Katerina Swanson
Draining the fuel tank of a snowblower is a simple but necessary project that should be done at the end of the winter season. Regular fuel contains ethanol, which, over time, mixes with any water that may seep into the tank, resulting in corrosion and clogging in the engine. To avoid this, many people mix a fuel stabilizer into the gas tank of their snowblower. However, if you do not want to use a fuel stabilizer, you can drain the gas out of the tank using a siphon pump or a hand pump.
How to Drain Fuel Tank Snowblower
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to drain | At the end of the winter season |
| Why drain | To avoid clogging in the engine due to corrosion from ethanol mixing with water in the tank |
| Fuel stabilizer | An additive sold by power-equipment dealers and home centers that can be added to gas in the snow blower to avoid draining |
| Siphon pumps | Used to drain the tank by placing one tube in the tank and the other in a container to catch the gas |
| Hand bulb-primer siphon | Used to get almost all of the fuel out by moving the end of the hose to the low side |
| Fuel shutoff | Closing the fuel shutoff while the engine is running will drain the carburetor |
| Fuel line | Removing the fuel line from the tank or carb will allow the fuel to drain |
| Carburetor | Loosening the carburetor screw will allow for draining |
| Carb bowl | Draining the carb bowl is easier than draining the tank |
| Fuel filter | Removing the fuel filter in-line on the fuel line will allow the system to be drained |
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What You'll Learn
Why you should drain your snowblower's fuel tank
Draining the fuel tank of your snowblower is an important task that should not be overlooked. It is a simple process that can save you from future headaches. Here are some reasons why you should drain your snowblower's fuel tank:
Prevent Engine Issues
The fuel used in snowblowers typically contains ethanol, which can cause issues over time. When ethanol mixes with any water that may seep into the tank, it can lead to corrosion and clogging in the engine. This can result in difficulty starting your snowblower and may even require a trip to the repair shop for a costly clean-up. By draining the fuel tank and ensuring no ethanol-water mixture is left behind, you can avoid these engine problems.
Maintain Fuel Quality
Leaving untreated fuel in the tank for extended periods is not advisable. Fuel can degrade and cause issues with your snowblower's performance. Draining the fuel tank allows you to start the next season with fresh fuel, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the risk of clogs or other issues caused by degraded fuel.
Storage Benefits
If you plan to store your snowblower for the warmer months, draining the fuel tank is essential. This is especially important if you are storing it indoors, as running the machine indoors can expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. By draining the fuel, you eliminate the risk of accidental startups and the associated fumes. Additionally, if you live in an area with warm temperatures, draining the fuel and refilling with fresh fuel when needed can prevent fuel-related issues due to temperature changes.
Prolong Equipment Lifespan
Draining the fuel and properly maintaining your snowblower can help extend its lifespan. By preventing corrosion, clogging, and other fuel-related issues, you reduce the wear and tear on the equipment. This can save you money in the long run by delaying or avoiding the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Safety Considerations
Handling fuel requires caution. By draining the fuel tank, you reduce the amount of flammable substance in your snowblower. Additionally, the process of draining encourages safe practices, such as working outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from heating units and open flames.
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Using a fuel stabilizer
If you want to keep your snowblower ready for immediate use, you should consider using a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers are additives sold by power-equipment dealers and home centres that prevent fuel degradation and clogging. They also leave no room in the tank for water to condense and collect.
There are several ways to use a fuel stabilizer. One method is to add the stabilizer to the gas in the snow blower's tank and then run the engine for a few minutes to ensure it circulates throughout the system. This will provide protection for up to one year. Another method is to add the stabilizer to the gas can when filling up at the gas station and then fill up the snow blower's tank at home. It is important to treat the gas with a stabilizer before filling the tank, as stabilizers work best with fresh fuel.
There are various opinions on whether to fill up the tank or leave it halfway when using a fuel stabilizer. Some people prefer to fill the tank completely to prevent condensation, while others choose to leave it halfway to prevent a full tank of fuel from absorbing condensation. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the specific circumstances of storage.
