Snowblower Maintenance

Snowblower Maintenance 

While in the throes of a standard Midwestern winter, keeping your snowblower in tip-top shape is of premium importance. No one wants to look out the window at 8” of fresh snow, only to find that the snowblower in the garage is on the fritz. There are a few important items that any homeowner can attend to in order to ensure that optimal snowblower performance is there when needed.

Fuel Filter

Remove your fuel filter and clean any residue. If you find debris clogging the mesh screen inside the filter, replace the screen rather than cleaning it. Remember that some fuel filters are located in the fuel line and some are located inside the fuel tank. Consult your snowblower’s operating manual for specifics.

Fuel Cap

Though it may seem like an incidental part, the fuel cap plays an important role in the performance of your machine. Check to see if your fuel cap’s air vent holes are blocked. If they are, replace the fuel cap. During the off season, cover or close the fuel cap vent to maintain cleanliness.

Tires

Check the tires for wear. Also be sure to check the tire pressure periodically to make sure your tires are at the proper inflation pressure -- fill with air when necessary. Consult your snowblower’s operating manual for specifics regarding tire pressure for your machine.

Lubricate

Like most machines, maintaining proper lubrication of moving parts enhances performance and longevity. Lubricate wheel bearings, auger bearings, and impeller bearings.

Air Filter—Single Stage

Four-stroke engines feature air filters that need to be clean and in good condition in order to stop dirt, dust, and debris from getting into the engine. A good rule of thumb for air filter maintenance is to clean or change the air filter for every 24-30 hours of runtime. If you live in a region that doesn’t dump that much snow, count yourself lucky, then plan on changing your air filter once a season, rather than after 24-30 hours of runtime.

If you’re not familiar with changing air filters, note that PAPER air filters may not be cleaned and reused. Discard and replace with a new paper filter. For foam filters, hot water and standard dish detergent ought to do the trick.

Two-stroke engines will not have an air filter.

Air Filter—Two Stage

If your machine is equipped with an air filter, it will need to be clean and in good condition in order to stop dirt, dust, and debris from getting into the engine. A good rule of thumb for air filter maintenance is to clean or change the air filter for every 24-30 hours of runtime. If you live in a region that doesn’t dump that much snow, count yourself lucky, then plan on changing your air filter once a season, rather than after 24-30 hours of runtime.

Oil—Single Stage

Four-stroke snowblower engines operate with a 10/50 rule of thumb for oil checks/changes. That is, one should check the oil level every 10 hours of runtime, and oil should be changed out after 50 hours of runtime. A visual inspection of your oil should tell you the story.

Be sure to consult your snowblower’s operating manual for specifics regarding recommended oil for optimal performance. If your machine features a two-stroke engine, there will not be engine oil.

Oil—Two Stage

Your two stage snowblower engine operates with a 10/50 rule of thumb for oil checks/changes. That is, one should check the oil level every 10 hours of runtime, and oil should be changed out after 50 hours of runtime. A visual inspection of your oil should tell you the story.

Be sure to consult your snowblower’s operating manual for specifics regarding recommended oil for optimal performance.

Off-Season: Fuel Stabilizers

Like many seasonal small engine tools in your garage or shed, Snowblowers require clean, fresh fuel for best performance. Therefore, when entering the off season for usage, fuel should either be drained from the snowblower or a fuel stabilizer should be added to prevent clogs in the carburetor. Your engine will thank you the next season!

Off-Season: Degreasing

Another easy task to check off the list before storage is a simple cleaning and wipe down. After a touch season, often times this means using a degreaser to aid the process. So before buttoning up your snowblower for the season, spray a degreaser on the dirty and greasy areas of your machine. Let that sit for 15 minutes for an easy wipe down. Voila. You’re ready for next season.