As the last of the winter snow melts away and spring begins to bloom, your trusty snowblower deserves a little TLC before it goes into hibernation. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, steps in preparing your machine for storage is properly dealing with the fuel left in its tank. Leaving gasoline sitting in your snowblower over the off-season is a recipe for problems, leading to gummed-up carburetors, difficult starts, and frustrating repairs next winter. The simple act of draining the gas can save you a significant amount of time, money, and hassle.
If you’re wondering about the right way to tackle this task, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide on How to Drain Gas from Snowblower? – A Step-By-Step Guide will walk you through the entire process safely and efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-time snowblower owner, these steps will ensure your machine is protected and ready to roar back to life when the first flurries fall.
Why Draining Your Snowblower’s Gas is Essential
You might be tempted to just park the machine in the corner of the garage and forget about it until next year, but that old gas is your snowblower’s biggest enemy. Modern gasoline, especially ethanol-blended fuel, begins to degrade surprisingly quickly. As it sits, it evaporates, leaving behind a thick, varnish-like residue that can clog the tiny passages and jets inside your carburetor. This gunk prevents the engine from getting the proper fuel-air mixture it needs to run, leading to a machine that either won’t start at all or sputters and dies. By draining the fuel, you’re essentially giving the carburetor a clean slate for the next season.
Gathering Your Supplies for the Job
Before you begin, it’s helpful to gather a few simple items. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth and safe. You’ll need a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes from any accidental fuel splashes, a set of gloves to keep your hands clean and safe, a socket wrench or pliers, a length of clear plastic tubing that fits snugly over the fuel line, and a approved gasoline container to hold the old fuel. It’s also a good idea to have a flat pan or tray underneath your work area to catch any minor drips or spills.
How to Drain Gas from Snowblower? – A Step-By-Step Guide
Now, let’s get to the main event. Follow these steps carefully to drain the gasoline from your snowblower safely.
Step 1: Safety First
Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in an open garage. Ensure the engine is completely cool to the touch before you begin. Turn the fuel valve to the “Off” position if your model has one.
Step 2: Locate the Fuel Line
Open the hood or otherwise access the engine area. Find the fuel line, which is a rubber hose that runs from the gas tank to the carburetor. You will typically see a small clamp holding it in place.
Step 3: Disconnect the Fuel Line
Using your pliers or socket wrench, carefully loosen the clamp on the fuel line at the carburetor end and slide it back. Gently twist and pull the fuel line off the carburetor’s nipple. Have your gas container and pan ready at this point.
Step 4: Drain the Gas Tank
Direct the open end of the fuel line into your gasoline container. To start the flow, you may need to open the gas cap to relieve any vacuum in the tank. Allow the tank to drain completely. For a more thorough job, you can use your clear plastic tubing attached to the fuel line to create a siphon, ensuring you get every last drop from the tank.
Step 5: Run the Engine Dry
Once the tank is empty, it’s a best practice to run the engine until it stalls. This burns off the small amount of fuel left in the carburetor bowl, leaving it dry and clean for storage. Reconnect the fuel line, turn the fuel valve to “On,” and start the engine. It will run for a short time and then shut off on its own when the carburetor is empty.
Alternative Method: Using a Fuel Stabilizer
While draining is highly effective, some owners prefer an alternative method: using a fuel stabilizer. This is an excellent option if you’ve just filled the tank with fresh gas. Simply add the stabilizer to the gasoline, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel throughout the system, and then store the machine. The stabilizer prevents the fuel from degrading for many months. However, if the gas is already old or has been sitting for a while, draining is still the more reliable choice.
Proper Disposal of Old Gasoline
Please never pour old gasoline down a drain, onto the ground, or into the trash. It is hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Check with your local recycling center, auto parts store, or hazardous waste facility for drop-off locations. They will have the resources to handle it safely and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Taking the time to properly drain the gas from your snowblower is one of the kindest things you can do for it. This simple end-of-season ritual protects your investment, ensures easy starts when you need it most, and saves you from costly carburetor repairs. With the fuel system prepped for storage, you can rest easy knowing your snowblower will be ready and waiting to tackle whatever next winter brings.