How to Service a Snowblower - Basic Maintenance

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Just to clarify 2 things; I haven't serviced it every year since it was purchased. This is why the 1 wheel is seized (the previous shop never anti-seized the axles). As for the Briggs Spark Plug in a Tecumseh engine, I just meant that it's an "original Briggs plug" and I probably used that last year in place of an RJ19LM or BR2-LM. Additionally, for anyone interested, I have a cool new tool (induction heat gun) that I now use to free up seized wheels. The issue is, it's time consuming, so I would have to charge my customers for this additional service. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmTXhqOffdd3a6s

[@petten33]

I enjoyed the young man's video. It was both informative and interesting. 🇨🇦👴

[@nicolasmendoza6183]

Hey man, love your videos! About the seized wheel, the way I got mine off was using a of rebar about same diameter of the axel butt to butt and hammered at the other end of the rebar while a helper used a crowbar as a lever on the other side of the wheel. Also sprayed in wd40 along the way

[@waynebeck7801]

Will K100 help with a no start due to bad fuel.?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@waynebeck7801 yes as it prevents the fuel from going bad in the 1st place

[@waynebeck7801]

@@EliminatorPerformance Will it work like tune up in a can? Where you can add it if your mower won’t that start due to bad fuel and it would help to clean the carb?

[@jasonlaluk4434]

Nice to see a Canadian handyman fix a snowblower , it’s much more relatable for Canadian viewers!

[@Icepickjenkins]

I hear ya, canadians need a little extra guiding 😂

[@Mark-wp4lw]

You're exactly the kind of small engine mechanic the world needs. A guy who knows his stuff and does it RIGHT the first time. Nice work.

[@johngraham5305]

Do both wheels drive or just one. I am wondering if I lost a keyway while working on it. One wheel just freewheels. The only driving wheel can cause it to pull on way.

@@johngraham5305 If your wheel has pins, make sure they are both in the correct hole. Mine has two holes per side to allow for one or two wheel drive.

[@cookiebaker8361]

Your pronunciation is excellent, clear, and paced, like a machine. The best instructional video I have watched on youtube. Thanks I needed all of this.

[@bobmariano3731]

Definitely agreed 👍

[@ADCar]

Excellent work. You're customer's very lucky to have someone as thorough as you working on her machine. Thanks for posting this.

[@rk22cc]

do the other wheel for goodness sake!!

[@Steve-sy7nq]

Best snowblower maintenance video I have watched, very thorough. Your customer is very lucky to have such great service nearby.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@moonshinerman]

I helped out a woman who asked me to help her with her snow blower and I got it going and explained some things to her. She made mention that she had a friend who would like her snow blower checked out/serviced as well. I just wanted to check some vids on how to do it and I liked your video so much. It will truly help me and hopefully make it so I can earn a buck or two on the side. Thanks again!

[@wupofe]

Ganz super gemacht, vielen Dank. Ich habe vor ein paar Tagen eine Toro 826 LE Baujahr 2005 erhalten, welche fast nie benutzt wurde. Stand 17 Jahre nur in der Garage und sieht wie neu aus. Nun werde ich danke diesem Video den Service durchführen. Viele Grüße aus dem Schwarzwald

[@cedrickabsalon5736]

I watched this video over and over each time pausing and taking notes. I don't regret any seconds of it. Thank you for a great video👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@victorkiselev60]

I like him teaching, especially his greeting: ''How is going eliminators''! Besides, he is very thorough and attentive to small details, so after watching his video you almost never have unanswered questions.

[@wolfsden3812]

Probably one of the most thoughtful snowblower video I've ever seen and boat loads of tips thanks

[@de04609]

It’s so satisfying to start an engine you’ve just worked on and listen to it sound so much better.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelhillis2058]

Love how you explain things. Nobody better thanks.

[@davedavis662]

Best lessons I ever learned when it comes to small engines, always turn the gas off and run it dry and fuel stabilizer. After a few carb replacements even the thickest head will learn. Nice video.

[@ernestleo6284]

Great video showing step by step how to properly maintain your snowblower along the recommended products.

[@MrSouthSioux]

Best video I have ever watched for Snow blower maintenance. You are a gentlemen and a scholar.

[@OscarRodSeedsofG]

I am very handy and I use youtube videos to refresh my memory. I have seen a few videos that are well explained but yours is one of the best. Even a person who has never worked on small engines will be able to follow your clear and concise explanations to get the results desired. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge.

