You need to remove gas from your snow blower before summer storage. This is the most important step to keep your machine running well for next winter. Learning how to remove gas from a snow blower properly will save you a lot of trouble.
Old gas left in the tank turns into a sticky mess. It can clog the carburetor and fuel lines. Your snow blower won’t start when you need it most.
I’ve fixed many snow blowers with this exact problem. The repair bill is often more than the machine is worth. A simple fuel drain can stop this from happening to you.
This guide will show you the safe and easy way to do it. I’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions. You don’t need to be a mechanic to get this right.
Why You Must Remove Gas from Snow Blower
Gasoline doesn’t last forever. It starts to break down after about 30 days. This is especially true for the ethanol-blended fuel we use today.
As gas breaks down, it leaves behind gummy deposits. These deposits clog the small passages in your carburetor. A clogged carburetor means your engine won’t get fuel.
You’ll pull the starter cord next winter and get nothing. The engine might cough but it won’t run. This is a frustrating way to start a snowstorm.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, proper small engine care reduces pollution. It also saves you money on repairs and new parts. Taking care of your equipment is good for your wallet and the air.
Learning how to remove gas from a snow blower prevents these issues. It’s a ten-minute job that saves hours of headache. Think of it as cheap insurance for your machine.
I tell all my friends to do this every spring. Not one has come back with a fuel problem. It really works that well.
Tools You Need to Remove Gas
You don’t need fancy tools for this job. Most items are probably in your garage already. Gather everything before you start to make it smooth.
You’ll need a siphon pump or a hand pump. A simple bulb siphon from the auto parts store works great. It costs less than ten dollars and lasts for years.
Get a fuel-safe container to catch the old gas. Use a proper gas can with a tight seal. Never use a milk jug or something not made for fuel.
Have some clean rags ready for spills. A pair of safety glasses is a good idea too. Fuel splashes are no fun in your eyes.
You might need a pair of pliers or a wrench. Some snow blowers have a drain plug on the fuel tank. Check your owner’s manual to see what your model has.
That’s really all you need. The process to remove gas from a snow blower is simple. Having the right tools just makes it cleaner and safer.
I keep a dedicated “fuel kit” in my shed. It has the siphon, a gas can, and rags all together. This way I never have to search when storage time comes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Gas
First, move your snow blower to a well-ventilated area. Do this job outside or in an open garage. Gas fumes are strong and can make you feel sick.
Let the engine cool down completely if you just used it. A hot engine near gasoline is dangerous. Wait at least an hour to be safe.
Place your empty gas can on the ground next to the machine. It needs to be lower than the snow blower’s fuel tank. Gravity helps the siphon work better this way.
Insert the siphon tube into the snow blower’s gas tank. Push it all the way to the bottom. The other end goes into your empty gas can.
Pump the siphon bulb until fuel starts to flow. Once it starts, it will keep going on its own. Watch the can so it doesn’t overflow.
This is the basic way to remove gas from a snow blower tank. Let it drain until the tank is completely empty. A little fuel left behind can still cause problems.
What If Your Snow Blower Has a Drain Plug?
Some models make it even easier. They have a small drain plug on the bottom of the fuel tank. This is the best design in my opinion.
Check under your fuel tank for a small bolt or valve. It might be plastic or metal. Your owner’s manual will tell you for sure.
Place your gas can directly under this drain plug. Have a rag ready because some fuel might drip. Use a wrench to loosen the plug slowly.
Let all the gasoline drain out into your container. This method to remove gas from a snow blower is very clean. There’s no siphon to mess with and it’s usually faster.
Once empty, wipe the area clean and tighten the plug back up. Don’t overtighten it, especially if it’s plastic. Snug is enough to stop leaks.
This is how I remove gas from my own snow blower. It takes about two minutes from start to finish. I wish all small engines had this feature.
Running the Engine Dry – Good or Bad?
Some people say to just run the engine until it stops. They think this burns all the fuel out of the system. I don’t recommend this method at all.
Running an engine without fuel can damage it. The carburetor needs gas for lubrication during operation. Dry running creates heat and wear on internal parts.
It also leaves fuel in the carburetor bowl. This small amount of gas will still turn bad over time. You didn’t really remove gas from the snow blower completely.
The proper way is to drain the tank and then run the engine. But you run it only for a few seconds after draining. This clears the fuel line but doesn’t starve the engine.
