Snowblowers are a boon for people who live in cold climates which are prone to heavy snowfall.
But did you know that it’s important to siphon gas from a snowblower before storing it in the garden shed? Though a simple and easy-to-do task, not everyone may know how to go about it.
So, if you’re wondering, “how to siphon gas from snowblower?” then you’re at the right place. Let’s dive in, then!
Things You’ll Need To Siphon Gas From Snowblower
Before starting with the gas siphoning process, I suggest you get all equipment so that you won’t have to run to the toolshed every now and then. Here I have mentioned everything you’ll need to siphon gas from a snowblower.
- Siphon pump
- Catch pan for collecting the draining gas
- A spark plug spanner
- Safety glasses for eye protection
- Earplugs
- Sturdy boots with excellent grip
- Clean and dry cloth
Why Is It Important To Drain Gas From Snowblower?
Much like other power tools, you should not store snowblowers in the toolshed with fuel in them. That’s because gasoline that is available in gas stations contains about 10% ethanol which can mix with water.
This means water vapor can accumulate in the fuel tank when the fuel level falls, resulting in corrosion and rust.
Furthermore, gas comes with a shelf life of about three to six months, only if stored properly. Hence, it starts to thicken and deteriorate after a period of two weeks, which is why it’s important to empty the fuel tank of the snowblower before storing it.
How To Siphon Gas From Snowblower
Step 1: Unplug Or Turn Off The Device
First things first, never siphon gas when the machine is running because it may lead to dangerous accidents. Hence, make sure you turn off the system and let the device cool before siphoning gas from it.
Also, choose a safe spot to drain gas from your device as gas is highly flammable and may cause damage to your property if exposed to chemicals.
Step 2: Add A Fuel Stabilizer To The Fuel Tank
Lay the device on a flat surface and remove the cap from the gasoline tank to access the fuel filter. Now grab a fuel stabilizer and pour it into the fuel tank according to the instructions mentioned in the manual.
Keep in mind that the quantity of stabilizer depends on the amount of fuel already present in the tank.
Step 3: Grab A Siphon Pump To Drain Out The Gas
Moving on, it’s time to siphon gas from the snowblower, so grab a siphon pump and read the instruction manual properly to know the right way to use it. Insert it into the gasoline tank and draw the gas into a storage container.
Ideally, this step is recommended for gasoline fuel that is two weeks old, but you can do this if you want to empty the tank before storing the device. Next, rotate the tube around to extract as much liquid as you can from the tank.
After that, start the snowblower and let it run for a few minutes to burn the fuel and dry up the tank completely.
Step 4: Empty The Carburetor Bowl
Unfasten the fuel drain of the carburetor bowl to allow the remaining fuel to flow out of it into the storage container. After the fuel is emptied from the carburetor bowl, seal it properly.
Step 5: Burn Off The Residual Gas
No matter how well you pump out the gas, a bit of fuel always remains in the snowblower. So, before storing the device in the shed, you need to burn the remaining gas by running the engine one final time.
Place the cap of the fuel tank back, turn on the engine, and let it run to burn the fuel. You won’t have to turn it off as it will shut off on its own when the gas is burned completely.
Summing It Up
Without a doubt, snowblowers make it easy for people to survive the winters, thanks to their efficiency and functionality. From wet to icy, they are capable enough to cut through almost every type of snow, making it a must-have for all those who reside in areas experiencing heavy snowfall.
With that, it’s time to call it a day. But before I wrap my guide, here’s a last piece of advice - make sure you put on safety glasses and protective equipment to keep yourself safe from accidents.
Till next time!