SUMMERIZE YOUR SNOWBLOWER - How To Store Your Snowblower Properly For The Summer.

[@theodorerobb180]

In the Navy we call this PMS Preventive Maintenance Schedule. Great Job.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Theodore! Always better to be proactive rather than reactive! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@DoDgeSwaG]

PMCS - Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services for us in the Army. Every Monday is motor pool day Army wide where we do PMCS on all the HMMWV:Humvees, 5 tons, 10 tons, trailers, etc. it’s basically to keep the vehicles running since they do a lot of sitting until they get used for a convoy, training mission or deployment, and to catch any issues before they happen or before they progress. I spent a great deal of time in the Army so now it’s a part of me, I do PMCS on my lawn equipment, snow blower, generator, etc. and I never have trouble starting my equipment right up.

[@waisinsaaf5966]

man thats some dedication to the machine!

[@GarageGear]

I like to make them last

[@twilson377]

Love your videos! Everytime I have a maintenance question or curious how to preserve the life of my machines, you're able to explain it so simply. You've saved me a ton of money. Thank you so much for helping us non-mechanical people. Haha

[@GarageGear]

That’s exactly what this channel is here for Thayne! Thanks for being a cool fan!👍

[@gregdoh]

Bought a Toro 2 stage 2 years ago. I watched your video at the end of the winter last year and again this year. I think by next year I'll have it all memorized. Thank you!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Gregdoh! You’ll have the best running machine on the block! Thanks for watching and for being a a cool fan!

[@jackfairweather199]

Not a bad idea to remove the spark plug and use some engine fogging spray and pull the starter rope a couple of times to coat the cylinder walls so they remain clean and rust free. Works for me, anyway.

[@GarageGear]

Great tip! I’ll have to get some! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@GarageGear]

@@jackiebigd4224 yeah it’s not a bad idea to give that a shot!

[@wangdangdo4585]

Can use WD-40 too if you don't have any fogger.

[@GarageGear]

@@wangdangdo4585 never heard of using wd-40 as a fogger? Is this safe?

[@speez3354]

@@GarageGear WD breaks down oil, I just use a tablespoon of oil crank piston a few times leave piston on top

[@Lightride65]

Yes, Very, very thorough!! Small details are so IMPORTANT!

[@GarageGear]

Incredibly important! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@Ivan-zh8mh]

Good video on basic maintenance. My PM routine includes checking the belts for wear/fraying before putting it to bed for the summer and always keep a spare set on hand. I also use a turkey baster to remove most of the gas from the tank so it doesn't run very long before it runs dry.

[@GarageGear]

Good tips here! I check my belts once or twice a season so that’s why I didn’t include that in this clip. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@charlesbyers6911]

Turkey baster is brilliant!

[@DougTreff]

If you have a full tank, the turkey baster method can still be tedious. I bought a battery powered pump called a TeraPump that I use to remove gas from my tank. Saves a lot of time - and I can re-use the winter gas when I start up my lawn tractor in the spring. The pump costs about $30 but I use it to transfer fuel in and out of all my power equipment, assuring that when it's laid up, the tank is always empty.

[@dano75]

Agreed with the comment of lubing the augers. Also, adjust skid shoes/scraper for proper clearance, as they wear during use. Instead of WD40 for a wipe down and cleaning, I use diesel fuel and a rag. A gallon goes a long way, and leaves it shiny with protective oil coating (an old Army tracked vehicle maintenance trick I learned back my enlisted days). Rock on!

[@GarageGear]

That’s an awesome tip! Thanks for watching!

[@GAZ1DAN]

Best Video I’ve seen for a very long time. Thank you for the very clear and very simple storage instructions. Saved your video for future ‘Summer-izing of my Snowblower’. You have a new loyal subscriber 👍🏻

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Gary! I appreciate the positive feedback! 👍

[@carminedestefanis2964]

Just purchased the new Ariens Deluxe 28”. Thanks for making this video your preventive maintenance is thorough and I will follow your steps closely. Go Rambo!

