Tips for the safest handling of gas in your snow blower

Handling gas for your snow blower might not be the most exciting part of winter prep, but it’s one of the most important. Keeping your fuel system in good shape can make all the difference in how well your snow blower performs. These simple tips will help you avoid common fuel problems and keep your snow blower running smoothly all season long.

The details in this article are intended as general advice and may not directly relate to your exact appliance model. Differences in model features and configurations could mean variations in troubleshooting methods, error messages, or required part replacements. For the best results, consult your appliance’s user manual for recommendations or contact us for assistance.

Use the right type of gas

Using the correct type of gas is one of the easiest ways to keep your snow blower running smoothly. The wrong fuel can cause starting problems, engine damage, or other performance issues.

Tips for choosing the right gas:

• Check the manual: Always refer to your snow blower’s manual for fuel recommendations. Most snow blowers are designed to run on fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Avoid high-ethanol gas: Ethanol can damage small engines by causing corrosion and clogging. Stick to ethanol-free gas or gas with no more than 10% ethanol content.
• Use fresh fuel: Old gas can degrade over time, losing its combustibility and potentially causing clogs in the carburetor or fuel lines. Always use fresh fuel for better performance.

Pro tip: If ethanol-free gas isn’t readily available, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to minimize potential damage from ethanol.

Read more: How to replace a snow blower auger belt

Add a fuel stabilizer

A fuel stabilizer is a simple and effective way to keep your gas fresh and prevent it from breaking down over time. It helps avoid the formation of varnish or deposits that can clog your snow blower’s carburetor or fuel system.

Why fuel stabilizer matters:

• Gasoline can start degrading in as little as 30 days. A stabilizer slows this process, keeping the fuel usable for longer.
• It protects your engine by preventing buildup that can damage internal components.

How to use a fuel stabilizer:

1. Read the instructions: Each stabilizer is slightly different, so follow the directions on the bottle for the proper mixing ratio.
2. Mix with fresh gas: Add the stabilizer to your gas can before filling it with fuel to ensure an even mix.
3. Fill your snow blower: Pour the stabilized gas into your snow blower’s tank.
4. Run the engine: Let the engine run for a few minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the system.

When to use it:

• Add a stabilizer anytime you fill your gas can, especially if the fuel might sit unused for a few weeks.
• Use it before storing your snow blower at the end of the season to prevent stale fuel from causing problems.

Pro tip: Stabilized fuel can last several months, but it’s still a good idea to drain or use up the gas at the start of the next season for peak performance.

Keep the gas tank clean

A clean gas tank is essential for your snow blower to run efficiently. Dirt, debris, or old fuel in the tank can cause clogs, reduce performance, and even damage the engine over time.

How to inspect and clean your gas tank:

1. Turn off the snow blower: Make sure the engine is off and the machine is cool before working on the fuel system.
2. Check the tank: Open the gas cap and use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the tank for debris, water, or old fuel.
3. Drain the tank if needed. Place a container underneath the tank to catch the fuel.
4. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and allow the gas to drain completely.
5. If your snow blower doesn’t have an accessible fuel line, use a siphon pump to remove the fuel.
6. Rinse the tank with fresh gasoline to remove debris or residue.
7. Swirl the fuel around and drain it again to ensure the tank is clear.
8. Reconnect the fuel line: Secure the fuel line back to the carburetor and ensure it’s properly clamped.

Tips for maintaining a clean tank:

• Avoid letting fuel sit in the tank for long periods, especially during the off-season.
• Always use a clean, approved gas can to fill the tank to prevent introducing dirt or debris.

Pro tip: If your tank frequently gets dirty or you notice recurring clogs, check the fuel cap vent and replace it if it’s damaged or clogged.

Read more: Snow blower won’t shift: A troubleshooting guide

Avoid stale gas

Stale gas is one of the most common culprits behind snow blower problems. When gas sits too long, it breaks down and forms deposits that can clog the fuel system, carburetor, or fuel lines. Using fresh fuel ensures your snow blower runs efficiently and avoids unnecessary headaches.

What happens with stale gas:

• It loses its combustibility, making the engine harder to start.
• It can leave behind sticky residues that clog the carburetor and fuel lines.
• It may cause your snow blower to run roughly or stall frequently.

How to avoid stale gas:

• Use fresh gas: Only buy as much gas as you’ll need for the snow season. Fresh fuel is less likely to cause issues.
• Run the engine dry at the end of the season. Turn off the fuel valve (if your snow blower has one).
• Start the engine and let it run until it shuts off, using up any remaining gas in the system.
• Use a siphon pump to empty the gas tank completely before storing your snow blower.
• Dispose of any old gas properly at a local hazardous waste facility.
• Add a fuel stabilizer: If you plan to leave gas in the tank for an extended period, mix in a fuel stabilizer to keep it fresh.

Pro tip: Label your gas can with the date you purchased the fuel. This helps you track how long the gas has been sitting and decide if it’s still usable.

Store gas safely

Properly storing gas for your snow blower is essential for safety and to ensure the fuel stays fresh and ready to use. Improper storage can lead to spills, contamination, or even dangerous situations.

How to store gas safely:

• Always store gas in an approved fuel container designed for gasoline.
• Avoid using makeshift containers, as they may leak or deteriorate over time.
• Store gas in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or open flames.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Write the purchase date on the container to track how long the fuel has been stored.
• Dispose of gas that’s been stored for more than three months unless a stabilizer was added.
• Make sure the gas container is securely closed to prevent leaks and minimize evaporation.
• Check the container for cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage. Replace it if needed to avoid spills.

How to dispose of old gas:

• If you have leftover or contaminated gas, never pour it down a drain or throw it in the trash.
• Take it to a local hazardous waste facility for safe disposal. Many communities offer free or low-cost options for getting rid of old fuel.

Pro tip: Keep only small amounts of gas on hand if you don’t use your snow blower frequently. This reduces the chance of having stale fuel or needing to dispose of excess.

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Additional information

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