[@siggyop]

Wow well done! I always say “explain it to me like I’m in the 5th grade”. Well you did and that is awesome. Many of us didn’t grow up around this type of knowledge and videos like this are priceless. Thank you so much.

[@rickp3374]

This vid was my bible last summer when I took my snowblower apart to do maintenance (first time in 13 years). I must say, it proved an important part in the performance of the machine during the snow storm of jan 2022. Everything felt snappier, more responsive and stronger. Almost 6 hours of clearing through the day, and it performed like a champ. Thanks for this brother.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@EvanRedka]

Awesome video! Wish I found this last year when I fumbled my way through servicing my old Sears blower

[@SpiritKing-pg3hb]

Hello Eliminator Performance I really appreciate your service performance and I thank God there’s still much great in the world considering all the negativity. After watching your video, I will service my own snowblower (tomorrow) and follow your steps consistently and also pass your video on to those who don’t mind performing their own service. Some people do and some don’t which is why we’re hear to service them, which is a great livelihood for many who love to work with their hands. I’m sure there was a time when you probably didn’t know much about this and now you know a great deal, which is a blessing. Keep your power in its greatest place of purity and you’ll always find infinite blessings Thank you again SK. NYC

[@daveginter9030]

Excellent video I'm almost 65 and ben working on engines since I was 12. I went to college for auto mechanics. The Toro Power Max is a great machine. I own a larger Airens. A 32" snowfall made that choice. So much good advice here. The products you use are all the same ones that I use. Good Job!

[@coachneilrichardson9586]

This video is PERFECTION!!! Thankyou. You make it simple for me to be motivated to want to maintain my snowblower every year.

[@JHolm-df2dc]

Teflon is just fine with oil and gas compatibility wise. If it's wrapped incorrectly it can flake or block passage, that's the issue. Good vid bro. Thank you and keep after it.

You should never use teflon tape on anything except water based fluids. Surface tension is what makes teflon tape work, and oils, solvents, etc will leak right through.

[@JHolm-df2dc]

Nope

@@JHolm-df2dc Yep, science and facts don’t lie.

[@DarrellWingerak]

Thanks for the video. I would probably cover the friction disk and drive plate with a shop towel before spraying grease but very helpful video. Thx.

[@ammcjk2011]

One of the best made and clearest most detailed videos I have ever watched on KZbin. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@243wayne1]

I thought the same. I subscribed.

[@billhenry7833]

Back for my yearly refresher. Excellent!!!!

[@Joeyjupiter123]

Great job you are a great mechanic. I used to service my toro 2 stage which I had for 30 years and was still working when I sold my house and left it with the new owner . Thank you for the detailed instructions on servicing and I’ll be looking forward to some new videos.

[@edwinrodriguez2356]

Thank you that was an awesome education session for a person who has never worked on a snowblower.

[@michaelmika2995]

It works better when you have the 'ON/OFF' switch in the 'ON' position. I was wondering why it would not start. It's a good thing that nobody saw me trying to start it. Old age!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

That's why when I shut them off, I always wait for the engine to stop, then flip the switch back to ON. That way, the next time I'm ready to start it, the switch is already in the right position.

[@jw8560]

After watching this video I decided to service my snowblower - glad I did - what a difference after Servicing. Thanks again for this video full of GREAT DETAILED INFO!! WELL DONE!!!

[@horstdannehl5240]

This is an excellent video you should watch if you service your own machine.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@lawrenceofbruno]

Thanks for the excellent explanations all around. This was the 3rd video I watched on the topic, and easily the best!

[@fredriksjodin83]

I purchased my first snowblower this spring so it will be the first winter I’m using it. This video and it’s super-detailed information is just what I need as a beginner. Thanks a ton for making this video. 👏🏻🙏🏻😃

[@donwolfjr1]

Excellent excellent video, thank you!!! I'm about to own my very first ever snowblower and thus video was as good as it gets!! Thanks again!!! Don, Ohio

[@signalvideo1]

Thanks so much for the video. I followed your steps and just serviced my 4 seasoned Toro Powermax 824 OE. I was a little intimidated by the machine but now feel confident in seeing how it works. Bring on the snow. 🥶

[@tomlouie2855]

That fuel cap trick at 04:15 , brilliant, thank you!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@namedpipes]

Excellent walk through on appropriate annual maintenance. My *old* Craftsman was in rough shape - everything seized up and used up. Now runs and operates like a top. Thanks for the video.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@annaaron3510]

Fine job and well done. Mr Toro decided to cancel himself ( overflowing carb and intermittent starter cogs) with our latest snow dump. Your clear maintenance tutorial straightened us out. THX !

