Yes, you can drain gas out of a snow blower yourself. Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower is a key part of spring upkeep. It stops fuel from going bad and clogging your engine.
Old gas left inside can cause big problems. It turns into a sticky mess that gums up the carburetor. Then your machine won’t start when you need it most.
I’ve seen this happen too many times. A neighbor couldn’t start his blower during a big storm. The fix was easy but he had to wait for a repair shop.
This guide will show you the simple steps. You’ll learn how to drain gas out of a snow blower safely. We’ll cover all the tools and tricks you need.
Why You Must Drain the Gas
Here’s the main reason you need to do this. Gasoline doesn’t last forever in a small engine tank.
Over time, the good parts of the gas evaporate. What’s left behind is a thick, gummy substance. This gunk will clog the tiny passages in your carburetor.
Think of it like maple syrup in a straw. Once it hardens, nothing can flow through. Your engine needs a clean fuel flow to run right.
The US Forest Service notes that proper fuel care is vital for small engine life. Stale fuel is a top cause of spring starting failures.
Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower prevents this. It’s a cheap way to avoid a costly repair bill later. I do this every single year without fail.
When to Drain Your Snow Blower
Timing is everything with this task. You don’t want to do it too early or too late.
The best time is after your last big snow of the season. Once you’re sure winter is truly over, get ready. Don’t wait until summer to think about it.
Gas can start to go bad in as little as 30 days. Modern ethanol-blended fuel breaks down even faster. That’s why timing matters so much.
I mark my calendar for early spring. This reminds me to do the job. It becomes a simple yearly habit just like changing smoke alarm batteries.
If you store your machine in a shed or garage, do it before storage. Never put a snow blower away with a full tank of gas. That’s asking for trouble next winter.
Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower at the right time saves headaches. You’ll thank yourself when the first flakes fly next year.
Tools and Supplies You Will Need
You don’t need fancy tools for this job. Most items are probably already in your garage.
First, get a clean gas can. You’ll use this to hold the old fuel you drain out. Make sure it’s meant for gasoline storage.
You’ll need a length of clear plastic tubing. About three feet is perfect. The tube should fit snugly over the fuel line or into the tank.
Have some rags or paper towels ready. Spills can happen, so be prepared. A flat pan or tray to catch drips is also smart.
Safety glasses are a good idea too. Fuel can splash, and you want to protect your eyes. A pair of work gloves keeps your hands clean.
That’s really all you need. No special wrenches or pumps are required. The process of how to drain gas out of a snow blower is quite simple.
Step-by-Step Draining Guide
Let’s walk through the actual steps. Follow these in order for the best results.
First, move your snow blower to a well-ventilated area. Do this outside if you can. You don’t want to breathe in gas fumes in a closed space.
Turn the fuel valve to the “off” position if your model has one. This stops new gas from flowing into the lines. Locate it near the fuel tank bottom.
Place your empty gas can on the ground next to the machine. Put your drip pan underneath the carburetor area. Now you’re ready to start.
Find the fuel line that runs from the tank to the carburetor. It’s usually a small black rubber hose. Carefully disconnect it at the carburetor end.
Slip your clear tubing over the end of the fuel line. Put the other end into your gas can. Gravity will start pulling the fuel out.
If the fuel doesn’t flow, you might need to open the gas cap. This lets air in to replace the draining fuel. Just be careful not to tip the machine.
Let all the fuel drain completely into the can. This is the core of how to drain gas out of a snow blower. Wait until the last drops stop falling.
Once drained, reconnect the fuel line securely. Wipe up any spills with your rags. Properly dispose of the old gas at a recycling center.
Using a Siphon Pump Method
Some people prefer using a siphon pump. It’s another easy way to get the job done.
A hand pump siphon is cheap and easy to find. You can get one at any auto parts store. It makes the process a bit cleaner.
To use it, put one tube into the snow blower’s gas tank. Put the other tube into your empty gas can. Then pump the bulb a few times.
The siphon action will start pulling fuel out. It works like sucking on a straw. The fuel flows smoothly into your container.
This method is great if your fuel line is hard to reach. It also minimizes the chance of spills. I use this for my older machines.
Remember, never start the siphon with your mouth. Gasoline is toxic and dangerous to swallow. Always use a pump designed for fuel.
