Are you ready for the winter season and all that comes with it? Snow is a magical element that can bring many people joy.
Unfortunately, snow also brings its own set of challenges when it comes to tasks like clearing your driveway or sidewalk. To make snow removal less laborious—and more fun!—you need the right tools, such as a snowblower. But if you’ve been storing your snowblower since last year, how do you start it up before the first big storm?
No worries–we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll go over everything on how to start snowblower after storage, from un-boxing and inspecting the unit itself to troubleshooting simple issues. Now let’s start getting your snowblower revved up and ready to tackle any snowy winter day!
What Will You Need?
Before beginning the process of starting the snowblower after storage, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
- Snowblower
- Clean clothes or rags
- Fuel stabilizer
- Motor oil (if applicable)
- Container for used motor oil (if applicable)
- New spark plugs (if applicable)
Once you have all the necessary supplies and your snowblower at ready, you are now able to begin.
10 Easy Steps on How to Start Snowblower After Storage
Step 1. Unboxing and Inspecting the Unit:
The first step is to unpack and inspect your snowblower. Make sure it’s in good condition, with no damage from storage or shipping. If you find anything wrong with the unit, contact the manufacturer or seller for a replacement.
Step 2. Adding Fuel Stabilizer to the Tank:
If you are using gasoline that has been stored, add fuel stabilizers to your tank to prevent oxidation and corrosion. This will keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently when in use. Be careful not to overfill the tank, as this can cause spillage.
Step 3. Replacing Old Spark Plugs:
Replace any old spark plugs with brand new ones before starting up your snowblower after storage. This helps ensure that the engine is able to ignite fuel efficiently, allowing it to start more easily and run more effectively when in use. Don’t forget to check your owner’s manual for information on how to replace the spark plugs.
Step 4. Replacing Old Motor Oil:
If your snowblower has a motor oil reservoir, check it for signs of oxidation or corrosion and replace the oil if necessary. Make sure to use the correct oil type as your manufacturer recommends. If you need to dispose of the used oil, please do it properly and safely.
Step 5. Cleaning the Air Filter:
Clean or replace the air filter on your snowblower to ensure clean air is drawn into the engine. This will help prevent dust and debris from entering and clogging up the system, causing damage to vital components. You can easily clean the filter with a soft cloth or dish soap.
Step 6. Connecting Battery Cables (if applicable):
If you have a battery-powered snowblower, connect all of the battery cables securely before starting up your machine. This ensures that all systems are connected properly, and that sufficient power is being delivered to the engine to start up. Ensure that the positive and negative terminals are connected correctly.
Step 7. Connecting Other Wires and Cables:
Check all other wires and cables on your snowblower, such as ignition coils, spark plug wires, and fuel lines. Make sure that they are all connected securely before beginning the next steps. Because of how important these wires are, it is essential to ensure they are all tightly connected.
Step 8. Inspecting the Chute:
Inspect the chutes of your snowblower for any obstructions or damages that may prevent it from clearing snow effectively. Clear out any debris that could block the path of snow-throwing blades or cause damage during operation. Use a clean cloth or rag to wipe away any dirt build-up.
Step 9. Checking Augers and Belts (if applicable):
Check augers and belts to make sure they are in good condition and not worn or damaged. Replace any parts that may be worn or damaged before starting up the snowblower. Don’t forget to lubricate the parts that need it before using them.
Step 10. Starting Up Your Snowblower:
Following all these steps, you can start your snowblower after storage and make sure it’s ready to face the winter weather! Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to start your particular model safely and efficiently.
Now that you know how to start a snow blower after storage, you can easily take on any winter storm! With these simple steps, you can ensure that your machine runs smoothly and efficiently with minimal downtime due to maintenance issues. So get out there, tackle those snowy roads and sidewalks, and stay safe this winter!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Before starting the snowblower, check that all moving parts are properly lubricated and have not corroded over time.
2. Make sure to check the air filter and fuel tank before starting. Clean or replace the air filter if needed, and fill up the fuel tank with fresh gasoline.
3. After refilling the fuel tank, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent any damage from old gasoline sitting in the engine during storage.
4. Check all other components of your snowblower, such as clutch cable tension, wheel drive belt tension, auger belt tension, and chute control mechanisms, for proper operation.
5. If you have an electric starter model snowblower, ensure it is fully charged before attempting to start it. This will ensure that the snowblower starts on the first try after lengthy storage periods.
Following these five tips should help you get your snowblower running after storage. Happy snow blowing!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Do not use fuel that is older than two months. This can lead to gum and varnish deposits which can clog the carburetor and fuel system, reducing engine performance and causing the snowblower not to run properly.
2. Avoid using a cold start procedure for more than five seconds total at one time, as this can cause flooding of the engine.
3. Do not overload your machine by attempting to clear too much snow at once; it could cause damage or injury to you or someone else.
4. Do not try to start your snowblower if it is already covered in snow, as this will make starting it difficult, if not impossible.
5. Never leave an operating snowblower unattended, and always ensure that all children and pets are kept far away from the area where it is running.
Following these five steps will help ensure your snowblower runs smoothly after storage, allowing you to enjoy the winter season to its fullest! If you have any problems starting your snowblower after storage, it is best to consult a professional for help. Have a safe and enjoyable winter season!
Why Won’t Your Snow Blower Start After Storage?
If your snow blower doesn’t start after storage, there may be a few potential reasons:
- The fuel in the engine has gone bad due to sitting for too long and needs to be replaced with fresh gasoline.
- The air filter is dirty or clogged and needs to be cleaned or replaced.
- There may be an issue with the spark plug, such as fouling or worn out, which needs replacing.
- Carburetor jets may have become clogged due to debris in the fuel tank, preventing proper gasoline flow into the engine when starting up.
- Issues with belts and augers can also cause starting problems, so checking these components for proper tension and operation is important.
If none of these potential solutions solve the issue, consulting a professional to help get your snow blower running after storage may be best. Happy winter season!
What Happens if You Leave Gas in a Snowblower?
Leaving gasoline in a snowblower can cause engine damage and reduce its lifespan. The gas left inside the fuel tank will start to break down over time, creating gum and varnish deposits that can clog the carburetor, reducing engine performance and preventing starting. Additionally, old gas has a lower octane rating than fresh fuel, which could lead to knocking or pinging in the engine when attempting to start it up.
It is important to always drain the gasoline from your snowblower before storing it for extended periods. If you need to leave some fuel in the machine during winter months, make sure to add a fuel stabilizer before storing it away; this will help prevent any damage from occurring due to old fuel. Follow these simple steps, and your snowblower will be ready to go when needed!
Conclusion
Starting a snowblower after storage can be intimidating, but with a few important steps and precautions, you’ll be ready to take on the cold winter season. Start by checking all the parts of the machine for any damage or wear before filling it up with oil and gasoline and powering it up.
Then, make sure you check your spark plug and change it if necessary. Before firing your snowblower, remove all debris from both the engines and the infeed area. Lastly, read through your manual to know exactly how to operate your machine safely and efficiently.
With these essential tips in mind, you’ll be fully prepared to start your snowblower – and have peace of mind that it will work like a charm!
Hopefully, the article on how to start snowblower after storage has been helpful in giving you the information and knowledge you need to get your machine running again. Have a safe and enjoyable winter season!
