HOW TO SUMMERIZE A SNOWBLOWER (Small Engine Mechanic Approved)

#garagegear #snowblower #maintenance
HOW TO SUMMERIZE A SNOWBLOWER (Small Engine Mechanic Approved). Its SPRING TIME and you might be wondering how you should STORE YOUR SNOWBLOWER for the SUMMER? Should you also DRAIN THE GAS or STABILIZE it? And Should you CHANGE THE OIL now or wait until the fall? In this video, I answer all of these questions and more so you can SAFELY tuck away your snowblower for the OFFSEASON. I also go over one tip that EVERYONE FORGETS ABOUT. LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!!!
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Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Gear, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Garage Gear assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Garage Gear recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Gear, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Garage Gear.
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[@GarageGear]

Here’s a link to the SNOWBLOWER COVER used in this video! Thank you for supporting the channel! 👍 👉 amzn.to/3AWTjWJ

[@MrMattDat]

One last thought on summerizing, when "under the dash" shot some lubricant/light oil into the top of each cable shield. A couple of squeezes to help move it down the cable and you're good. This is too easy and works great to keep those cables moving and in great shape!

[@GarageGear]

Good tip Matt! Thanks for sharing!

[@joebarzo9935]

So good to be reminded of these snow blower procedures JB. As much as I hear them...I am amazed how many tips and tricks I forget. Thankfully I have you ALWAYS there to remind me. Best wishes and many thanks always dear friend. BTW...use a Spoon!

[@GarageGear]

I wise person once told me, repetition is the key to learning! Put these procedures on repeat each year and you’ll do them without even thinking! Perhaps I could make an app to remind everyone.🤔 you got it my friend! Hope you’re doing well! Spoons are officially in the lead!

[@walleyeye]

Interesting. I’ve never heard of making sure of the TDC idea but one thing I noticed you didnt mention is running the machine and spraying fogging into the carb till it dies, pulling the plug and spraying fogging into the cylinder, pulling the piston over to coat the rings and cylinder to prevent rust.

[@GarageGear]

That’s another good thing to do! I like to keep it pretty straight forward for those newbies out there!

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

Great video, JB! As for "To drain or not to drain...", my snowblower sits in an uninsulated garage all summer with hot and humid air. My tools rust like crazy in the garage unless I keep them coated with some kind of fluid film. Way back in the day a really good local small engine mechanic told me if it has a plastic gas tank, drain it; if it has a metal gas tank, keep it full." He said metal tanks can rust or flake off inside because of the humid air so keep them full. I got my Ariens 24 Compact in 2011. I only use ethanol free gas and every summer I fill it with E0 and Stabil. I haven't had any issues with it starting since. (I heard TruFuel works also.) With that said, do you think climate makes a difference? I would rather drain all the fuel but I don't want to get rust in my fuel tank. Also, I once heard some gas will help keep gaskets wet so they don't dry out. Not sure if that matters or not. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks for all the tips! Most of these I never thought of so this video will be very helpful. 👍🏼

[@GarageGear]

Hey PM! In my experience the only gas tank I saw that rusted was completely covered in rust all over anyways. It sat outside through hot summers for many years. Ran like garbage too because it wasn’t cared for. You can always replace a gas tank if necessary. Also the only bowl gaskets I’ve seen dry rot were over twenty years old. Dried out from age not lack of gas. Rubber eventually wears out. If it were to dry rot they are easy to replace and o Lu cost about $2. 👍

[@Michael-Makes-Stuff]

@@GarageGear Wow… I’m glad I asked. I guess I will be draining it from now on. 😃 Thanks, JB - I love your channel! Lots of great, helpful videos.

[@GarageGear]

@@Michael-Makes-Stuff ROCK ON PM! Thanks for being a cool fan! 👍

[@sl7809]

Good video. After checking the spark plug, I loosely thread it in a couple of threads and remove it monthly to squirt in some fogging oil. I yank the pull cord several times to distribute the oil on the cylinder wall to prevent rusting. I also put antiseize on the oil drain cap to prevent rusting.

[@GarageGear]

Good tips my friend!

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

Whoever buys your second hand snowblower is lucky - but they will have to wait a long time with that level of maintenance!