[@GarageGear]

Hey Carmine, you my friend made a smart purchase. They are great snowblowers! Have fun! And thanks for watching!

[@terrygabriel5945]

I too have never used fuel stabilizer on my snow-thro…my Ariens is now 22 years old (1999) and have always run it dry of fuel then drained the float bowl and NEVER had any issues starting it come winter…it still runs like a champ.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Terry! It’s a solid plan! There’s still a chance of an issue if you use stabilizer. Drain it out and worry less I say! Thanks for watching bud! 👍

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

What a snow blower lover.

[@GarageGear]

Guilty as charged! Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel!

[@delbert9357]

I have never done any of this. I use high octane fuel with no ethanol little stabil. and put it away. I have a 1983 STIHL Wood Boss chain saw my Dad bought new. I was putting my mowers and stuff away for winter and I thought I better check that saw. It had been 2 years since that saw had been started. Full of 2 year old fuel started right up and ran great. Dumped the fuel put some new fuel in added a little stabil ran her good and put her away again. Who knows what's right just do what works for you. Great video and love your channel.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the positive feedback Delbert! Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@billchristopher8774]

Excellent video. Your attention to detail is greatly appreciated.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Bill! Thanks for watching my friend! 👍

[@PaganWizard]

Absolutely EXCELLENT advise. The only thing I do slightly different, is use copper based anti-seize, I think it works better than the silver stuff. For the folks that are worried about the WD40 contaminating the environment, use nonstick cooking spray, and Fluid Film. Fluid Film is a non-toxic lanolin oil based product, so it won't harm the environment.

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you pagan! Thanks for sharing!

[@ralphmills7322]

My best $17 spent was for a snow thrower cover, tarps always get blown off unless you tie down every side. I store the covered snow thrower in a corner of our carport. Keeps dirt and bird/spider poo off the machine. I put also moth balls in an old sock and hang next to the engine shroud to deter mice nesting.

[@GarageGear]

Good tips for storing outside! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@rockochimp545]

Great tips thanks! I've been doing mostly the same but never thought about the easy piston pull trick. I think a really important thing I don't recall you mentioning is storing it in neutral to prevent flat spots forming on the rubber friction disk. Mine is tracked and I store it in a barn outside with a gravel floor. I keep it on a pallet that is easy to pick up and move with the tractor if I need to. I also put a light dust cover over it but not a full cover or I find it attracts mice. I'll plug a dummy plug into the the starter plug to keep spider nests out. I lube into all my cables and control linkages, and a few things specific to tracks. Running a '97 Yamaha YS828TE, still starts first or second pull every time after heavy heavy use. Can't say enough good things about it.

[@GarageGear]

Rock'o'chimp ! Hey bud, thanks for all the great feedback! Sounds like I’m not the only one who likes to spend a little extra time maintaining their equipment! All good tips on your end! Especially with the cables. On my snowblower the friction disk is always in neutral until you pull the lever down so it’s not touching the plate. But I like how you are a forward thinker to prevent the flat spots. Is that only a track drive thing? Thanks for watching!

[@tonyd1149]

Thank you for making & posting this video. All good tips on the storage prep.

[@GarageGear]

No problem Tony! Glad you found this video helpful! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@spiderman0863]

Excellent presentation!

[@GarageGear]

Not every day does the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man leave a comment on my videos lol! Thanks for checking out my channel!👍

[@hollyolmstead6088]

most helpful video regarding summer storage. Thank you

[@GarageGear]

Glad you found this video helpful Holly! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@derrickewing99]

Awesome I just purchased one now I know what to do I appreciate it.

[@GarageGear]

No problem my friend! Thanks for watching Derrick! 👍

[@alanjenkins7346]

Have an Ariens that's 30 yrs old have always used stabilizer with no issues. Now I use Amsoil stabilizer. Rebuilding the under carriage, new gears ,sprocket,chain, friction wheel, drive shaft , going to use axle bearings instead of bushings.

