For most of us, when spring arrives, snow blower storage is the last thing we want to think about. We don't really want to remember that, where the grass is now starting to turn green, there were several feet of snow just a few short weeks ago.
Unfortunately, the snow will return all too soon and how we handle our snow blower storage now can have a big impact on how ready we will be for the coming snow season.
Here is what I recommend as the minimum for storing a snow blower through the summer season:
Clean the exterior of your unit well. If you have used your blower around melting-salt, you should power wash it. It is also a good idea to spray all the exposed metal parts with good rust preventive oil.
If you have a larger machine and use tire chains, you should take them off, check for any damaged or worn links, and spray them well with rust preventive. They should be hung until you prepare for next snow season.
Check your tires for any damage, such as: cracking, checking and nicks, and make sure they are properly inflated before storing.
Check all cables and cable ends. Replace any that are broken or kinked now instead of waiting until the next season starts.
Replace any cracked or frayed belts now--don't wait until next fall and then not be able to find the one you need.
If you have to store your machine in a dusty area, like an outdoor garden shed, it would be a good idea to cover it well.
Two-cycle Engines
Remove the spark plug and rotate the piston to bottom dead center (BDC). Then "fog" the interior of the cylinder with two-cycle fogging oil (available from any place that sells two-cycle engine equipment). You may want to manually rotate the piston up and down a few times, leaving it in the BDC position, and then give it another shot of the fogging oil. Replace the plug and it's ready for next season.
Completely empty the fuel tank and fuel lines, and spray a little fogging oil into the fuel tank. If you can drain the carburetor bowl on your engine, this should also be done.
Four-cycle Engines
Run the engine to warm it up, then drain the oil and refill with fresh oil. You should also run the engine a few minutes with the fresh oil circulating.
Fill the fuel tank, and add a gasoline stabilizer. This can be purchased at any auto parts store. Then run the engine until the stabilized fuel is distributed throughout the lines and carburetor.
For extended storage of your four-cycle engine, follow the procedures outlined in "Two-cycle Engines."
Electric Snow Blowers
Be sure to carefully check all electrical connections and switches for your electric snow blower. Don't wait until the next snow season to do this, because it is too easy to forget and things always seem to fail when you need them the most.
Your power extension cord should also be carefully inspected for cuts or nicks, or worn connectors. It is also a good idea to keep your snow blower extension cord separate from your other extension cords, and hung up out of the way to protect them from any accidental damage.
These are only the minimum things you should do for snow blower storage. It is always a good idea to review your owner's manual for any special things you need to do before storing your particular model until the next season.