[@delbert9357]

Just went out and started everything. Zero turn gas with Stabil since October started right up. Weedeater gas with Stabil since October started right up. Dumped the fuel out of weedeater and put in gas I mixed in June with no Stabil started right up ran great. Started my 1975 Simplicity riding mower that is retired and sits outside gas is a year old with no additives. Started right up. I must have good luck or good fuel or a ghost. Love you JB!! Keep grindin those gears my friend!!

[@GarageGear]

Awesome to hear Delbert! Glad those machines are running great! 👍

[@delbert9357]

One other thing you can do in the summer or winter. In the winter on a decent day go start your mower and let it run. Same with your snowblower in the summer go start it and let run. Same with your car you don't drive all the time start it and let it run. If that grinds your gears go watch JB. Great video my man we love you!!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Delbert! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@apexiumim2741]

Rustproof course is awesome, lots of tips/tricks etc. step 1… get cardboard!!! Only used my new snowblower 3 times this season…. what an absolute easy winter. I’ll follow the course again to a T as I run a trail to my chicken coup and sometimes a little dirt gets thrown. Gotta make sure all creeks n crevices are clean n clear. Definitely will empty gas, and I’ll leave the tank open and in the sun to evaporate any remaining gas left in the tank. Great vid JB!!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate the positive feedback apex! Thanks for sharing! You’re gonna have that snowblower for a long time! 👍

[@mattbannon7657]

Great video I don’t do the top dead center but I am going to now thanks for the tip… I do place blocks under my belly pan which lift my tires off of the ground maybe a 1/4 inch that takes the load off of my tires for the summer

[@GarageGear]

Good plan there Matt! Thanks for sharing!

[@YardworkWithJohn]

I'm so annoyed that we got essentially no snow up in Boston for the second Winter in a row! My machine is full of gas thats been sitting for a while now. Now I have to drain it out, such a pain! And its FULL because there was a big storm coming and the day before it just disappeared.

[@GarageGear]

If you can drain it into a tank and reuse it in your mower! Save some money that way! 👍👍

[@garryr]

It was a weird winter. I bought a new blower for this winter. Followed your new machine prep video and did a break in oil change. I don't think I used it enough to get to the 5 hour oil change. Will give it an after season oil change and drain the gas as per your videos. And I use a spoon.

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Garry! You’ll be all set! Thanks for watching! 👍 looks like spoons are in the lead!

[@scottyscave]

If you use ethanol free Tru-Fuel…you’re good to go no problems. I live in northern Canada, it’s all I use on a 5 year old snowblower and lawn tractor…no stabil ever. Starts every time, first pull…first crank. No brainer.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing scotty

[@tchevrier]

A mechanic friend of mine told me several years ago to use premium gasoline (ethanol free) in all my small engines tools. Snowblower, lawn tractor, chain saw, generator etc. The gas won't go bad and the engine runs a lot better. I've had a lot less problems since I started doing that.

[@Tinman386wisconsin]

I am lucky to get regular 87 octane regular gas and I either leave it completely alone or I'll shut the fuel off with the installed petcock and drain the carb bowl. The last few years I just park it with gas in it and it starts on the first or 2nd pull every year. But if you're using ethanol fuel, draining it is a great idea.

[@jayrichman6266]

Good morning! Big fan of yours! This year, for the first time ever, I am going to try what you like to do, which is to drain the fuel from my snowblowers. Here in northern Wisconsin, we've had very little snow, and I didn't even need to use my '21 Ariens Deluxe 28. I used my '73 Ariens 7/24 and a '22 Toro 518 ZE only. The fuel in these and my other blowers, which I occasionally use and keep just for the heck of it, have months old gas in their tanks. So, a question I have is, after I drain their fuel tanks, and I intend to put the old gas in my '11 Pilot, should I somehow spray some kind of rust inhibitor inside the steel tanks I have? The plastic tanks of course will not rust, but since I will be draining my newer Ariens and a couple others with steel tanks and keeping them dry for months, I don't know what to expect. If you have addressed this on one of your videos, I have not seen it. Thank you, and keep up the great and informative videos.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Jay! Appreciate your positive feedback! I I have never had a tank rust out inside when empty. The only tanks I’ve seen rust out had been sitting out side for many years and were covered with far more rust outside as well. They were neglected for along time. I like to leave the cap open a twist or two so it can air out and you’ll be fine. 👍

[@giuseppecasara1143]

Great explanations and great video as usual JB. I drain all the petrol out (as you you suggest) and forget the troubles....I've been following your professional advises for years with no troubles at all. Thank you so much once again from Giuseppe

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON Giuseppe! Thanks for being a cool fan bud!

