Changing Fuel Filters: Snowblower Gas Tank Maintenance

Changing the fuel filter inside a snowblower's gas tank is a crucial maintenance task that ensures optimal performance and prevents engine issues. Fuel filters are designed to strain gasoline before it reaches the carburetor, trapping dirt, rust, and other foreign particles. While some snowblowers have internal, non-serviceable fuel filters, others allow for replacement. This process typically involves draining the fuel tank, disconnecting the spark plug wire, removing the engine shroud, and carefully unscrewing and replacing the fuel filter. It is important to refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Drain the fuel tank

To drain the fuel tank of your snowblower, you will need to first run the machine until the tank is empty. Alternatively, you can drain the fuel from the tank. Once the tank is empty, disconnect the spark plug wire and remove it.

If your tank has a fuel valve, shut it off. It may be located at the base of the fuel tank, where the gas line is attached. If your tank is not equipped with a valve, you will need to clamp the gas line using a fuel line clamp. Be careful not to pinch the fuel line, as this could cause damage.

Now that the tank is drained, you can proceed to remove the fuel filter for inspection or replacement. If your filter is installed in the fuel line, use needle-nose pliers to remove the metal clips on each side of the filter, then slide the filter out. If your filter is inside the tank, you may need to use a tool such as a metal rake or curved hemostats to retrieve it.

Once the filter is removed, shake it over a clean cloth to displace any remaining fuel. Use the cloth to wipe away any residue from the outside of the filter. Keep the filter away from your face and look through one end—if you can see light shining through clearly from the other side, and there is no debris clogging the mesh screen, your filter is still in good condition.

If you are installing a new filter, be sure to reconnect the metal clips on both sides. Some filters have a direction of flow arrow, so ensure the filter is installed correctly. Finally, remove the clamp on the fuel line or reopen the fuel valve. Always check for leaks before operating your snowblower.

Disconnect the spark plug wire

Disconnecting the spark plug wire is one of the first steps to take when changing the fuel filter inside a snowblower's gas tank. This is a crucial safety measure as it helps prevent the risk of accidental ignition or engine startup during the repair process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the spark plug wire:

Step 1: Before beginning any work on your snowblower, ensure it is turned off and cooled down. This is an important safety precaution as you do not want the engine to accidentally turn on while you are working on it. Additionally, find a suitable workspace that is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

Step 2: Locate the spark plug wire. It is usually connected to the spark plug, which is often found near the engine. The spark plug wire is typically a thick, insulated wire that transfers high voltage from the ignition system to the spark plug.

Step 3: Once you have located the spark plug wire, carefully pull it up and away from the spark plug. Do not yank or force it; simply use a gentle and steady motion to disconnect it. It is important to handle the spark plug wire with care to avoid any damage.

Step 4: After disconnecting the spark plug wire, set it aside in a safe place where it will not come into contact with any metal surfaces or create a tripping hazard. Ensure that it is placed away from the spark plug to prevent accidental reconnection.

Step 5: Visually inspect the spark plug wire for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. If the insulation shows any cracks or damage, or if there is visible corrosion on the wire, it is important to replace the spark plug wire before reconnecting it.

Step 6: If you need to replace the spark plug wire, consult your snowblower's user manual to identify the correct replacement part. It is important to use a compatible spark plug wire to ensure the proper functioning and safety of your snowblower.

Step 7: When you are ready to reconnect the spark plug wire, ensure that the snowblower is still turned off. Carefully align the spark plug wire with the spark plug and firmly push it into place. Make sure it is securely connected.

Remember, working on power equipment like a snowblower can be hazardous, so always refer to your snowblower's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is best to consult a qualified technician.

Remove the engine shroud

To remove the engine shroud, you will need to first pull off the choke and throttle knobs. Next, remove the acorn nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine. Then, remove the muffler shroud mounting screws. Now, work the engine shroud off the carburetor mounting studs, ensuring that the primer hose and breather hose remain connected.

It is important to note that you should not remove the primer hose and breather hose from the engine shroud. Instead, you should carefully work the shroud off the mounting studs while keeping these hoses connected. This step requires some careful maneuvering, so take your time and be gentle to avoid any accidental damage.

Once the engine shroud is free from the mounting studs, you can fully remove it from the engine compartment. Set it aside in a safe place, ensuring that the hoses remain connected and are not stretched or twisted, as this could cause damage. With the engine shroud removed, you will now have access to the fuel filter and other components for maintenance or repair.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your snowblower, you must first ensure you are in a safe area with no open flames or fire sources nearby. It is also important to wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from liquid fuel or fuel vapors. Have a dry cloth handy to hold the filter and catch any dripping fuel.

If your snowblower's fuel filter is installed inside the tank, you will need to drain the tank before you can remove the filter. Shut the fuel valve, if your snowblower is equipped with one. It may be located at the base of the fuel tank, where the gas line is attached. If your tank is not equipped with a valve, clamp the gas line using a fuel line clamp. Do not pinch the fuel line as this could cause damage.

Now, release the fuel line clamp and pull the fuel line off the fuel filter. Unscrew the fuel filter from the tank and remove it.

If your filter is installed in the fuel line, use needle-nose pliers to remove the metal clips on each side of the filter, then slide the filter out of the fuel line.

Install the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter, screw the new fuel filter into the tank and tighten it firmly. Be sure to check the direction of the flow arrow on the filter, as it must be installed correctly for proper operation. Reconnect the fuel line and secure it using the clamp.

If your snowblower has a muffler shroud, you will need to remove it before reinstalling the engine shroud. To do this, first, pull off the muffler shroud before reinstalling the engine shroud. Next, remove the belt cover mounting bolts and pull off the belt cover. Then, remove the bolts from the red chute support bracket and pull the support bracket forward, releasing the control rod from the 4-way control rod receiver. After that, remove the front muffler shroud mounting bolts. Finally, release the wire control cables from the retainer clip and pull off the muffler shroud.

Now that the muffler shroud is removed, you can proceed with reinstalling the engine shroud. Align the choke knob shaft and the carburetor mounting posts with the openings on the engine shroud and work the engine shroud onto the engine. Make sure that the breather hose passes through the opening and lines up with the rocker cover breather hose fitting. Once the engine shroud is in place, slide the breather hose over the rocker cover fitting and secure the hose with the clamp.

Finally, reinstall the acorn nuts to secure the engine shroud to the engine. Slide the wire control cables into the retainer clip and position the muffler shroud on the engine. Reinstall the muffler shroud mounting bolts. Push the control rod back into the 4-way control rod receiver and line up the support bracket with the mounting holes. Reinstall the bolts in the red chute support bracket and the belt cover using the mounting bolts.

Frequently asked questions