount of mild soap to warm water. Use a cloth to wipe down salt traces, oil stains, and dirt. Leave the snowblower to dry. Feel free to further protect the exterior of the snowblower with a rust prevention spray.

  5. Cover Your Snowblower


    2win2buy Snow Blower Cover, All Weather Premium Waterproof Dustproof Snow Thrower Cover Heavy Duty Superior UV Protection Universal Fit with Storage Bag (50.39' L x 32.67' W x 40.15' H)
    Now that you have drained the system, protected the engine, and cleaned the exterior, you can finally cover your snowblower. If you don’t wrap your machine, it will collect dust and moisture and all your hard work will be in vain.

    It’s best if you cover your machine with the snowblower cover it came with. Snowblower covers are breathable and designed to prevent moisture from accumulating underneath the fabric.

    Alternatively, you can use a tarp. It will keep the dust out and protect the snowblower from getting scratched.

  6. Put Your Snowblower Away


    don't start snowblower indoors

    The best place to store snow blower with or without gas engine is in the garage. The garage will keep your machine dry and protected from outdoor elements. If your garage is already taken over by lawn equipment, you can keep your snow blower in a storage shed too. Get more storage shed ideas here!

Always keep your snowblower covered and on a mat, no matter where you choose to store it. A snowblower mat will keep the undercarriage dry and the floors protected.

Storing snowblower outside in summer is also possible if you don’t have enough space in the garage. Just elevate your snowblower off the ground and keep it covered to protect it from moisture.

Use this same method to store snowblower outside in winter as a temporary solution to the lack of storage space. This often happens when people upgrade from a single-stage snowblower to a two-stage snowblower and don’t account for the size differenceTwo-stage units are also bigger than three-stage machines.

Useful Videos

How To Drain Engine Fuel With A Siphon

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How To Replace Snow Blower Spark Plug

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FAQs

How long can you leave gas in a snowblower?

How long you can leave gas in a snowblower depends on whether it has been treated with a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizer keeps the gas fresh for up to 24 months. Without this additive, the ethanol fuel left in the tank can go bad within a couple of months.

Can snow blower get wet?

A snow blower can get wet from rain, melted snow, and condensation. Even if snowblowers are designed to work in wet conditions, the moisture can still find its way into the engine. That’s why it is recommended to store a snowblower in the garage.

Can you store a snowblower inside?

You can store a snowblower inside a garage or storage shed. This is actually the best way to store a snowblower. By keeping it indoors, you will protect the machine from elements and ensure a quick starting of the engine.

How do you store an electric snow blower?

You store an electric snow blower by keeping it covered and on a mat in the garage or storage shed. If you have a cordless electric snow blower, take the batteries out and store them in a heated place inside the house.

Do you need to cover snowblower?

You need to cover the snowblower whether you are storing it inside or outside. Snowblower covers are breathable and will keep moisture from accumulating underneath. It will also protect the machine from dust and scratches.

Can a snowblower be left outside in winter?

A snowblower can be left outside in winter if kept off the ground and covered with a heavy tarp. Keeping a snowblower out in the cold is not ideal because of moisture and frost damage. You may have trouble starting it too.

Now You Know How To Winterize Snow Blower

You see! Storing a snow blower isn’t difficult at all! It is much harder to get an engine up and running after poor off-season storage.

The main reason why I wanted to share these storage tutorials with you is to encourage you to be more independent. You can take your snowblower to the shop each season for minor repairs. Or, you can take care of your machine on your own, and feel a sense of accomplishment each time

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below, and feel free to share these tutorials on how to winterize snow blower with others.

About The Author

  • Brett Jones

    Brett's the kind of guy you'd never peg as having such an amazing yard. He's shy and private, avoiding social media and the spotlight. By day, Brett works quietly as an electrician technician, helping folks with wiring and repairs. But get Brett home to his place in Raleigh, where Nadya's always dreaming up new landscaping ideas, and you see another side of him. Brett happily rolls up his sleeves to transform their modest backyard into a lush, cozy oasis. The yard's really a labor of love for them, a place to unwind on weekends, entertain friends, and make cherished memories together. Nadya might come up with all the creative concepts, but Brett's the one ensuring each vision comes to stunning life. They make a great team, even if Brett's content to operate behind the scenes. At heart, Brett's a simple man who finds purpose and joy in small things. Puttering in their garden under the sun or cooking out back in the evenings - these are the things that fulfill him. Brett cares deeply for crafting a space ideal for intimacy, nurturing a life well-lived away from fanfare. Follow him on Twitter.

Last update on 2024-03-29 at 03:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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About The Author

Brett Jones

Brett's the kind of guy you'd never peg as having such an amazing yard. He's shy and private, avoiding social media and the spotlight. By day, Brett works quietly as an electrician technician, helping folks with wiring and repairs. But get Brett home to his place in Raleigh, where Nadya's always dreaming up new landscaping ideas, and you see another side of him. Brett happily rolls up his sleeves to transform their modest backyard into a lush, cozy oasis. The yard's really a labor of love for them, a place to unwind on weekends, entertain friends, and make cherished memories together. Nadya might come up with all the creative concepts, but Brett's the one ensuring each vision comes to stunning life. They make a great team, even if Brett's content to operate behind the scenes. At heart, Brett's a simple man who finds purpose and joy in small things. Puttering in their garden under the sun or cooking out back in the evenings - these are the things that fulfill him. Brett cares deeply for crafting a space ideal for intimacy, nurturing a life well-lived away from fanfare. Follow him on Twitter.

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