[@jerryq1000]

Good info. I've been the guy that tops off the tank to prevent condensation. I use Marine Sta-Bil year round in every small engine I have.... This year, I'm draining the tank. Do you recommend fogging the cylinder as well - like I do with my outboard?

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Jerry! You could do that step as well! Not a bad idea! 👍👍

[@danstarcevich5531]

Thanks! I have used these videos a lot. But I have a problem not addressed. I have craftsman 24 inch snowblower. The shift cable handle has become detached. I am not sure how to align everything, reattach it and make sure the tension is properly adjusted. Can you help with that sometime? TIA

[@GarageGear]

Hey Dan I may be making a video on this maintenance procedure next fall👍

[@spartanj2957]

I use only classic gas. I once stored a blower w/o gas ,filled it up and had rust floating , after the first season. For yrs now I store the tank full ,in fall I drain it burn it in my car .one year I did everything else right but forgot to drain the gas it started and ran good. That's all

[@GarageGear]

@@spartanj2957 thanks for sharing spartan!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

Awesome stuff as always, JB. If people watching this vid only do ONE thing you shared, it should be to get that gas the hell OUT of the tank, lines, and carb. Today's gasoline (ethanol or non-ethanol) is crap. What I do after evacuating that gas is to run some engineered fuel though the carb to "wash away" the crappy pump gas. And then I will drain that as well. You can never be too careful about bad gas IMO. Keep on rocking my brother!!!

[@GarageGear]

PAUL! Appreciate you brother! I remember you saying something about this in the past! Good plan! Definitely want to clear the gas out! Save the headache! Thanks for being awesome my man! 👍

[@IrishOhionan]

My only nit is last spring, I completely drained my brand new Ariens snowblower gas using the carb method shown.When I went to fill it and run it, the carb leaked gas...badly. The shop said the gasket dried out because it sat all summer with no fuel to at least keep the gasket pliable.

[@LL-mt2nz]

Sometimes those crush gaskets wear out. I don’t think having the carb bowl full affects the seal

[@GarageGear]

Hey irish, on a new snowblower I have never seen something like this happen. Learn something new everyday I guess. Luckily those gaskets only cost like $2. Thanks for sharing

[@cwcole]

Thanks for the tips. I use non-ethanol gasoline and Star Tron in all our small engines. Anyone else use Start Tron and have an opinion? I added a fuel shut-off valve to the snow blower and use that as a drain point. I'm not aware of a fuel drain plug on our Cub Cadet 2X 528 SWE. I'll have to look for that and report back. "Garage Geezer" 😆😆

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha he’s got a shirt now saying that! I’ll see if I can get him in a video on the future!

[@barrygandersleeve3396]

So - any advice on how I can get a rust-stuck wheel off my axle? I didn't put anti-seize on it and hadn't removed it for a few years - tried Kroil, WD-40, vigorous tapping - can't get it to move....

[@GarageGear]

Have you tried the heat and dump ice water on it method?

[@revolution_9]

Thanks JB ! --- With this video, I have all the answers I was looking for, specially on how to drain the gas tank, and more, on my Ariens snowblower --- 👍✌

[@GarageGear]

@@revolution_9 you’re all set my friend! 👍

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

I have a shed, not a garage, so I also ride the blower on blocks under the wheels and front tub to prevent extra humidity (air flow)

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing barnett

[@douglaslippertindy]

There is a great comment about sharpening a knife, J.B. It goes like this: “If you are ever lost in the woods, pull out your knife and begin sharpening it. Soon, someone will show up to tell you that you are doing it wrong and you’ll be rescued.” Looks like end-of-season snowblower procedures are like that, too. Clearly, following your tips is the path of reason. As soon as I say “smoking is bad for you” someone will tell me about a guy who smoked a pack of Camels a day and lived to be 90, right? As you say, “you do you” to those who want to leave fuel in their tank for the summer. You are very diplomatic with your approach to these naysayers.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Douglas! I’m here trying to give some tried and true methods to care for equipment. I get A LOT of naysayers daily. Figured I’d punch back in an interesting way lol! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@DavidTheLawnDaddy]

JB I follow all your advise, and thank you so much for the tips. I actually add 1 additional step before I cover my unit. I tape a contractor bag to cover the bucket to protect it from attracting dust. After coating it with fluid film that area becomes a dust magnet.