[@vitalijusr4708]

Thank you for such informative and clear explanation!

[@biggytmofo]

Very good presentation and tips. Ill look at mine to make sure I'm prepared for winter. I use synthetic oil and ethanol free gas in my OPE.

[@Tony-hr4bl]

Awesome video. One of the best videos for servicing snowblowers.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kaylashton]

My 30 year old un-maintenanced Estate Snowblower watching you give this a manicure while all I did is give it a kick in the nuts and some fresh gas for the season.

[@jmgmobile]

Thanks for producing a very thorough tutorial!

[@irynayakubu5530]

Thank you very much for such a detailed video! Service does not look scary for a beginner now.

[@johnnyblaze244]

Appreciate your video , your a good teacher , simplicity , keep up the good work stay bless .

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Johnny

[@williamshields6081]

Tried typing comment but got sent before finished, ref 12 hp noma snowblower . It quit moving ,luckily close to garage after doing 900 foot driveway . Turns out the teeth on the small drive sprocket,,, mostly gone,,, that turns chain to axel sprocket were worn off . Determined due to the axle not being properly shimmed / centered by washers and was able to move left to right , ¾ inch when in use. This caused the large axle sprocket to pull chain side to side with the edges of chain chewing on small sprocket . As far as I know had not been apart . Purchased used and rarely used . Won't be an expensive repair but requires a lot of disassembly . Will be sure to install side thrust washers to keep sprockets aligned . Hope this helps prevent someone else from having this happen . Your video distinctly shows these sprockets. Thank you

[@ratdog3055]

Good info. Two main things for fuel, non ethanol gas and fuel stabilizer. My blower is 14 years old and still going strong.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Always, thanks for watching!

[@dansteaves2523]

Such a great video! My small engine repair shop wants 100$/hour, + 25$ diagnosis fee. And right now, they are charging 150$ just to get it in the door (cause its right before winter)! I'll be doing the maintenance myself here on out.

[@quadimus]

A note on how I managed to break free my seized wheel. Fire up the blower , pull out the axle pin on the offending wheel, and move the blower to a high traction area. Concrete is best. Put the blower in 1st gear and engage the drive while trying to hold the blower from moving. This , in my case, broke the bond that the rust had on the shaft and it started spinning inside the wheel. Then it was just a matter of wiggling the tire off , cleaning the shaft and lubing it properly so it won't seize again. Hope this helps.

I agree with your idea as long as you don’t overdue it and snap a chain or break a gear. I’d also recommend tilting the machine halfway over and support with a crate or something and spray anti seize fluid down the axle and seized wheel hub/rim cylinder, leave overnight and then try to remove by hand before attempting your method.

[@troyporter3825]

About to buy my first snowblower (used) and watching this video gave me confidence I will need for maintenance...thanks much!...and thanks for mentioning all the products you use!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, good luck!

[@adamjohnson58]

Very thorough. Did a great job explaining how the mechanics work and how to clean and prepare them for the snowfall. I appreciate it

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@jerryglass6556]

Excellent video. Something you also could include for older machines, whether it’s snow blowers or lawn mowers: every few years I’ll take the housing off where the fly wheel is, and I will sand the magnets on the flywheel and the rust on the coil pack, and then stick a few pieces of paper in between the coil pack and flywheel as I re-attach the coil pack, to set the gap between pack and flywheel. This really helps improve the spark and my 17 year old snow blower still starts on first or second pull.....I would always rather pull start because it’s easier than getting the cord out and hooking it up.

[@tonyfarma7139]

Excellent step by step video removing the mystery of how a two stage snowblower works! Upon removing the bottom panel I couldn't believe the amount of dirt and debris that had collected inside. It was amazing it worked as well as it did prior to removing all the crap inside!

[@tamer1773]

Great video! Thanks! Simply explained and demonstrated. It contains more information than most, particularly about the specific lubricants for each part and how to access them. I'm hoping to keep my eighteen year old Toro going a few more years.

[@OB1974]

Excellent video. I’ll be purchasing a new snow blower soon and I learned some valuable tips from you.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickp3374]

Thanks!

