Proper Snow Blower Tuneup and Maintenance
Proper snow blower maintenance includes tuneups every season. When winter is over, you will need to prepare your snow blower for summer storage to ensure it’s ready for the next snowy season. But there are also important snow blower tuneups that need to be taken care of in the fall, before the first flurries, so you can be assured the machine will run correctly. Check your operator’s manual for specific snow thrower maintenance instructions for your machine.
Snow thrower maintenance after the winter season:
After the last snow has been cleared away, it’s time to tune up your snow blower and prepare it for summer storage.
· Change the oil: Changing the oil at the end of the winter season is an important snow blower tuneup and keeps fresh oil in your snow blower throughout the summer. Use a pan to catch the old oil, drain it and refill with fresh oil. Measure the oil level with the dip stick, then run the machine, so the new oil works through the system.
· Refresh the fuel: If your snow blower has a fuel shut-off valve, turn it on and run the machine until nothing is left in the fuel lines or engines. Turn off the snow blower and wait for everything to cool, then drain or siphon the fuel from the tank. Refill the fuel tank with fresh gas and add a stabilizing agent to keep it from breaking down throughout the summer. If you don’t have a shut off valve, fill the tank, add stabilizer to the fuel and run the machine for five minutes to ensure the fuel and stabilizer go through the engine. Your snow blower will be ready for summer storage and good to go the next winter.
Fall snow blower maintenance:
· Check the spark plug: Buildup can damage a spark plug and keep your snow blower from running safely and properly. Disconnect the plug wire and remove the plug, then clean up any light buildup that may have occurred since your snow thrower maintenance last fall. If there is too much buildup or the plug is damaged, you’ll need a new one, which you can order with the MTD snow blower parts finder.
· Examine the snow blower belts: Wear and tear and summer heat can damage snow blower belts. During your snow blower tuneup, make sure they haven’t torn or become frayed or else you’ll need to replace them.
When performing snow blower maintenance, make sure all moving parts are lubricated. You can even spray the chute, blades and snow blower accessories with non-stick spray to prevent jamming and clogging. In the event your snow blower does get clogged, use the chute accessory to clean it out after turning off the machine. Never use your hands to clear out a jam, even after the machine has been turned off. If you follow these tips for snow thrower maintenance, you’ll be all set for winter weather.
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