Snowblowers are nifty machines that come as a blessing during winters to get rid of snow and clear paths.
I have always found snowblowers quite fascinating as even though they look complicated, using one isn't that hard. However, a common complaint is to do with oil leaks, which can turn nasty very quickly.
That's why I am here today to answer the question, "why does snowblower leak oil when tilted." So, let's check it out!
Before you start fiddling with your snowblower, make sure to read the user manual. The reading materials usually contain all the required troubleshooting information, including those related to handling oil leaks. They also come in handy during assembling the snowblowers, as one of the common reasons for oil leaks is improper placement of parts.
If it's a new machine that's still under warranty, don’t wait and take it to a certified service center. Also, I feel that oil leaks on tilting your snowblower might be common a couple of times during the initial days as you're still learning to deal with the oil changes. Now, let's look at the typical reasons for such leaks.
1. Leaking Drain Tube
A common complaint I see among new snowblower users is the inability to figure out the place from which their machine is leaking. Often they are too scared about blowing up their new appliance, but don't worry; it can be as minor as a leaking drain tube.
You simply need to check the drain tube for any oil leaks near the place where the plug goes in. It may leak quite a bit when you're using the machine due to the improper seal.
To fix this problem, you can apply some thread sealant to the area of the leak in the mouth of the drain tube. I also like to apply some sealant to the place where the tube meets the engine crankcase as it helps me to be extra sure.
2. Leaking In The Oil Fill Tube
I know that changing the oil of your snowblower can be pretty confusing at first. Most people have a hard time figuring out the right oil level and the proper way to read a dipstick.
That's why I recommend reading the manual to find the correct process. Many brands even provide detailed illustrations for better understanding. Another trick is to find videos online regarding your snowblower.
First, you'll need to check if the leak is due to overfilling. You can tilt the snowblower to drain the oil when too much of it is present in the tube. Just make sure you’re taking care while doing it so that you don’t make a mess.
Another problem that might occur is a leak occurring at the site where the tube meets the engine. Leaks might also be seen at the place where the fill tube is bolted to the machine. You must get help from a service provider who will most probably change the tube in both cases.
3. Loose Seal Behind The Flywheel
Even though not quite common, your snowblower may leak on tilting when the seal behind the flywheel is loose. This can be caused by many things, including instances when you might have exposed the snowblower to extremely low temperatures. It may even happen due to a recent engine backfire which leads to the high pressure dislodging the seal.
To fix this problem, you'll first need to wipe out the leak on your machine and put a new seal on top of the crankcase. You can use a bit of RTV silicone or gasket sealant to prevent the new seal from coming off easily. Some people even like to use a socket or pipe around the seal for extra assurance.
That's everything I had to tell you about the reasons behind your snowblower leaking when it's tilted. Remember to change the oil regularly so that the engine doesn't act up or have frequent blowouts.
Other than that, you should also take proper measures to prevent overfilling the engine. I like to use a matte-finish dipstick or dull metal dipstick for hassle-free reading. Plus, you should wait for multiple minutes before taking out the dipstick, as oil may take time to travel down the fill tube.
Until next time, goodbye, and take care!