Snowblower Tip

[popowich]

I'm sure sure what else this tip might apply to like lawn mowers and stuff, but I figured I'd post it. I bought a new snow blower from Home Depot last fall. I used it two maybe three times and then it stopped working. It wasn't damaged and seemed like it was to start but it wouldn't get going. The problem? After my last refill I tightened the gas cap too tight. It needs to be on securely, but not tightened down or the airflow or something gets messed up. News to me, hopefully it saves someone else a little frustration someday.

-Raymond

[esnagel]

Also, if you're going to leave the gas inside of it, make sure you add stabilizer, otherwise it's a pain to get started after a long break.

[popowich]

Yeah, I'll burn it out in a couple weeks.

I was about to over the weekend but was warned if I did that we'd probably get a blizzard.

-Raymond

[esnagel]

I've heard burning it out can be bad... although that's what I always did (for the lawn mower - now I have an electric one, and a shovel to remove the snow - only the generator has gas in it)

[popowich]

Stabilizer it is, thanks!

-Raymond

[Raven]

I know generators require stabilizers when they aren't being used very much.

Stabilizer it is, thanks!

-Raymond

[popowich]

I know generators require stabilizers when they aren't being used very much.

They also need more than the original cardboard box, maybe some plywood on top of the box, to protect them from recycling bins full of cans than can drip goo onto the generators motor. :(

-Raymond

[esnagel]

Sounds like you speak from personal experience. I try to get out & start mine monthly, just to make sure it's ready if I need it. I have it in my calendar to start it up on the 20th - so tomorrow I (should) go out & fire it up.

[Kaos]

I'm just hoping to make the switch soon of snowblower to lawnmower, as much as I hate mowing the lawn, I never freeze doing it atleast! and the plow takes up too much of the garage looking forward to throwing it back in the shed for the year.

[popowich]

Sounds like you speak from personal experience.


Yes, I learned this tip last weekend.

-Raymond

[Westchesterguy]

Also fogging an engine that will be put to sleep for months is a good idea. With the engine running and carb covers off, you spray the fogging oil (any auto parts store has it) into the carb. This stuff foams up greatly (interacts w/ heat) and the engine stalls. The internal parts of the engine are now covered w/ oil and protected. Remove spark plug(s) and using a drinking straw put straw in bottle of 10W30 motor oil so straw is 1/2 way submerged. Put a finger over the straw end and withdraw straw. now the oil is trapped in the straw put in spark plug hole and take your finger off the end of the straw. Pull start cord (or use electric start button a few times) to distribute oil and your done. Learned this the hard way. Never had problem starting a weed wacker using this procedure.