[@GarageGear]

Great tip David! Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@Caleb_Olson]

Northern Wisconsin here - only had to use the Ariens ONE TIME this winter! Very little snow. Oil is still fresh from so little usage but it feels weird to not change it....

[@GarageGear]

This was a crazy winter for many. Very little snow! Never hurts to change it! You’ll be fresh for next season.

[@geniferteal4178]

"It's like a lawnmower for snow." How did I do? I think I summarized it well.😊

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON geni

[@markhamilton1847]

Only one time did I drain the gas in my snow thrower and the next winter I had to rebuild / replace the carb. I do use stabilizer and pure gas ( I fill the car first to get the bad gas out of the hose ) But I do change the oil grease plug etc regularly

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing mark

[@AlanPercy]

Here in Orchard Park, winterizing your snowblower in March is a sure invitation to an April SNOWSTORM! 😃

[@GarageGear]

True but it usually melts the next day due to temperature swings right lol! Go BILLS!

[@donnovicki9771]

Good tips JB. I didn't drain my fuel last winter ( used Stabil) and had a hard time starting this season the two times I used it. I'm going to drain the gas this year and see how it goes next season. If there is a snow blowing season ever again.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Don! Thanks for sharing! I’ll bet it starts up better if you drain it! 👍

[@ABarancic]

In any particulate order? What about changing the oil, then letting the engine run for a little with the new oil, then drain gas? Maybe the difference is negligible.

[@GarageGear]

Running it first gets the oil warm so it flows out better and faster! Makes the whole process go a bit quicker! Thanks for watching!

[@davidplatt8915]

Summerize? Wha? Timely tips for most to be sure. But...here at 7000 a.s.l. in the Heart Of The Rockies, I just double checked preps on my machine for the incoming storm with a possible 10 or more inches forecasted for my a.o. If it happens, I guess having to fire up the ol' Craftsman 28" for the second time this winter isn't bad. Let it snow! We'll throw 'er around! Thanks, JB.

[@GarageGear]

Some of us are itching for spring here David! Looks like you get to have a bit more fun! Happy snowblowing!

[@steveeab2364]

I eat my Mac and cheese with a fork! I have an EFI snowblower with non ethanol fuel in it. Thinking of putting fuel stabilizer in it and running for a minute. I'm Not quite sure yet though.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Steve! It’s all tied up now!

[@ronh9384]

I’ve had the same Ariens snowblower for 28 years. It still looks almost brand new. The only thing that needs touched up is the engine shroud. I think I’ll pull it off and touch up the paint on it before I winterize it and it will be looking new again. I think I’m also going to order a shovel kit for since they didn’t come with them back then. One think I have always done is use a fogging oil to coat the cylinder walls. Something I learned from my motorcycle days when doing long term storage. Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy the channel.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Ron! Thanks for sharing my friend! Thanks for being a cool fan too!

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

Definitely a spoon for Kraft Dinner as it is known in Canada... my results were exactly the same as yours with fuel stabilizer. I didn't bother summerizing my 2 stage blowers this week because they never came out of storage this winter...only used my single stage 2 cycle Toro (no oil change needed on 2 cycles) and my 2 cycle backpack blower which will be pressed right back into service for spring clean ups...it got a full maintenance service. Cheers! Happy Spring!

[@GarageGear]

What a weird winter we had. Thanks for sharing Kirk! Have a good weekend!

[@srtswpak47]

I didn't get to use my new Ariens Platinum 24 once this year in Fargo, but I did change the oil after letting it run a bit without a load it. I already winterized it by siphoning out the gas (for my lawn mower) and then letting it run until it stalled. I moved it back inside and turned the fuel line off and it started back up for about 5 seconds before puttering out. Just thought I'd share this additional step that might be of some value.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this with the community!

[@BobbyAnnala]

If you drain the gas there still will be some in tank then what should you do cause it will most likely go bad?

[@GarageGear]

@@BobbyAnnala yep! Drain it out

[@robertbour77]

Love your videos! What do you do about mice and other critters? I always seem to have them take house in my snowblower friction plate housing.