[@GarageGear]

The old ones are built to last! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@alanjenkins7346]

@@GarageGear ordered all parts online Last night. Jack's small engine. Cheaper than a new snowblower

[@GarageGear]

@@alanjenkins7346 there ya go my friend! Have fun!!! Keep me posted on how well it works when you’re all done!

[@algorel4763]

Buy some Fogging oil spray, remove spark plug and spray the cylinder to prevent rust.

[@GarageGear]

Good tip! Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@paulmoffat9306]

I do the same thing to my engine, except with WD-40. A good squirt in the cylinder, pull through once or twice, then put the plug back in. Last thing before parking. FYI for Canadian viewers, Premium grade gasoline (91 octane) is pure gasoline (E-0) up here.

[@GarageGear]

@@paulmoffat9306 good tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

I never "fog" any of my equipment. If I were storing them for a few years, then yes. But for seasonal storage, (4-6 months) I find this completely unnecessary.

[@worldmatrix2315]

Great video!!!! Well done!! Thanks for the extra tips👍👍👍

[@GarageGear]

You got it Matrix! Thanks for watching!

[@Avanta751]

Thanks for the share, Great Job!!!

[@GarageGear]

You got it! Thanks for watching!

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

I was told that while running the gas tank to zero is great, it will still leave gas in the carburetor. Removing gas from the carburetor is great if it is easy to do. I was told that run it to zero, then put in a little All Season Fuel from one of the major manufacturers (like Toro, Honda, etc.) That way you are guaranteed that the fuel sitting in there is clear of those detergents, ethanol, and whatever else the gas station is putting in it. I like this video as does seem to cover everything, however. Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

I hear what you’re saying Sam! I’ve always been a fan of getting every drop out. Nothing can possibly screw up your engine that way. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@aaronneff2488]

GREAT VIDEO!!!! Getting ready to buy an Ariens and wanted an idea of the long term maintenance and this was PERFECT!!!! Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Aaron! Ariens makes a great snowblower that is relatively easy to work on. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@alexscarselli3240]

A good protective spray is Cosmolean, excellent stuff. Teflon spray is better because WD, Pam etc stop snow clogging shoot, because it not good in very cold weather, it solidifies. Great video, our blowers are on 30+ years a Noma and Craftsman.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Alex!

[@richardaquino1640]

I always take a metal can take a old can opener and poke about six slots in the bottom, fill it with mothballs put a lid on it and keep it on top or make two and put it in the bottom as well to keep mice away.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing richard

[@JRGood-mm9yu]

Very informative video. My tip Tires need protection too. I coat any rubber/plastic with 303 Aerospace Protectant. First saw it used on Sweet Project Cars saving the tires and wiper blades adding years of life to rubber parts.

[@GarageGear]

Very interesting! I’m gonna check this out! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@danieldaemicke6904]

Great video I’m going to do this in spring

[@GarageGear]

Awesome! You’ll be happy you did! Let me know how it goes for ya! 👍

[@redveiner]

A couple of points: 1) Synthetic oil should only be used on an engine that has been broken in for at least 50 running hours with regular oil. 2) WD40 was designed by the space industry to prevent rust on the re-entry rockets that parachute down into the ocean. I once did an experiment with a couple of steel nails. One sprayed with WD40 and one without, both left outside. The untreated nail had rust showing the next day. The one with WD40 went a full six months without any rust.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing!

[@amos3126]

I normally change the spark plug at the same time after the winter Maintenace

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Great video, thank you!!! I especially appreciated the Scotty Kilmer-style photo illustrations, lol. This is an ultimate guide to snowblower maintenance and corrosion prevention!!! I have a PowerSmart blower too. How do you like yours?

[@GarageGear]

Maxim’s DIY Garage Thanks for the feedback bud! I love Scotty kilmers editing! Yes I stole his methods lol! I think it adds something to each video! I recently sold the PowerSmart snowblower. I used it for a couple of videos. Here’s a link to one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYOQn2mHepKbidk Enjoy and thanks for watching!

