Let's face it! Snow mowing just doesn't "cut" it. I hope this is not your plan for winter. Last year we, in Southern Maryland received our first official snow in November, before Thanksgiving. Winter doesn't officially begin until December 21st. So it may be best to be on the safe side and begin prepping your snow blower for winter. It may seem a bit early to some. But when you go to sleep Sunday night in 50 degree weather and discover Monday morning your driveway is filled with snow you will surely regret not having your snow blower ready. Don't wait for the first snow to make sure everything is in working order. You'll want to tune up your equipment. Read on to get the full scoop. Tuning up a snow blower is not unlike tuning up your lawn mower. Personally if you've already got your snow blower on the bench I recommend taking care of everything while you're already in the equipment. So, replace your fuel filter, oil filter, and of course your air filter. Spark plugs are just a couple of dollars and it's worth replacing them now instead of having no spark at the most inconvenient time (i.e) when there is a foot of snow already on the ground). However, many air filters may actually be cleaned if they don't look too worn or damaged. If you have a spark plug tester you may test your spark plug. But for $4 or less I would simply replace it.. Drain out the oil and replace it with good clean oil. Refer to your manual to check on which type of oil you'll need to use. If you still have fuel in you gas tank from last year, and it was not treated with a stabilizer then you will want to empty the fuel tank, clean it as best as possible, and refuel it with new, clean gas. Before replacing the fuel add some StarTron or other fuel enzyme. Please follow the mixing instructions carefully as they are different with each type of treatment. We treat all of our equipment with StarTron by Starbrite and have found it to be very successful. Now, if you did by chance leave untreated fuel in your fuel tank there is a good chance that you may find you have more work to do. While your snow blower was napping in your garage all spring summer and fall, its inner working were slowly being eaten away by fuel and alcohol in the fuel (ethanol) . Continue doing your tune up. But you may find yourself needing some professional assistance or advice down the road. And of course as is with most all small engines, you will want to clean your carburetor. Carburetors are the leading factor in many small engine problems. For tips on cleaning a carburetor simply read the post titled "Starts but Won't Run" . For those that are not Do It Yourselfers or DIY's you may always feel free to drop your equipment off or schedule a pick up and delivery. We have a fast turn around time and now is the perfect time to make sure your snow blower is ready to perform.
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AuthorSmith's Small Engine Repair Archives
February 2015
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