How To Drain Gas From Snowblower

It doesn't always snow here in Tyler, Texas. But when it does, the snowblower comes to my rescue in keeping my lawn free from thick layers of snow.

This is why I always keep this power tool in my shed, along with my other lawn care equipment. Now, those who know me will be well aware of how much I love keeping my garden well-maintained, even during the cold winter months.

For this, I also make it a point to take proper care of my tools and equipment (with a little help from my husband, of course). But last year, my husband was away on a business trip, and it was time for the off-season storage of my snowblower.

Ideally, he'd be the one to drain the gas from its tank at the end of every winter. So, to be honest, I was in a dilemma, not knowing what to do. I ended up browsing the net for hours until I finally managed to do it with a little help from my neighbor.

Hi! I'm Stacy Smith. And today, I'm here to help you learn how to drain gas from a snowblower. For this, I've gone ahead and provided a step-by-step guide on the topic. And if you're looking for suggestions for best oil, check this guide right here!

Without further ado, let's begin!

Guide To Drain Gas From A Snowblower

Before diving into my step-by-step guide, it makes sense to understand the importance of draining gas from a snowblower. For this, you'll have to know about the chemical reaction that takes place inside the fuel tank.

The gas-filled in the tank consists of 10% ethanol, which is hygroscopic in nature. In other words, it absorbs water pretty easily. So, when it comes in contact with oxygen, it oxidizes, leaving behind a corrosive substance. Now, this concentrated residue may clog the carburetor of the snowblower or lead to the rusting of the entire system.

Hence, it is essential to drain the tank before storing the snowblower away for the summer. This ensures its longevity and enables it to run smoothly, even when you use it after a significantly long period.

Now that you've gained the required insight about the importance of it, let's move on to the steps involved in draining the gas. I've tried to explain the process in the most easy-to-understand manner for your convenience. So, without wasting any more time, let's get going!

Step 1 - Turn Off The Snowblower

Turn off and allow the snowblower to cool before you begin with the drainage process. This will ensure your safety and reduce the risk of damage. I'll also suggest that you choose a safe place for draining the gas as it is highly flammable. You obviously wouldn't want to cause damage to or ruin the look of your beautiful lawn, right?

Step 2 - Refer To The Instruction Manual

It's advisable to go through the instruction manual before siphoning the fuel. Why? You'll know if there are any specific requirements for maintaining the particular model. Other than this, the manual provides a few instructions and precautions that need to be followed during the drainage process.

Step 3 - Setting Up The Siphon Pump

Next up, you'll need to set up the siphon pump (a hand pump that includes two tubes). For this, place one of its tubes into the fuel tank of the snowblower, while the other one goes into a storage container. Also, try using a tall container to avoid oil spills.

Step 4 - Siphoning To Drain Gas From Tank

Start pumping out gas from the tank once the set up is complete. The working mechanism of the siphon is quite simple, to be honest. Using air pressure, the tube placed in the tank draws out the fuel, which is then collected in the storage container.

Continue pumping till all the gas is drained from the tank. You may also move around the tube towards the end, making sure you remove as much fuel as possible.

Step 5 - Draining The Fuel From The Carburetor Bowl

Once all the gas is drained from the tank, allow the snowblower to run for a few minutes. This step is essential to make sure that the system is dry, and the residual fuel is burned completely. Now, let the system take a few minutes before stalling out.

You can then open the fuel drain of the carburetor bowl to allow the drainage of the residue into the storage container. However, don't forget to seal it as soon as the process is complete.

Step 6 - Burning The Residual Gas

After the drainage is over, start the engine of the snowblower yet again to burn out the remaining gas. It will automatically shut down when there will be no trace of fuel left. This won't take much time, provided you've siphoned all the gas from the tank.

Summing It Up

Snowblowers require extensive maintenance in order to keep them running smoothly for many years to come. And seeing the work they do, this is stating the obvious.

But that's not all! Most people require this power tool only during the cold winter months when it snows heavily. Otherwise, it's usually stored away in the shed for most of the year. For this reason, it is critical to drain gas from the snowblower right before its off-season storage.

The chemical reactions, which take place when you store gas inside its fuel tank for months, are quite hazardous. In fact, they cause potential damage to the snowblower, affecting its overall longevity. So, I'd recommend going through this guide to ensure the proper drainage of gas from its tank.

On that note, I'll take your leave. Till next time, take care!