[@rmcdaniel423]

I also saw some ChrisFix influence with the straight-to-the-point speaking cadence and the emphatic hand gesturing in front of the camera. No complaints here. Good tutorial. Thanks for sharing!

[@patelfamily7178]

Nicely done. 👌

[@GarageGear]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback! Thanks for checking out my channel Patel Family!

[@roogermoore1]

I always keep fresh fuel in it (trufuel-no water). I would be more concerned with the carburetor float or carburetor pin impeded by rust particles that develop from the empty bowl and inevitable moisture that remains with regular fuel. try trufuel for summer storage. No moisture, unless you pull off the carb and spray it with carb cleaner. great comments posted here too.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing and watching roogermoore1!

[@crusheverything4449]

Another great video! I appreciate your efforts, man! Thank you!!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the positive feedback Crush! You ROCK! 👍

[@MisterPinst]

Awesome video. I have an Ariens 28" and this helped a ton!

[@GarageGear]

There great snowblowers that are worth taking care of! Thanks for checking out my channel Michael!

[@jaybooth4815]

Great video, very informative! Just subscribed. Cheers!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Jay! Thanks for subscribing!👍

[@erikpreston1805]

Going to do this tomorrow, it’s a new machine and I want it to last the rest of my life.

[@GarageGear]

Good procedures to follow! Thanks for checking out my channel! 👍

[@michaeldambrosio5421]

Great job !!!!! Thumbs Up !!!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Michael! Thanks for checking out my channel!👍

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Great vid, man. Only thing I do differently is to use a siphon pump to empty the tank into a gas can before I start. That way, it runs out of gas in about 45 seconds. I will then add a small amount (4oz or so) of ethanol-free gas (like Tru-Fuel) and let that run out, then drain the carb.

[@GarageGear]

Great tip Paul! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

@@GarageGear No problem! You can find those siphon pumps cheap on Amazon. I don’t know what I’d do without mine now. Lol

[@GarageGear]

@@paulmysliborski4832 I will definitely be checking these out Paul! Thanks for sharing!

[@Ivan-zh8mh]

I use a turkey baster with same end result

[@GarageGear]

@@Ivan-zh8mh thank you for sharing! 👍

[@NeasYellek]

Great video. Might drain oil but not add it until dine with rest. Fill oil after tipping unit up and then it won't drain into areas its not meant to be.

[@GarageGear]

Sounds like a good plan! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@WhitieInVermont]

Thanks JB.

[@GarageGear]

Whitie in Vermont you got it Whitie!

[@elmerdavis4725]

Great video

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching elmer

[@williamb3323]

I syphon the gas out (non ethanol) I then use it in my mower or generator sometimes my car depends. Then I start my snow blower and let it stall. At that point I open the bleed screw on my carb to drain anything in the bowl. Pull the plug and squirt a shot of WD40 in the cylinder. Pull it over a time or two. Reinstall the plug. re-tighten the bleed screw, Change the oil and add a fresh qt. of synthetic 10w30. Next season add fresh non ethanol and she starts right up.

[@GarageGear]

Perfect! Thanks for sharing William!

[@dannymatton4356]

Thank you for all your videos, very professionnal!! I learn a lot of think with Garage Gear. I had a problem with one of my wheel of my Aeriens Platinium 24. The wheel is seize! Someone have a proposition to remove the wheel went we have a problem of seizing. Thank you folk.

[@GarageGear]

I have heated it with a torch for about a minute or two and then poured ice cold water on it. The temperature change usually breaks the bonds. Give it a shot and let me know if it works for you! Thanks for watching!

[@MrMjn5000]

nice job....

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching mjn

[@MrGomjabber]

I largely did this same thing but I guess I have gotten lucky with Stabil and non-ethanol gas because I went 20 years on my old toro that I just replaced this year. Still started on first pull. My new one says to drain the gas and carb so I will be doing that from now on.

[@GarageGear]

It’s a safe plan! Can’t go wrong with it! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@rscitta]

Best video ever!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks RC you ROCK! Thanks for watching!

