Yes, you can drain a snowblower gas tank yourself in about 20 minutes. Learning how to drain a snowblower gas tank is a key skill for winter upkeep and it prevents engine problems later on.
Old gas left in the tank over the summer can turn into a gummy mess. This gunk can clog up the small parts inside your carburetor. When that happens, your snowblower won’t start when you need it most.
I’ve had to fix this problem many times for friends and family. It’s a simple job that saves you a lot of money on repairs. You just need a few basic tools and a safe place to work.
This guide will walk you through the whole process step by step. I’ll show you the easy way and the right way to get it done. You’ll be ready for the next snowstorm in no time.
Why You Need to Drain the Gas Tank
Let’s talk about why this job is so important. It’s not just busy work.
Gasoline doesn’t last forever. It starts to break down after about 30 days. The good parts of the gas evaporate away first.
What’s left behind is a thick, sticky substance. Mechanics call this “varnish.” It acts like glue inside your fuel system.
This varnish coats the tiny jets and passages in your carburetor. Think of it like clogging the arteries of your engine. Fuel can’t flow properly anymore.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, proper fuel storage matters. It helps your equipment last longer and pollutes less.
So, learning how to drain a snowblower gas tank stops this gunk from forming. It’s the best way to make sure your machine starts on the first pull next winter.
When to Drain Your Snowblower Gas Tank
Timing is everything with this task. You don’t want to do it too early or too late.
The best time is at the very end of the snow season. Do it after the last big storm you think is coming. I usually do mine in late March or early April.
You should also drain the tank if you know you won’t use the blower for over a month. Maybe you’re going on a long vacation. It’s better to be safe.
Another good time is before you store the machine for the summer. Don’t just park it in the shed and forget about it. Take 20 minutes to prep it first.
If your snowblower has been sitting with old gas and now won’t start, you need to drain it. This is often the fix for a hard-starting engine. The old fuel is likely the culprit.
Remember, the goal is to never let bad gas sit in the system. Planning ahead saves you a huge headache later. Make it part of your spring cleaning routine.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools for this job. You probably have most of this stuff already.
First, get a fuel container. A clean gas can works great. Make sure it’s meant for gasoline.
You’ll need a length of clear plastic tubing. About three feet is good. The tube needs to fit over the fuel line or into the tank.
Have some rags or paper towels ready. Gasoline spills happen. You want to clean them up fast.
A pair of pliers or a small wrench is helpful. You might need to loosen a hose clamp. A flat-head screwdriver can work too.
Wear safety glasses. Gasoline splashes are no joke. They can really hurt your eyes.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Your garage with the door open is perfect. Never do this in a closed basement.
That’s really all you need. The process for how to drain a snowblower gas tank is simple. You don’t need to be a mechanic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining the Tank
Let’s get into the actual steps. I’ll walk you through the safest method.
First, move your snowblower to a flat, open area. Turn the engine off and let it cool down completely. A hot engine near gasoline is dangerous.
Locate the fuel shut-off valve if your model has one. It’s usually on the fuel line near the tank. Turn this valve to the “off” position.
Place your empty gas can on the ground next to the machine. It needs to be lower than the snowblower’s fuel tank. Gravity will help the gas flow down.
Find the fuel line that runs from the gas tank to the carburetor. It’s a small rubber hose. Use your pliers to loosen the clamp that holds it on at the carburetor end.
Slide the hose off the carburetor nipple. Have your rag ready because a little gas might drip out. This is normal.
Now, this is the key part of how to drain a snowblower gas tank. Stick your clear plastic tubing onto the end of the fuel line. Put the other end of the tube into your gas can.
If your machine has a fuel shut-off, turn it to “on.” If not, just let gravity do its work. The gas should start flowing through the tube into your can.
You might need to gently blow into the gas tank’s vent to start the siphon. Don’t suck on the tube with your mouth. That’s how you get a mouthful of gas.
Wait until the tank is completely empty. You’ll see the fuel stop flowing through the clear tube. This is how you know you’re done.
The Carburetor Bowl Drain Method
Some snowblowers have a handy drain screw. This is often the easiest way to get the gas out.
Look at the bottom of the carburetor. It’s that metal box between the gas tank and the engine. You should see a small screw or bolt pointing down.