Here’s my method. After I remove gas from the snow blower tank, I start it. I let it run for about ten seconds until it sputters out. This gets the last bit from the carburetor.
The Consumer Reports guide to small engine care agrees. They say draining is better than running dry. It’s safer for your engine’s long-term health.
Dealing with Old Gasoline
Now you have a container of old gas. What should you do with it? You can’t just pour it down the drain or on the ground.
Check with your local waste disposal service first. Many towns have hazardous waste collection days. They’ll take old gasoline and dispose of it safely.
Some auto parts stores also take old fuel. Call ahead to see if they have this service. There might be a small fee but it’s worth it.
If the gas is less than a month old, you might be able to use it. Mix it with fresh gas in your car’s tank. Use a ratio of one part old to four parts new.
Never put old gas straight into your car. And never try to use it in your snow blower next year. Bad gas is the number one reason small engines won’t start.
Proper disposal is part of learning how to remove gas from a snow blower. Doing it right protects our water and soil. It’s just as important as the draining step itself.
Adding Fuel Stabilizer Instead
Some people use fuel stabilizer instead of draining. This chemical keeps gasoline fresh for months. You add it to a full tank of gas before storage.
It can work well if you use the right product. Follow the instructions on the bottle exactly. Too little stabilizer won’t work, too much can cause issues.
I still prefer to remove gas from my snow blower completely. Stabilizers can fail over very long storage periods. And they add extra cost to your yearly maintenance.
If you do use a stabilizer, run the engine for five minutes after adding it. This circulates the treated fuel through the entire system. It protects the carburetor and fuel lines too.
The US Forest Service recommends stabilizer for seasonal equipment. But they note that draining is equally effective. Choose the method that fits your comfort level best.
My rule is simple. For storage less than six months, stabilizer might be okay. For summer-long storage, I always remove gas from the snow blower. It’s the surest way to avoid problems.
Common Mistakes When Removing Gas
People make a few common errors with this task. Knowing them ahead of time helps you avoid trouble. Let’s go through the big ones.
First mistake: not getting all the fuel out. They siphon most of it but leave a little in the bottom. That little bit turns to varnish and causes clogs.
Tip your snow blower slightly to get the last drops. Use a block of wood under one side. This helps pool the fuel where your siphon can reach it.
Second mistake: using the wrong container. A plastic water bottle can melt from gasoline. Always use a container rated for fuel storage.
Third mistake: forgetting the fuel line. After you remove gas from the snow blower tank, check the fuel line. Some models have a primer bulb that holds extra fuel.
Press the primer bulb a few times after draining. This will push any remaining fuel into the tank. Then siphon that out too for a complete job.
Avoiding these mistakes makes your spring start-up smooth. Your snow blower will thank you with easy starts. It’s worth the extra two minutes to do it right.
When to Remove Gas from Snow Blower
Timing matters for this maintenance task. Don’t wait until the first hot day of summer. Do it soon after your last use of the season.
I remove gas from my snow blower in early spring. This is when I’m sure we won’t get more snow. Your timing depends on your local climate.
The key is to not let gas sit for more than 30 days. Modern fuel with ethanol starts breaking down fast. The longer it sits, the more damage it can do.
If you know a big storm is coming, you can delay. But have a plan to do it right after that storm. Don’t let “one more storm” turn into six months of storage.
Mark your calendar as a reminder. I put “winterize snow blower” on my April 15th to-do list. Having a set date helps make it a habit.
Learning when to remove gas from a snow blower is simple. Do it as soon as snow season is truly over in your area. Fresh fuel next winter is your reward for this small task.
What About the Carburetor?
After you remove gas from the snow blower, think about the carburetor. This small part is where most fuel problems happen. A little extra care here goes a long way.
Some people spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake after draining. They do this with the engine off. It helps clean any residue left behind.
I don’t do this every year. But I do it every other year as extra protection. It takes about 30 seconds and costs very little.
If your snow blower is older or has had problems before, consider it. Spray a quick burst into the air intake after you remove all gas. Then pull the starter cord a few times to distribute it.
Don’t start the engine with carb cleaner in it. Just pull the cord slowly a few times. This coats the inside of the carburetor with cleaner.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says to use chemicals in well-ventilated areas. Carburetor cleaner fumes are strong. Do this step outside for safety.