[@jaypaulowske3613]

I just start mine every couple weeks

[@GarageGear]

Not a bad plan either! I do that with my generator! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@andreslarralde21]

Great video very detailed thank you

[@GarageGear]

Hey thanks for watching and I’m glad you got something out of it Andres! 👍

[@scottleckey3795]

Hey I would love to learn how and where you sold your excess tools from your garage reno video. I have many duplicated tools that I want to sell. the wife insists I reduce my current tool box. Thanks Love the videos.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Scott appreciate you bud! I sold many of my tools on Craigslist and fb marketplace. I spread them out in groups and took pictures and priced them out. Cleared out a lot of extras and made some decent money in the process which helped fund some of the other items in the garage. People are always looking for tools! Thanks for watching

[@J1Z06]

Great video!!super informative!!!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Jay! Summerizing your snowblower soon?

[@J1Z06]

@@GarageGear I hope so!! We have had four or five big storms here in Connecticut. Our snow blower is a 2005 Craftsman equipped with an 8.5 hp Briggs and Stratton engine that’s had some issues. Yesterday, it was given a few upgrades. New carb, fresh tank of fuel, new spark plug, new chute. If all goes well, it should be good to go for the rest of the season. When it comes time to store it... it can be done properly thanks to this great video. Thanks so much!!!

[@GarageGear]

@@J1Z06 you got it Jay! Have fun! 👍

[@J1Z06]

@@GarageGear You too! Have a good week.

[@GarageGear]

@@J1Z06 back at ya!

[@petepanagis5083]

Put the shoot angel up. Mine has a spring. When down, spring is stretched. When up, it’s compressed. Mine broke one year.

[@GarageGear]

Good tip! Thanks for watching!

[@claude00]

Great job man!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Claude! Thanks for watching!

[@theturk143]

Do you have a tip on preventing rust from forming in a steel tank like what is on an Arien. I always drained my tank when I had a blower with a plastic tank but with a metal tank I have found that rust forms. So what I do now is turn off the fuel and burn off what is in the carb and then add Seafoam to the full tank of gas while in storage. I have friens who have had bad rust problems in metal tanks. What is your opinion? BTW I live in Newfoundland Canada. Thanks for your videos.

[@GarageGear]

No way to really escape it! I drain the gas right at the end of the season and leave the cap on loosely to let vapors vent out. Then when I open her up in the spring she’s dry. No rust in mine as far as I can see! Could always replace the tank every few years too! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@Two_Buck]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Two Buck Chuck! Have fun summer-izing your snowblower!

[@christopherraso1990]

Wondering have you ever sprayed out or down the carburetor's internally with carb cleaner when removing the remainder of the fuel in the bowel. Or taken the bowel off completely and again spray the internals of the carb just to remove any leftover fuel that has left a wet surface when draining the bowel. Love the vid's, step by step, and explanation of what you are doing. 👏👏👏👏👍✌️🙃🇨🇦

[@GarageGear]

Hey Christopher! Never went that far with it because I never had an issue. It’s a good procedure just a bit overkill in my opinion. If I was having issues perhaps I would take this step. Thanks for the positive feedback! 👍

[@robertfrappier]

Really informative video...I would have greased the gears and all stuff - Before - putting oil in the engine. That way the engine oil would not leak anywhere when you 'reverse' the snowblower.

[@GarageGear]

Good tip! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@Wudanmaster116]

so this is what me neighbor is doing that annoys the entire neighborhood for a like an hour near the start of summer....lol thank you

[@GarageGear]

Lol yep now you know lol! Thanks for watching!

[@jayrusek7413]

Suggest adding sea foam refined gas additive to gas tank

[@GarageGear]

Good tip thanks for sharing! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@sperreault]

Great video!! Thoughts on getting the weight off of the wheels during the summer? I usually put a cinder block underneath the back area to take the weight off of the wheels.

[@GarageGear]

Hey S! Lifting up the back end isn’t a bad idea. If I were to store my blower for longer than six months I would consider it. I never really found this to be a problem though during a typical storage season! Thanks for watching!