[@GarageGear]

Great question robert! I’ve seen people put scented drier sheets inside areas of their snowblowers and that kept the mice out. They didn’t like the smell. 👍 thanks for being a cool fan!

[@Salmomlox]

Garage Geezer 🤣Great tips, JB. I'm one that makes sure my gas is empty. Thank you for the reminder on changing the oil. 🥰

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha I got him a shirt with that on it lol! You’re welcome on the reminder! Thanks for being a cool Fan salmomlox

[@robertmailhos8159]

Hopefully they come with a fuel tank shut off valve on those snow blower

[@GarageGear]

This snowblower has a fuel shut off valve

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@GarageGear glad to hear that they have a fuel shut off valve on them I have those.on my craftsman ys lawn mower and the poulan XT mower they both had the Nikki carburetor 😡😡🤬

[@GarageGear]

@@robertmailhos8159 sounds like you had a fun time with them lol

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@GarageGear the craftsman ys lawn mower carburetor I replaced myself the poulan XT mower when I got it went to the shop to get it fixed up and running again .I finally got the nerve to put the new one on the craftsman ys lawn mower myself because we don't have a lawn mower repair shop anymore.😞😞 Those Nikki carburetor s can go jump

[@smallblock412]

You forgot to change the air in the tires 😂. I hate it when its time to pack up the snowblowers but love that it means the nice weather is coming 😁.

[@GarageGear]

💯agree Smallblock! I think I’ll put premium air in the tires next season lol 😂 thanks for watching as always!

[@michaelotoole1807]

i woul fear that moisture would get trapped under the snowblower shroud. but mabye it can breathe

[@GarageGear]

@@michaelotoole1807 nothing to fear. Been covering mine for years with no issues

[@SUPPORTYOURSELF]

I'm stoked to put my winter tools away for the season, especially after my 928 blew its guts out all over the driveway this winter, thank goodness it's over, LOL!

[@GarageGear]

Whoa! Major oil leak?

[@MrMattDat]

Another great video JB. Got to agree with you that draining out the gas is just too easy and a complete solution (#1 mistake people SEEM to make with stabilizer is just using too much). Got a question though. You drained out of a drain bolt. Isn't there still gas in the bowl? On that note, have you ever found a supplier of good quality bowl o-rings? Too many thin, bad ones out there.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Matt thanks bud! If you drain it from the drain bolt like it did there will be less than dime sized amount of gas I left behind. Which won’t affect anything. If you want to get every drop out use the bowl bolt. I was just showing this for those newbies out there.

[@neverclevernorwitty7821]

what about storing a snowblower that you never even used? 😂 what a crazy "winter" in the midwest this year!

[@GarageGear]

Was it turned on and had gas in it at all?

[@jimeckenrode1271]

Excellent advice

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Jim!

[@electroddxful]

Great video JB. I also always drain the tank and never ever had a problem. 🙏👍🙏👍🙏👍

[@GarageGear]

Can’t go wrong that way Ray! Thanks as always for being a cool fan!

[@noonradbirdbrained3593]

You should’ve put a disclaimer that said if you live in Buffalo don’t do this until June

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha next go around lol! 👍

[@cardo1111]

As always a well-done and informative vid. However I'm from the camp that uses Star-Tron or Marine Sta-Bil with knock on wood...excellent results. Some manufacturers like Honda have recommended for years to keep the fuel tank full to prevent moisture from getting into the tank and protect seals, possibly as an added bonus will also prevent corrosion from developing in these China-built metal snowblower fuel tanks. I fill it up fully with the treated gasoline, start it for a minute then close the fuel shut-off once the engine cuts off she's ready for hibernation. If the engine wasn't equipped with the fuel shut-off valve, I would probably use the empty fuel tank method to prevent potential carb issues.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing this cardo good info here!

[@EuropaSteve]

Thanks for the videos, Should I do anything different for a EFI engine? I do pull the battery and use my hyperion battery charger to condition the battery for storage.

[@GarageGear]

Hey Steve! I don’t tinker to with Efi engines but I would recommend getting the gas out. Bad gas down the road won’t let the engine run right. 👍thanks for being a cool fan!