It is worth noting that fuel stabilizers may not be perfect, and it is recommended to run the snowblower dry at the end of the year. Additionally, it is suggested to use ethanol-free fuel or remove ethanol from the fuel with a water bath to prevent corrosion caused by ethanol mixing with condensed water.
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Siphoning methods
There are several siphoning methods you can use to drain your snowblower's fuel tank. Firstly, you can use a hand pump or a siphon pump. Place a container to catch the gas at a suitable distance from the fuel tank. Then, find the cap on the snowblower where the gas goes in, and unscrew it. Insert one end of the siphon tube into the fuel tank, placing it as deep as possible. With your other hand, stabilise the siphon pump apparatus and squeeze the pump to start draining the gas.
Another method is to use a turkey baster or a bulb-primer siphon. You can also try a stainless steel drinking straw attached to the end of your siphon hose to help reach the deeper areas of the tank. If you are using a bulb-primer siphon, move the end of the hose to the lower side of the tank to collect the remaining fuel.
After siphoning, a small amount of gas may remain in the tank. To get rid of this, replace the cap to the fuel tank, start the engine, and let it run until it shuts off on its own due to a lack of gas.
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Running the engine
To drain the tank using the 'running the engine' method, first, ensure the snowblower is off and the engine is cool. Then, replace the cap to the fuel tank. Start the engine and let it run until it shuts off on its own due to a lack of gas. This method ensures that all the gas is drained from the tank, including any residual gas left behind after pumping out the majority of the fuel.
Some people recommend running the engine for a shorter period, just long enough for the stabilised fuel to get through the carburetor. This prevents any build-up in the carburetor over spring and summer, so the machine is ready for use in winter.
Another option is to run the engine a few times off-season, every 2-3 months or every 90 days, with fresh gas treated with stabiliser for 5 minutes. This method avoids the need to drain the fuel tank completely.
It is important to note that simply running the engine may not be sufficient to drain all the fuel from the tank. Some amount of fuel may remain, and it is recommended to use a combination of methods to ensure the tank is completely drained.
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Safety precautions
Safety should be the top priority when draining the fuel tank of a snowblower. Here are some crucial safety precautions to follow:
- Work in a safe location: Choose an outdoor location away from any sources of ignition, such as heating units or open flames. Working outdoors reduces the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide fumes. Select a flat surface to minimize the chance of slipping during the draining process.
- Prepare the snowblower: Ensure the snowblower is turned off and the engine is cool before beginning the draining procedure. This step is essential for safety and to ensure the fuel is not drained while it is hot, which could increase the risk of accidental spills or burns.
- Use appropriate tools: Familiarize yourself with the tools required for the task, such as siphon pumps or turkey basters. If you are using a siphon pump, understand its basic operation: squeeze the pump with one hand to generate the pumping action, and use the other hand to stabilize the apparatus. Ensure you have a suitable container to catch the drained fuel.
- Handle fuel carefully: Fuel is a flammable substance, so exercise caution when handling it. Avoid any open flames or sparks near the fuel. Be cautious when disposing of the drained fuel, ensuring it is done in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
- Personal protective equipment: Consider wearing nitrile gloves and other protective gear to avoid getting fuel and its smell on your hands and clothes. This precaution will help minimize contact with the fuel and reduce the risk of skin irritation or inhalation of fumes.
By following these safety precautions, you can effectively drain the fuel tank of your snowblower while minimizing risks and ensuring a safe working environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Regular fuel contains ethanol, which can mix with any water that seeps into the tank, resulting in corrosion and clogging in your engine.
First, ensure your snowblower is off and the engine is cool. Then, use a siphon pump to drain the fuel tank. Place one end of the tube into the fuel tank and the other end into a container to catch the removed liquid. Squeeze the pump to drain the fuel.
If you have a fuel stabilizer in your tank, you do not need to drain the fuel. If you do not have a stabilizer, you can use a turkey baster or bulb primer siphon to remove most of the gas, and then run the snowblower until it runs out of fuel.
