Katerina Swanson
Cleaning a snowblower's fuel tank is a necessary part of its maintenance. It is important to clean the tank to prevent clogging and ensure optimal performance. The process involves draining the tank, cleaning or replacing the fuel filter, and refitting the gas line and carburetor housing covers. Some methods to clean the tank include using hot soapy water, diesel fuel, carb cleaner, paint thinner, or ammonia. It is also recommended to drain and clean the gas bowl and carburetor bowl to ensure a thorough fuel system cleaning.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning a Snowblower Fuel Tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Oil/gas siphon, bulb pump, duct tape, rags |
| Steps | Empty the tank, remove the bowl fastener, clean the bowl, rinse with fresh gas, refit the bowl, drain the carburetor bowl, flush the tank with cleaner, spray carb cleaner, rinse with paint thinner, add ammonia, fill with hot water, blow out with air compressor, refill with fuel |
| Tips | Wear eye protection, use stabilised fuel for seasonal storage, drain fuel at the end of the season, use a disposable fuel filter to check for debris |
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What You'll Learn
Use hot soapy water and shake the tank. Drain, rinse, and air dry
To clean your snowblower's fuel tank, one method is to use hot soapy water. First, fill the tank with hot water and add some soap. Put the cap on the outlet and secure it with duct tape. Then, shake the tank vigorously.
Next, drain the soapy water out through the cap hole. Repeat this process with fresh hot water to ensure the tank is thoroughly rinsed. After rinsing, allow the tank to air dry. You can speed up this process by blowing air through the tank with an air compressor.
This method is suitable for plastic tanks and will effectively remove any sediment or debris that has built up inside the fuel tank. It is important to clean your snowblower's fuel tank regularly to maintain optimal performance and prevent clogging.
Additionally, it is recommended to wear eye protection when cleaning a fuel tank to avoid any contact with solvents.
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Use carb cleaner, paint thinner, and ammonia to clean the tank
To clean your snowblower's fuel tank using carb cleaner, paint thinner, and ammonia, follow these steps:
First, spray a generous amount of carb cleaner into the tank. Ensure you use enough to swish around and coat the interior surfaces. Let the carb cleaner sit for several hours to dissolve any gummy deposits or sediment.
Next, rinse the tank a few times with paint thinner. This will remove any residue or deposits that were dissolved by the carb cleaner. On the final rinse with paint thinner, ensure you drain it out through the supply nipple to clear that area.
Now, add 1/2 cup of straight ammonia to the tank. Put the cap on tightly and shake the tank well. Be extremely cautious when handling ammonia, as you do not want it to come into contact with your skin or eyes.
After shaking the tank with ammonia, fill the tank partially with very hot water. Replace the cap and shake the tank vigorously again. Drain the water and ensure some of it flows through the supply nipple to clear that area.
Finally, repeat the process with ammonia once more, and then rinse the tank several times with hot water. You should barely be able to smell the paint thinner or ammonia when you are done. Leave the tank to dry overnight, ensuring you have removed as much water as possible.
Always perform this process in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, and consider wearing a respirator mask to avoid inhaling fumes.
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Drain the carburetor bowl
To drain the carburetor bowl, first remove the bowl fastener. Have some rags on hand to deal with any small fuel spills. Clean the grit from the bowl and rinse with fresh gas. Then, carefully position the bowl, being careful not to pinch the bowl seal. Tighten the fastener, but not too tight. Turn the gas on and check for leaks. If the bowl leaks, loosen and retighten the bowl fastener.
Some snowblowers have a convenient bowl drain bolt, making it easy to drain the bowl. However, if your snowblower is older, the bowl seal may become brittle and leak after refitting. In this case, you will need to replace the bowl seal.
If your snowblower does not have a bowl drain bolt, you will need to remove the bowl to drain it. To do this, first empty the fuel tank. Then, detach the fuel line from the carburetor and drain the remaining gas. Finally, remove the bowl and drain it.
To avoid fuel spills and the risk of fire, it is important to take the necessary precautions when working with gasoline. This includes wearing eye protection and making sure there are no sparks when opening the gas cap.
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Clean the gas filter
To clean the gas filter on your snowblower, you will need to identify the type of filter your machine uses. Many manufacturers use a bottle-type filter, which is easy to identify. However, some engines employ a filter inside the gas line at the tank end.
If your snowblower uses a bottle-type filter, you can follow these steps:
- Remove the filter: Locate the filter and carefully take it out of the housing.
- Clean the filter: Using a suitable cleaning solution, such as hot soapy water or a specialised cleaner, rinse and clean the filter to remove any dirt, debris, or sediment. You can also try using compressed air to blow out any remaining particles.
- Dry the filter: Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it. You can use an air compressor to speed up the drying process.
- Reinstall the filter: Once the filter is clean and dry, carefully refit it into the housing, ensuring it is secure and properly connected.
If your snowblower has a filter inside the gas line, you may need to remove the gas line to access and clean the filter. Here are the general steps:
- Disconnect the gas line: Carefully detach the gas line from the carburetor and fuel tank.
- Locate and remove the filter: Identify the filter inside the gas line and carefully take it out.
- Clean the filter: Use an appropriate cleaning method, such as soaking the filter in a cleaning solution or using compressed air to blow out any debris.
- Dry and reinstall the filter: Ensure the filter is completely dry before refitting it into the gas line. Reattach the gas line to the carburetor and fuel tank securely.
It is important to consult your snowblower's user manual or seek advice from a qualified technician if you are unsure about the specific steps required for your particular model. Additionally, always exercise caution and wear appropriate protective gear when handling fuel and cleaning chemicals.
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Use an oil/gas siphon to drain the tank
To clean your snowblower's fuel tank, you can use an oil/gas siphon to drain the tank. This tool is inexpensive and can be very useful if you do your own maintenance. Its long, flexible hose can fit around the corners of gas tanks and reach into a crankcase to remove oil. To start, open the gas cap and use an LED light to see what you're doing—but make sure it's not a spark risk! Then, use the siphon to empty the gas tank. The siphon will lift out grit, and larger debris will stick to the siphon hose.
If you're having trouble accessing the carburetor, you can also try siphoning the gas directly out of the tank. This method is mess-free and can save you a lot of labour. You can find this tool on the "Snowblower tools page" or on Amazon.
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