Whether you siphon or disconnect the line, the goal is the same. You need to learn how to drain gas out of a snow blower completely. Both methods work well.
What to Do With the Carburetor Bowl
Many snow blowers have a small bowl under the carburetor. This bowl holds extra fuel that needs draining too.
Locate the carburetor on your engine. It’s usually a metal box with linkages and hoses. Look for a small, rounded bowl at the bottom.
There will be a drain screw or bolt on the bottom of this bowl. Place your drip pan underneath it. Have a small wrench ready.
Carefully loosen the drain screw. Fuel will trickle out into your pan. Let it drain until the flow stops completely.
Tighten the screw back up once empty. Don’t overtighten it, just make it snug. This step ensures no old fuel is left hiding.
According to EPA guidelines, proper fuel system drainage prevents soil contamination. Every drop you capture matters.
This bowl step is key to learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower fully. Don’t skip it if your machine has one.
Running the Engine Dry
Some folks like to run the engine until it stalls. This burns the last bit of fuel in the lines.
If you choose this method, do it after draining the main tank. Start the engine and let it run. It will sputter and die when the fuel is gone.
I don’t always recommend this approach. Running an engine without proper lubrication can cause wear. The fuel also helps cool the engine parts.
If you do run it dry, keep it brief. Just a minute or two is plenty. Don’t let the engine scream at high RPM with no load.
A better option is to use the fuel line disconnect method. This gets all the fuel out without engine strain. It’s the method I prefer and use.
The goal is the same either way. You want to learn how to drain gas out of a snow blower completely. Choose the method that feels right for you.
Cleaning Up After Draining
Proper cleanup is important for safety. Gasoline is flammable and can damage surfaces.
Wipe down the entire fuel area with a rag. Check for any drips on the engine or frame. Clean those up right away.
If you spilled any gas on the ground, absorb it with cat litter or sand. Don’t just let it evaporate. This prevents fire risk and environmental harm.
Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling fuel. Even if you wore gloves, it’s a good habit. Gasoline contains chemicals you don’t want on your skin.
Store your drained fuel properly until you can dispose of it. Keep the can in a cool, well-ventilated place away from the house. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight.
Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower includes proper cleanup. It’s the final step that keeps everyone safe.
Storing Your Snow Blower After
Now that the fuel is out, you can store the machine properly. This keeps it ready for next season.
Some people add a fuel stabilizer to a fresh, small amount of gas. They run the engine for a few minutes to coat the system. This prevents rust inside the tank.
I prefer the completely dry method myself. An empty tank can’t develop gunk. It’s one less thing to worry about over the summer.
Check your owner’s manual for specific storage tips. Different manufacturers might have different recommendations. They know their machines best.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends proper storage of fuel-powered equipment. It reduces fire hazards in your garage or shed.
Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower leads to proper storage. Your machine will thank you with easy starts next winter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make a few common errors. Knowing these helps you avoid them.
Never drain gas onto the ground or into a drain. This pollutes soil and water. Always use a proper container for capture.
Don’t use a vacuum or shop vac to remove fuel. The sparks from the motor can ignite fumes. This is extremely dangerous and could cause a fire.
Avoid using makeshift containers that aren’t meant for fuel. Milk jugs and water bottles can degrade. Use only approved gas cans for storage.
Don’t forget to drain the carburetor bowl if you have one. That little bit of old gas can still cause problems. It’s a common oversight.
Never smoke or have open flames nearby when working with gasoline. This seems obvious but I have to say it. The fumes are highly flammable.
Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower safely means avoiding these mistakes. Take your time and do it right.
When to Call a Professional
Most times, you can handle this job yourself. But sometimes you might need help.
If your fuel lines are cracked or brittle, be careful. Old rubber can break when you touch it. A pro can replace these lines for you.
If the drain screw on the carburetor bowl is stripped or stuck, don’t force it. You could break the carburetor body. That’s an expensive part to replace.
If you’re not comfortable with small engine work, that’s okay. A local small engine repair shop can do it for you. The cost is usually reasonable.
The Federal Trade Commission advises getting quotes for repair work. Call a few shops to compare prices if you go this route.
Learning how to drain gas out of a snow blower is a valuable skill. But knowing when to ask for help is smart too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I drain gas from my snow blower?
Do it once every year at