[@tonyincretolli849]

Good thorough job! Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot Tony! I appreciate it! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@batmanbluedarker5087]

Hey thank you

[@GarageGear]

No problem Batman... or is it Bruce Wayne???

[@batmanbluedarker5087]

@@GarageGear Bruce for the night ! I was struggling to get help everything on google was too general and lazy. This helped me out 💪🏼

[@MrMattDat]

Great video and very good, complete process (still think you'd do better coating the machine with spray silicone. Remember, the WD stands for Water Displacement)

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Matt! I did pick some up but filmed this video a year ago. Thanks for being an awesome fan! 👍

[@MrMattDat]

@@GarageGear Great video and very thorough! You covered every step and made it clear.

[@glenndespres5317]

You might try siphoning out most of the gas so you don’t have to serenade your neighbors with a running snowblower for 15 minutes on a nice day. Just a thought. After that this is annual SOP for keeping your machine in top shape for years.

[@GarageGear]

Yep not a bad idea! Thanks for checking out my channel Glenn!

[@foobar9107]

Your videos rule, JB! I noticed that the manual says to lube the chain in the gearbox with oil, but you use grease. Is there an advantage to that? Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

In my experience both work fine. Never an issue using a little grease. Thanks for watching and appreciate the positive feedback!

[@vitormorita491]

Probably should til the snowblower while there’s no oil in the engine. And I’d say after you put the new oil in you want to start the engine

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing!

[@arkie87]

Is it better to change the oil at the end of the season, or at the start? Or does it not matter?

[@GarageGear]

Hey arkie! I always found it better to change it at the end of the season. Get the garbage out at the end so nothing sits in the engine all summer long! 👍

[@dp6301]

Any tips on rust build up and paint chipping ??

[@GarageGear]

Sand and paint my friend! If you don’t feel like doing that just hit it with fluid film and leave it. 👍

[@dp6301]

@@GarageGear ok thanks for the advice!

[@ebutuoyvin99]

Hi you videos have helped tremendously thank you….do u have one that summarizes power smart snow blower that u have

[@GarageGear]

Hey Eb, these procedures are the same for just about any snowblower. I do not have one specifically for that snowblower. Thanks for watching!

[@DenisPoulin-yp4uy]

I've drained the gas yearly however, this season I got a gas leak. I'm assuming the gasket has begun the drying out process. What king of effort will replacing this gasket be???

[@GarageGear]

Where exactly is the gas leak coming from? Bowl gasket? Carb gasket?

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

Ok so I've a question not sure if it's been addressed. In the winter the city plows dump tons of snow at the end of my drive. Invariably it's going to have some sort of salt in it. Shouldn't or how should the machines be rinsed down.

[@GarageGear]

Hey John! End of the season I usually do a thorough cleaning but during the season I spray it all down with a protective spray like liquid wrench rust inhibitor or wd40 to prevent rust. I usually spray it every other time I use it. Thanks for watching

[@philruiz2462]

Excellent video brother question I have is the amount of oil recommended to put back in once you drain the old oil thks

[@GarageGear]

Hey Phil! Your owners manual will tell you how much oil to put in or you can fill it up between the lines on the end of the dip stick. Thanks for watching!

[@pizazpizaz8331]

what are you lightly greasing the friction slide bar with, the anti-seize? great video, much appreciated!

[@gigiraymond9267]

You can use White Lithium grease , it will be just fine.

[@GarageGear]

You have a few options here. I think I used marine grease here. Thanks for watching!

[@thedandeliondungeon4357]

Can a snowblower be stored in maintenance mode to save space in the garage?

[@GarageGear]

Good question! I would not store it in the maintenance position! I have seen snowblowers leak oil from being tipped like that for an extended period of time.

[@executive8680]

I actually left the gas in without a stabilizer since 2020 winter and when I fire it up this winter it started on first pull.

