As a retired school teacher, life for me has slowed down a lot.
After returning from church, I usually spend time taking care of the yard and trying to keep it spick and span. Last winter my elder son came down with his family for Christmas and spotted my snowblower in the shed. He raised an important question.
"Mum, don't you use that?" I mean, what could I say since I didn't know how to change the oil. He got it out and started showing me while I noted down the steps because you often forget when you reach my age. After he explained it to me, I realized that it's not as difficult as I thought it would be.
And that's when it struck me – "There might be more people like me who live alone, or their sons have moved off who wouldn't know how to change oil in a snowblower." So, I decided to list down these steps and give something back to the community.
Hi, I'm Stacy Smith, and today I am going to tell you all how to change oil in a snowblower that'll work in case of both home and commercial snowblowers.
So, buckle in, and let's get cracking.
How Often Should You Change the Oil?
Before I get down to business, you may wonder how often you need to change the oil. For the best results, you should perform the procedure when you are going to use it for the last time that winter before it goes back in the shed.
My son told me that one should do this to keep the oil fresh and prevent it from turning to sludge, which could be problematic when I want to use the snowblower again. You must not use the same oil for two straight years as the cold may affect the oil, reducing its capacity.
Steps to Follow
By following these six simple steps, you'll be able to quickly change your oil and get down to cleaning your yard.
Step 1
First, you'll have to let the engine run till you use up all the oil, and your machine comes to a stop. It is an essential step when you want to store your snowblower during the off-season. I must also add that you must let it run for a couple of minutes to warm up the oil before using it again.
Moving on, once the tank is empty, stop the engine and pull out the rubber boot situated in the spark plug by gently pulling it. It will help keep you safe if you accidentally start the snowblower.
Step 2
The next step is to find the oil drain plug. For those who don't know, the cap has a hex head nut and is usually present on one side of the recoil starter housing, which is large and round.
Step 3
Keep a used oil container with you and place it under the drain plug. You must ensure that the container is approved to collect used oil, and you can do so by asking at the store or checking the label.
Step 4
The next thing you need is two open-end wrenches. You will have to use one to hold down the tube terminating the drain plug, which will help keep the tube in place. Meanwhile, you can use the other wrench to turn the oil drain plug.
Step 5
Then, go ahead and remove the drain plug, thereby allowing the oil to collect in the container. Once it starts flowing, you'll have to remove the dipstick in the oil fill tube to allow some back-air pressure to improve oil flow from the blower.
Step 6
After all the oil has drained out, you can replace it and tighten the drain plug using the wrench. Then fill the engine of your snowblower with fresh oil depending upon the capacity of the model.
The range may vary, and it is necessary not to overload the engine. So, have a clear idea about the amount of oil it needs and if you can use oil that's blended with a detergent. Using non-detergent oils may affect the lifespan of the engine.
How to Dispose of Oil?
Before ending, I must tell you that you can't leave the used oil lying about. You must take it to a recycling center or an auto shop where they will be more than happy to take it off your hands. You can also use public recycling vats, which have clear markings on them.
Furthermore, when you're changing the oil, remember not to pour it on the ground or dump it into the regular trash. The Lord has given us this world, and everyone has to be kind to all things. So, don't pollute and don't contaminate groundwater, instead choose to be responsible.
Summing It Up
A snowblower is a useful tool for keeping your driveway, sidewalk, or the road in front of your house clean.
While it may look like a complicated task, I hope that my detailed guide has shown you how simple it is to change the oil. You can't always ask other people for help, so it's best to learn how to do this stuff yourself.
Remember to keep all the necessary equipment ready before you go about changing the oil. Make sure you change the oil on the day you use the snowblower last to prevent it from turning to sludge. And always remember the basics.
The container must be approved for the best results and remove the dipstick for better oil flow. All said and done, be a responsible human being and dispose of the used oil in the right manner.
It's time for me to say goodbye, but I'll be back soon. Till then, take care and stay safe!