[@stevepelino5986]

Great video JB. I agree with you BIG TIME on running the gas out and draining the carb. Thank you for sharing. !!

[@GarageGear]

Yep get it all out! Thanks for watching Steve! 👍

[@hifromspace]

What do you usually do with old oil? Where do you bring it? It is not allowed in the regular garbage.

[@GarageGear]

I usually take it to autozone or any auto parts store. If they sell oil they have to take used oil back. Think that’s the rule at least by me. Simple returns. No issues! 👍

[@whywoulditellyou00]

I use transmission fluid to coat and shine. I put it in a squirt bottle. Great for all equipment. Last for years.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing my friend

[@josephlahood4647]

I installed a fuel shutoff on my Ariens with Tecumseh Snow King. I typically treat all stored fuel with a stabil and Mystery oil as soon as I get it. I shut off fuel valve and run the carb dry. By Halloween I turn valve and start machine. Then test everything shut valve again and run it dry until first snow prediction. Did plug and oil last week. I used car wax on everything but WD40 probably seeps better. But I think this year I may disconnect fuel line from bottem of tank and drain. Maybe I've just been lucky for 30 years.

[@steveeab2364]

I'm interested in the mystery oil treatment. How much do you add and what's the benefit?

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Joseph! Good info here!

[@josephlahood4647]

MysterOil remives contsminents in fuel by attaching chemicaly to them. It kubricates tip end engine compnents. It keeos carburetors and fuel injectors clean. It akso has fuel stabilizing benefits but i add Stabilizer as well. ​The ratio is 2 ounces per gallon of gas. I add it in immediately into stored fuel along with stabilizer at 1 to ounces per 5 gallons depending on which Stsbilize you use @@steveeab2364

[@BreakingGravityPT]

Aaaaaaaand 6 inches of snow over the last 3 days. We

[@GarageGear]

Crazy right? Thanks for watching another PT!

[@WillsSmallEngines]

I am also 50/50 in the stabilizer thing which is what used this year so i guess well see what happens this fall lol. but all joking aside i do mix it in with my fuel regularly.

[@GarageGear]

Good plan Will thanks for sharing!

[@tomconnors6310]

Great reminder video JB. We have no snow left here in Ottawa Ontario Canada soon time to put it away for the summer.

[@GarageGear]

Summer is on its way Tom! Have a good weekend!

[@edrodrigues5623]

I sprayed mine with wd40 after the last and only snow we got ..all 5" 🙄Still need to give it a good wipe and go through it better when it's put away, when I know were not going to get more snow. You never know around here. I've already had a neighbor bring me a lawnmower and it's ready to go. Good video JB 👍

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Ed! Lawnmower to fix or sell?

[@edrodrigues5623]

Just a fix, but I'll take it. I cut his lawn anyway so why does he need it?@@GarageGear

[@GarageGear]

@@edrodrigues5623 there ya go!👍

[@The_Mace]

Wait, wait, wait... Eat mac 'n cheese with a spoon? How could you even suggest that, JB?! YOU MONSTER! 😝🤣

[@GarageGear]

There’s a lot of weirdos out there and this is how we find them lol! 🤣😂 have a good weekend bud!

[@DavidDuncan123]

Are those armor skids? Thanks

[@GarageGear]

Sure are! 👍ordered them on their website!

[@blkleblanc]

When do you recommend oil filter and spark plug replacement?

[@GarageGear]

Hey blk! There are no oil filters on snowblowers and her is a video on how to easily clean spark plugs. No replacement necessary BEFORE YOU BUY ANOTHER SPARK PLUG FOR YOUR SNOWBLOWER, WATCH THIS! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnicfIONrdenr5I

[@WillsSmallEngines]

Great video I watch all of them!! I just summarized my machine with a similar procedure.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome Will! Thanks for being a cool fan!

[@blkleblanc]

I typically sphion the gas, thanks for showing me where to drain it from the carb.

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend!

[@johnb7490]

Great video. Do you recommend unhooking the spark plug wire?

[@GarageGear]

Hey John! Never heard a mechanic say that or a manual state it so I would leave it connected. 👍 good question

[@EddyP313]

Thanks I will be doing this

[@GarageGear]

You got it Edward! 👍

[@EddyP313]

@@GarageGear yes thanks for your videos I did this yesterday put in fuel stabilizer and ran it out of gas

[@GarageGear]

@@EddyP313 ROCK ON bud!