[@GarageGear]

That’s good to hear! You may want to run that tank entirely through if you haven’t already just to be on The safe side. 👍 ROCK ON Brandon! 👍

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Chipmunks filled my intake&carb with nuts. Really jammed things up and I wondered why the choke wouldn't work and it ran like crap. Keep 'em inside folks!

[@GarageGear]

That is the best way to go! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@cardo1111]

Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you 👍🏽

[@GarageGear]

Got that right! Thanks for checking out my channel! 👍

[@donwoodward7944]

GG - should you drain all the gas out and leave it, or put in fresh gas w/stabilizer and run for 2 mins prior to storage? This seems to be a point of contention amongst some people.

[@GarageGear]

The first two minutes of this video explain my procedures. My machine is going on nine years old with no issues whatsoever. It’s a safe way to go! Thanks for watching Nudman!

[@carvrich]

Man great video..new sub.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks a lot carvrich! Plenty more content coming your way stay tuned! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@giuseppecasara1143]

Instead fogging the cilinder i just add every 4 months a glass of fresh gasoline, run the snowblower 10 minutes until the engine dies and then drain the carburator, so I keep the cylinder and piston oiled and there I think there's no need to add stabilizer i. What is your opinion ?? Or better anyway to add stabilizer too (few drops) for the fuel sistem??

[@GarageGear]

Hey Giuseppe! I think that’s an excellent idea to add a little fresh gas every couple of months to keep the cylinder oiled! I like that batter than adding stabilizer! Thanks for watching

[@clairgardner5146]

Would it be better to put the oil back in after you service the under side ?

[@GarageGear]

You could do that. Either way is fine. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@clairgardner5146]

Thank you for replying , your videos are a big help !

[@GarageGear]

@@clairgardner5146 no problem Clair! Have fun!!! 👍

[@jonathanscott4776]

I noticed you had a grease gun laying on the ground but didn’t use it. There is a fitting for the axle you can grease before putting the wheel back on. You also didn’t mention greasing the auger fittings or maybe removing the shear pins and spinning the auger to make sure it doesn’t rust to the shaft. Just my two cents!

[@GarageGear]

Both good tips I forgot to add. Thanks for sharing!

[@hbap433]

how about a video on adding LED lights to your snowblower?

[@GarageGear]

Love this idea! Thanks for sharing hbap!

[@Tundra_Guy]

My Arien's friction bar is rusted shut. How do you suggest getting it to move again?

[@GarageGear]

Are you able to remove it? If a part is far past gone I usually just replace them. Not worth the work/time in my mind trying to get them back in working order. Thanks for watching

[@icculus]

If a new snowblower was purchased during the winter and never used, or maybe only once or twice, is this type of maintenance still necessary, or should the machine be pretty good for summer as is? I’m still planning to empty the fuel tank, but the oil, grease, everything else is still new and barely used.

[@GarageGear]

This is a great question. I would definitely change the oil out as the engine was broken in and will most likely be black even after short use. I would also grease everything in preparation for next season. The machine can only benefit from the protection it will provide! Rust won’t stand a chance during the summer. Thanks for watching icculus!

[@tombeckett4340]

I have a Steel gas tank on my blower so it’s necessary to leave it full of gas so it doesn’t rust .

[@GarageGear]

How old is your snowblower?

[@tombeckett4340]

@@GarageGear it’s a snow tec it’s 2015 made by the same company yours is . I got it from Home Depot.

[@tombeckett4340]

@@GarageGear I also use Pam cooking oil to spray the blower. It really throws snow after that even the heavy crap the Hi way Plowing dumps into my driveway. That happens a couple times a day. My drive is 200 ft long and I’m right on Lake Heron and we get tons of snow. Cheers thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@GarageGear]

@@tombeckett4340 got it! My tank is steel as well but I don’t have any issues with rust. Not even a sign of it. Even checked inside with a flashlight too and nothing to be found. Mine is from 2013. But hey if it’s working for you then stick with it. 👍

[@tombeckett4340]

@@GarageGear Yes it’s necessary and I do the same with my motorcycle. It’s even recommended by Suzuki to always store your bike with a full tank. Thanks.🇨🇦👍

[@dougholdem2898]

You don't pump grease into the two fittings on the auger?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Doug I made a separate video on that! Check it out here. BEFORE YOU GREASE YOUR SNOWBLOWER AUGERS, WATCH THIS! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6GqnmyImdBlmKM thanks for watching!