That’s the carburetor bowl drain screw. Place your gas can underneath it. You might need a small cup or bowl to catch the gas first.
Use a screwdriver to slowly turn the drain screw counter-clockwise. Don’t take it all the way out. Just loosen it enough for gas to start dripping out.
The gas in the carburetor bowl will drain out first. This is only a small amount, maybe a few ounces. But there’s more.
Here’s a cool trick. With the drain screw open, the gas from the tank will often follow. It siphons down through the fuel line. This is another great way to learn how to drain a snowblower gas tank.
Wait until the dripping stops completely. Then tighten the drain screw back up. Don’t over-tighten it, or you might strip the threads.
This method is clean and simple. It’s my preferred way when the machine has this feature. Check your owner’s manual to see if your model has it.
Using a Siphon Pump for Easy Draining
Don’t want to disconnect any hoses? A siphon pump is your best friend.
You can buy a simple hand pump at any auto parts store. They cost about ten dollars. It’s a great tool to have in your garage.
Open the gas cap on your snowblower’s tank. Insert the pump’s longer tube all the way into the tank. Put the shorter tube into your empty gas can.
Pump the handle a few times. You’ll see gas start to move through the clear tube. It’s like pumping water from a well.
Once the siphon starts, it will keep going on its own. You can stop pumping. The gas will flow until the tank is empty.
This method is super clean. There’s no spillage at all. You don’t even need to touch the fuel system.
It’s the perfect method for how to drain a snowblower gas tank if you’re not comfortable with tools. Anyone can do it. My neighbor uses this way every year.
Just make sure you get a pump made for gasoline. Some cheap pumps are for water only. The gas will ruin them.
What to Do With the Old Gasoline
You’ve got a can of old gas now. You can’t just pour it down the drain.
First, check its condition. If it’s from last season and looks and smells like normal gas, you might be able to reuse it. You can mix it with fresh gas in your car’s tank.
Only do this if the gas is less than a few months old. Use a ratio of one part old gas to ten parts new gas. Your car’s big engine can handle a little bit of stale fuel.
If the gas is older, cloudy, or smells sour, it’s bad. You need to dispose of it properly. This is very important.
Many towns have hazardous waste collection days. They’ll take old gasoline for free. Check your local government’s website for dates.
Some auto parts stores also take old gas for a fee. Call around to see who offers this service in your area.
Never pour gasoline on the ground or into storm drains. It pollutes the water supply. The EPA has strict rules about this for good reason.
Proper disposal is the last step in learning how to drain a snowblower gas tank. Do it right to protect our environment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make a few errors over the years. Let’s go over them so you don’t do the same.
The biggest mistake is not draining the carburetor bowl. If you only drain the tank, old gas remains in the carburetor. That small amount can still cause problems.
Another error is using the wrong container. Don’t use a milk jug or water bottle. Gasoline can dissolve certain plastics and cause leaks.
People often forget to run the engine dry after draining. After you drain the tank, start the engine. Let it run until it stalls from lack of fuel.
This burns up the last bit of gas in the carburetor. It’s a crucial step many skip. The Consumer Reports guide to small engine care recommends this.
Don’t store your snowblower with an empty tank in a damp place. This can cause rust inside the tank. Add a little fuel stabilizer to fresh gas and run it for a minute before storage.
Avoid using compressed air to blow out the fuel lines. This can damage the tiny parts in the carburetor. Let gravity and siphoning do the work.
Remember these tips when you learn how to drain a snowblower gas tank. They’ll save you from common headaches.
Tips for an Easier Draining Process
Here are some tricks I’ve learned to make the job smoother.
Warm the engine up for five minutes before you start. Warm gas flows easier than cold gas. It will drain from the tank more completely.
Always label your gas can. Write “OLD GAS” on it with the date. This prevents you from accidentally using it in another machine.
Take a picture of the fuel line connections with your phone before you disconnect anything. This helps you remember how it goes back together.
Keep a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids nearby. It’s a good safety habit for any fuel-related work. Better safe than sorry.
If you have trouble starting the siphon, try this. Fill the clear tube with water first, then put it in place. The water will start the flow, and gas will follow.
Just make sure to drain the water-gas mix into a separate container. You don’t want water in your good gas can.
These little tips make learning how to drain a snowblower gas tank much easier. Try them out next time.
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