[@BigDaddysGarage]

I had the same exact experience with fuel stabilizer as you, in my riding mower.t It just didn't run right in the spring.

[@GarageGear]

Glad to know I’m not alone in this world flint!

[@tommclaughlin1041]

If all the gas is drained out, do you worry about the seals drying up?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Tom! No worries! There’s only a bowl seal and the only ones I’ve seen dry up were over 20 years old. Eventually rubber dries out due to age. Not because of fuel.

[@appleztooranges]

**I summarized my Honda snowblower in January. One storm and done! I got Non ethanol gas 1.5 hrs away from me so emptied my gas at end and mixed it with star tron together at pump. Good to go! Way better than ethanol gas

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing bud

[@appleztooranges]

@@GarageGear snowblower seems to run a lot better now that I went from premium plus gas to non ethanol 91 octane + star tron.

[@GarageGear]

@@appleztoorangesI noticed better start ups when I switched a while back too!

[@appleztooranges]

@@GarageGear I’ll see on my mower too. Prob will only go there 1x a year since it’s far

[@appleztooranges]

@@GarageGear do you notice the new Hondas don’t start first pull? Or is it me?

[@shedder1104]

With my Ariens 24 deluxe i ran it til it stalled and drained the bowl and still have quarter inch of gas still in the tank, with no way to get it out.

[@GarageGear]

You might be alright but you could syphon it out with a turkey baster.

[@paklaselt2198]

Same. Also if I tip the machine back on the wheels, more fuel keeps draining out of that carb!

[@ronhoover5516]

Great job JB! You're who I want to be when I grow up! LOL! Seriously, your care and attention to your equipment is second to none and it's something for me to aspire to, personally. Thank you!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Ron! You ROCK! A lot of work goes into these videos. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@PainterD54]

If your tank is metal, fill it full (add 2 oz. of Seafoam per gallon) and shut of the gas. A full tank of gas will keep your tank from rusting inside and the Seafoam will make sure it starts next winter. I stay away from Stabil because I've had it turn into a powdery substance when I let it sit over a year. I use Seafoam now and never have problems anymore.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@gjordan8800]

JB you are the best! Thank you

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you gjordan!

[@exrezcnm]

Why do you not grease all of the fittings before you put it away for the summer?

[@GarageGear]

You could do that I mention this later in the video

[@swampyankee72]

I didn't know about top dead center, thanks JB for teaching a old dog a new trick!

[@GarageGear]

You got it Yankee! Thanks for watching as always!

[@hifromspace]

That's just what I needed. Thanks.

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@mrRoverkane]

Fork for Mac! Anyone saying otherwise is wrong!

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha forks are in the lead!

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Ken!

[@jimhansen1245]

Wd40 mess up the paint?

[@GarageGear]

Not at all! Been using it for decades!

[@sylvanos44]

I do my maintenance in spring, do everything , I drain oil but wait next winter to put fresh oil in it, I put a masking paint tape on the fill neck as a reminder

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@barrygandersleeve3396]

I don't think my 22 year old Ariens had a gas drain that you demonstrated.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing barry

[@dylancollins7254]

I put enthen free gas I have no problem with it

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Dylan! 👍

[@johnbelliveau4704]

Hey JB, another great one. The tip about TDC was helpful. Truth be known it never dawned on me-duh! Garage Gal, now Geezer, what about the kids Garage?? LOL. Be well my friend.

[@GarageGear]

Now ya know my friend! Your snowblower will thank you! No kids allowed in this garage lol! I got knicknames for everyone! You’re “Garage John”! Have an awesome weekend bud!

[@johnbelliveau4704]

Lovin' the new me !!@@GarageGear

[@LGB120]

I start mine up once a month for 5 minutes

[@GarageGear]

Good plan!

[@dankomartek2145]

I run mine dry than I refill with Tru Fuel and store with True Fuel over the summer. I do the same with my lawn mower weed Wacker n blower over the winter

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing danko

[@jimbo4551]

I use TrueFuel the last two times of using the blower and I sparingly fill the tank so there’s always very little to no fuel left. My 10 year old Areins always starts first pull. Just another strategy

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing the strategy!

[@zman5727]

Might be a little early to put the blower away JB.