[@dougholdem2898]

@@GarageGear Watched...thank you! I did have the issue where auger moved and it was tough getting holes lined up. Will spin and use power drill next time.

[@dougholdem2898]

@@GarageGear and by the way, watching you videos is so much easier to follow with more useful information than an owners manual. Thanks again, Doug

[@GarageGear]

@@dougholdem2898 awesome my friend! Sounds like plan! I appreciate the positive feedback! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@scundoorsup5342]

Just add fuel additive and leave gasoline in engine . Seals will dry out and you will have leaks eventuality. I don’t run it dry . NEver had issues for ten years

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for the tip! Thanks for watching!

[@sjeunson1]

Hey JB. Great video. Much appreciated. I have a Ariens compact 22 blower and was always told to store with the wheels lifted off the ground. So I put some wood underneath and lift it. What’s your feeling on this?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Sean, thank you! I have heard this before but have never actually done it. My guess as to why they say this is so you don’t get flat spots in the tires. I store mine for 6 months or so every year the same way and have never had an issue with flat spots in the tires. I can see this with a car because there are thousands of pounds pressing down on the tires if it sits in one spot for a long time. There’s really about roughly 100 pounds pressing down on the tires on that section of the snowblower. Never noticed any flats spots on my tires before. Is there another reason perhaps? Wheel bearings?

[@M70ACARRY]

The unit is 7 years old, but looks like this was the first time it's been summerized. Takes a few years before the gear box to look like that.

[@GarageGear]

Hey mark, I think I mentioned I’ve never checked into the gear box on this one. The other procedures are standard for me. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@chadnavarro5507]

if you do this and then don't use it the next year, do you just leave it or do you summarize it again? bc i didn't use my snowblower last year and was wondering if i need to do anything tia

[@GarageGear]

If you didn’t use it you should be fine! I would just let it be! Probably not a bad idea to pull the rope slowly once or twice and put back again at top dead center. Just to keep things lubricated in that engine! 👍

[@chadnavarro5507]

@@GarageGear thanks really appreciate it

[@sonicboomin]

you never mentioned gearbox oil on the augers, should we add oil?

[@GarageGear]

Honestly from what I’ve seen those are pretty well sealed. If you see oil leaking out then definitely give it a look! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@boyscoutmatt]

Guess what those two flats on the oil drain pipe are for.

[@GarageGear]

I just did a video on this exact issue! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKHdZqeqjN1nfaM! Thanks for watching boyscout!

[@MrBergste]

Sorry this is probably a stupid question, I'm not in the least bit mechanically savvy. If you change the oil at the beginning of the summer, is it safe to assume that this oil is good for the next snowfall, or does it need to be changed again at the beginning of the winter? Thanks in advance.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Steven great question! I used to change the oil at the end of the season and again at the beginning of the season and found no change in the oil. I was literally throwing away good oil. Just change it at the end of the season (now) to get all the dirty oil out, put fresh oil in and you’re good to go. No need to change it again in the fall. Thanks for watching!

[@OlivierCaron]

Since engine oil will not absorb water in the air (unlike ethanol in gasoline) and should really not breakdown doing nothing (within reason, and one year is definitely well within reason!), it's perfectly fine.

[@MrBergste]

@@OlivierCaron thanks. I appreciate it.

[@jonirwin7316]

Put fuel stabilizer in the tank before running it dry.

[@GarageGear]

thanks for watching

[@johnmellyn2700]

Don’t forget to hit all your grease fittings !

[@GarageGear]

Yep good tip! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@KyleWhiteandfriends]

My blower is gonna last forever now

[@GarageGear]

Sure will! Thanks for watching another Kyle!