As we move into the winter months in the Lake Tahoe and Reno areas, making sure that your snow blower is ready to take on all the seasonal snow is a necessity. Snow blower maintenance is not a difficult undertaking, but it is not easy either, and sometimes it requires the skills and experience of a professional to get a neglected snow blower back in good running shape. Below are some snow blower maintenance tips to help you keep your snow blower in good working order.
Snow Blower Maintenance: The Engine
Making sure that the small engine that powers your snow blower is working well and is properly tuned up is one of the most important parts of snow blower maintenance.
Keep your snow blower in tip-top shape with good snow blower maintenance practices.
If your snow blower is equipped with a four stroke engine, it is important that you check the oil level before every use to ensure that is at the proper level. You should also make a regular habit of changing the oil if it is dirty or have a professional do it for you. According to repairclinic.com, a snow blower’s oil should be changed every 50 hours of use. Start keeping track of the amount of time you are using your snow blower to ensure you don’t run it on bad oil.
Another important component to check is the spark plug. If you are having trouble starting your snow blower, there is a good chance that the spark plug is to blame. Spark plus can become fouled with carbon deposits, especially if you have a two stroke engine, and fail to ignite the fuel. It is recommended that you change your snow blower’s plug every season of use.
Snow Blower Maintenance: The impeller/auger/tires
Good snow blower maintenance is not all about the engine. The snow blower components that actually move the snow, the auger and impeller, need some care too.
Before each season, it’s a good idea to check the auger and impeller for an excessive wear and to lubricate the joints and moving parts. Inadequately lubricated moving parts can cause premature wear and damage.
It is also important to check your tires for excess wear and replace them if needed. Use a tire gauge if you have pneumatic tires to check the air pressure. Improperly inflated tires can wear out faster and need replacing sooner.
Snow Blower Maintenance: Storage
After every use, it is good idea to wipe down your snow blower and make sure it is nice and dry. Water and melted snow can cause the metal components to rust, ultimately leading to more costly repairs later. So take the few minutes to dry your snow blower and save yourself money in the long run.
When it is time to store your blower for the spring and summer, make sure you blower is dry and that your storage area is in a place that will stay dry for the off season. Make sure the snow blower is resting on an even surface to avoid any fuel or oil leaks.
Keep your snow blower engine running by cleaning or replacing the spark plug.
Add a fuel stabilizer to any remaining fuel in the tank and then fill the tank up. If you drain all the fuel out and leave it empty, fuel system components will be exposed to air and water and the gaskets and O rings will become dry, which can cause them to crack.
Snow Blower Maintenance with Greg’s Small Engines
If you just don’t have the time this season to do all your own snow blower maintenance or need a professionally done repair, Greg’s Small Engine Service and Repair is here to help with all your snow blower maintenance and repair needs. Servicing the Lake Tahoe region, Greg’s small Engines Service and Repair technicians have extensive experience working on dozens of makes and models. For your convenience, we can even come and pick up your equipment, service it and return it to you!
Contact us today and let Greg’s small Engines Service and Repair take care of all your snow blower maintenance needs.