[@GarageGear]

There is no snow in our forecast. I know they got hit in the west. Do you have snow where you live?

[@delbert9357]

I must be nuts, I don't do any of that. I only use 91 octane no ethanol on everything I own including my vehicles. At the end of the year I run it with Stabil and let it sit. I have a Stihl chainsaw from the late 70's my Dad had. It runs once a summer it's a 028 Wood Boss. Fuel sits in it for a year in the basement with no Stabil. Summer comes I dump the fuel add new and boom. Been doing this for as long as I can remember and never had to rebuild a carb. The outside stuff I run it with the fuel that was left in it from the other season. But if it grinds your gears do as you wish.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing Delbert

[@dbmimo]

Thanks JB! I have a Toro 721 and I was told to leave 50:1 gas in the metal tank over the summer to next season so the tank doesn’t rust. Based on your video that was bad advice, correct?

[@GarageGear]

Hey db! Is your engine a two cycle?

[@dbmimo]

No, it’s not.

[@j777]

Oh no, not 10mm 😂

[@GarageGear]

Did you lose yours?

[@j777]

@@GarageGear Luckily I still had it, thanks for the clear instructions!

[@GarageGear]

@@j777 you got it my friend!

[@davehenderson6896]

You can do all that or get an electric snow blower.

[@GarageGear]

Battery snowblowers aren’t maintenance free though. Check out this video ARE BATTERY POWERED SNOWBLOWERS MAINTENANCE-FREE? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJPFlIh4n65roNk

[@michaelmiller6843]

Suppose I run mine on TruFuel, do I still have to drain it?

[@GarageGear]

Hey Michael! Trufuel is great stuff but I still don’t trust anything in my engine for an extended period of time. Thanks for watching

[@michaelmiller6843]

@@GarageGear Got it. Thank you!

[@JussieSmollettsSandwich]

Fork

[@GarageGear]

?

[@JussieSmollettsSandwich]

@@GarageGear 3:15 mark on your video. ;)

[@GarageGear]

@@JussieSmollettsSandwich oh my bad thought this comment was on another video! lol! Thanks for sharing Jussie! Enjoy your day👍

[@mrpickle23]

NEVER remove gas from the tank.. never.. bad bad idea... you just use STABIL and keep it full over winter

[@weaverryanj]

Units ship gas empty, right? Any details on why you’ve found it to be a bad idea?

[@SmallEngineNut]

Fuel addicitces dont work. Taryl already proved that.

[@LL-mt2nz]

Toro recommends a dry tank. I also drain the carb bowl. And it starts on the first pull every winter.

[@Mrfrenchdeux]

I have emptied all mower, blower, motorcycle, outboard, other small engines for off-season. NEVER had a carburetor or fuel issue.

[@GarageGear]

Manuals and mechanics recommend draining the tank.

[@Subie-Driver]

Just purchased a new cub cadet 420 cc 28”. Already lubricated the auger as per your video, still have to run it for half an hour to break in the engine. Also will rust proof as per your videos. It replaces an 18 year old craftsman that was super reliable…never drained the tank…ever. 🫢 and always started no problem. Did change the oil regularly though.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome subie! You’re gonna be all good to go for next season! That’s a pretty powerful snowblower you got there!

[@zerokewl951]

Hey pal, what you think of putting a ceramic coating on my Ariens like they do with cars? Should be ok right? Cheers and merry Christmas

[@GarageGear]

I coat everything with fluid film or some other protective sprays during the season or after

[@liljoeii6091]

Awesome video thank you for the video

[@GarageGear]

@@liljoeii6091 thanks for watching Joe! Enjoy your weekend!

[@smittyone66]

thanks JB great video

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you smitty! Have a good weekend bud!

[@gil3green]

good stuff thanks!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Gil!

[@jaybooth4815]

Great reminders and tips JB. I always learn something watching your videos too. I too am a firm believer of keeping that gas tank empty. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks! Have a great rest of your week my friend! Cheers.

[@GarageGear]

I always seem to learn something from posting these videos and then reading the comments! Thanks my friend! What’s the plan this weekend?

[@jaybooth4815]

⁠Birthday party for my middle Grandson on Saturday. How about you?

[@GarageGear]

@@jaybooth4815 maple syrup weekend at a few local farms! Should be stocking up! Enjoy the weekend bud!