[@stevebailey7633]

That was just remarkably thorough. Thank you, great video

[@wayne57chevy53]

Very good basic info before snow season although I have found changing to a new spark plug will help starting in very cold weather. You should have asked the owner about fixing the rusted / wheel problem just in case there was a flat tire later. Spray oil lube to throttle cable which is a wire in a wound wire housing that get wet and can rust up. Check tire pressure too.

[@francescocosentini9264]

2 video i watch and now subed your very detailed thank you for your videos, seen a guy ceramic coat a snowblower before he used it. Keeps snow off the machine in and out, blessings 🙏

[@99shadows66]

Very good video and explanation of why servicing your equipment annually is very important. A couple of points that I would like to mention are: at the 13:25 mark you mentioned recording the model and serial number in case the factory label disappears, I agree but we all seem to misplace that note that we brought into the house. Instead of filing it away somewhere, make two or three labels and apply them to other locations on the machine. I put one on top of the gas tank, one on the auger bucket, and one up near the controls. I cover them with clear packing tape or laminate them, punch a hole on the laminate and I cable tie them onto the handlebars. At the 16:39 mark you mentioned that because the machine doesn't see enough use, you only change the oil every other year. Keep in mind that these engines are not sealed as well as car engines so a lot of combustion byproducts get past the rings and into the crankcase thus contaminating the oil very quickly. Also at the 17:45 mark, you talked about how some of the old (contaminated) oil might remain in the crankcase. Knowing this why wouldn't you change the oil annually? How much $$ are you saving the customer by leaving contaminated oil in the crankcase for an extra 12 months? The cost of 26 ounces of oil is not going to impact the final bill by much.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Good points, I only service equipment when customers call me. This owner usually calls me every couple years, sometimes once a year, our snowfall around here isn't regular and most times can be inconsistent. Thanks for watching!

[@escapeearth2327]

Awesome video, very clear, though I don’t feel comfortable doing this work myself, there’s a lot of information to make me a more informed snow blower owner. Thank you very much for this video

[@harrybarry2291]

You are great. I learned a lot here. I will do this to our Cub Cadet.

[@ArcticFamilyMN]

Excellent video !!! I service mine every year and this is a good top to bottom checklist !!

[@donaldschwass9912]

Incredibly thorough job. Impressed. Wish you were in Buffalo

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@adocars]

nice, informative video. My PowerSmart has an additional dipstick at the base of the engine. I'll have to drain that area too. oil leak. No idea how to trace, but your video did help me understand more about the way these machines are built.

[@jethronh]

that was awesome. one of the best vids i've seen. You didnt do it here, you probably have another video, but i wanted to see the belt replaced.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I have a video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpqaZ5t-hKh4etE

[@nedoverbeke928]

I only wish I had a mechanic as thorough as you in the Cleveland area.

[@WeightsNGunz]

You’re very thorough and take pride in what you do. Great work ethic. Wish you could work on mine.

[@specialheavy8377]

Hello, I'm new to your channel. I found it very informative. Couple of suggestions. 1) inflate tires to proper specs 2) Lubricate shute pivot rods and base then check for nonbinding full range of swing 3) call customer to ask about having the wheel removed given that the machine didn't look that old. It will only get worse over the years. Air chisel with a hammer head will usually get em loose if caught early enough. Good job

[@mikebond5780]

This video was incredibly well done. Clear and concise. Thanks so much!

[@JamesCullum-s8h]

Nice job, my Deere is 27 years old looks it too. But still a great job as long as you take care of it.

[@micheallovesu12345]

Nice Video's Man, very clear, good quality imaging, no bullshit. Love this channel.

Good video and everything you did was well explained. The only thing I would have done differently was regarding the seized left wheel. Why not lean it over to the right halfway or so supported by a milk crate, wall, 2x4 etc and spray some anti seize down the outside of the axle and wheel hub/rim. Leave it overnight and most likely, with a few persuasive taps with a hammer and a piece of wood to protect the rim, you’d likely be able to remove it. Then clean the axle, SAND the rust off with some low grit sandpaper, clean again and apply the silver anti seize. I didn’t see you clean the rust off the axle that you were able to lube but it is recommended. 👍

[@momusicfan]

492 comments.. I read many. Just wonder about removing sheer bolts and spinning the auger, and lubing it. I had an expensive fix when I hit a hockey puck and auger was seized to the shaft. I check for movement often now. Great job on this video.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yea that would be a good idea, these units the augers are a bit larger than the shaft the mount to and usually don't seize. I like the ones with grease fittings

[@momusicfan]

@@EliminatorPerformance wish my craftsman has fittings, etc.

[@scottfirman]

I use a paper towel tube on side drain tubes on snowblower. I also use it on riding mowers. It is easy and disposable. I can use paper tape sometimes to hold the tube in place. Most times, you can slide the tube under the drain tube and leave it drain.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

That's a great idea, I'll have to start saving mine!

[@mikepowers7829]

What’s the best way to fully grease the auger shaft to keep it from freezing up with rust Thanks Mike P

[@joecnc3341]

Good video. I use antiseize on everything that needs to come apart in the future. Works like a charm

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Same, thanks for watching!

[@onenglen]

Great info! My wife and I just purchased a home and snow blower is on the list for a purchase soon. Thanks for the write up.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lawreober]

Wow. Great video! Thank you.

[@PAUL4128]

Good video and you are a great teacher.

[@rabidscallion9947]

Great presentation. Easy to understand and follow!

[@JoeN938]

I have the exact snowblower same as your video and I rarely use it, watching this video to do simple maintenance really helps. I didn’t do as much but pretty close to what you’ve shown in the video, your instructions are spot on and really helps me doing the maintenance. Thank you so much for this awesome video, stay safe out there!!!

[@chrisgovatsos9421]

Excellent ,well explained video. I'm going to work on mine , its overdue.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikepowers7829]

Great video what is the procedure for greasing the auger shaft Thanks

[@MrTank1232]

i appreciate this video , Im new to the snowblower world and have no idea, now i have a clue.

[@Lep_Short]

Excellent video. I use synthetic 0w30 engine oil on the same engine as your customer’s and it’s a lot easier on the starter motor in minus 40 C below.

[@gordbaker896]

You might have put some penetrating oil on the stuck wheel and axle at all spots available. Sometimes an impact gun will loosen them. I have tried an acetylene torch on one stubborn one with no success. Cut the axle in the middle and reconnect using a sleeve and roll pins. In Ontario Shell Premium does not have Ethanol. I use it in all small engines. I always radially sand the drive plate for additional friction. Spray the inside of the chain as well.

[@mikemurphy7590]

Best video I’ve watched; covered everything I needed for mine. Nice work.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Mike!

[@RhumRunner41]

Did I spy grade 5 nuts & bolts on the auger shaft? Great tutorial. Just purchased an holder Bolens 45” and this video helped me out tremendously. Now I just need to find parts.

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

Great video , There are a lot of different thread sealers out there , I am a Millwright by trade and I have seen that when you use thread sealer it will set over time , taking them apart is a lot more difficult . Almost like glue , pipe thread is a tapered thread so the tighter they go the better the seal . Yes it will seal better but be careful on how much is used and how tight the thread is .

[@martinbigg7163]

Great video very well explained learnt quite a lot on servicing, You said you are a dealer for the K100 fuel stabilizer I would like to know how I can buy some, thanks again

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Check out their website k-100.com/find-k100/

[@paulmoffat9306]

For my snowblower, I only use Premium grade gasoline (91), as here in Canada, it is alcohol free, just pure gas. That is not subject to breakdown as E10 is. When putting away for summer, I close the fuel off and run till the carb is dry. I have a generator that had Premium gas in it, 10 years old, still started up on the first pull. I did drain that fuel this year, and is ready for some fresh on its next run.

[@garydamiter7065]

Great video. Thanks for the simple yet helpful maintenance overview

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@tannerc900]

Finally… someone who doesn’t recommend cleaning the friction wheel with gasoline. After getting second and third degree burns from being a bon party where someone poured a bunch of gas on it, I appreciate you showing and recommending an alternative.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Gasoline is a very good solvent, but I have used this oil and grease remover for years and have never had any issues, it works great!

[@billrich8256]

Excellent presentation covered all the bases good clinic

[@BladeDoomer86]

Wow, very good video, really to the point and extremely clear instructions... You wouldn't happen to be located near Montreal 😅 We could use a pro such as yourself ;)

[@jordihester6286]

I cleaned my drive wheel off last season but didn’t think of all the other stuff in your video, Thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@rickshabsin]

Would like to see a list here in the comments of the various products you used/mentioned in the video. Excellent video. Thanks for all this useful info.

[@davenatale850]

A lot of really good info, but you could have sprayed some kind of rust buster on that wheel and let it sit while you were doing everything else. After you were done, one slight tap with a rubber mallet might have worked.