Yes, you can learn how to remove gasoline from snowblower safely. The key is using a siphon pump or turkey baster to pull the old fuel out of the tank before you add fresh gas.
Spilled gas or old fuel left in the tank can cause big problems. It can stop your machine from starting when you need it most. I’ve been there with a snowblower that wouldn’t run.
I tested several methods to get the gas out without making a mess. Some ways work better than others, and some are just plain risky. You want to do this the right way.
This guide will show you the safe steps. I’ll walk you through each part, from tools you need to cleaning up after. Let’s get your snowblower ready for winter.
Why You Need to Remove Old Gasoline
Old gas turns bad over time. It gets gummy and leaves nasty stuff in your engine. This gunk can clog the tiny parts inside your carburetor.
A clogged carburetor means your snowblower won’t start. You’ll pull the cord over and over with no luck. It’s a frustrating way to start a snowy morning.
Bad gas also attracts water. Water in your fuel tank is very bad news. It can cause rust inside the metal parts of your engine.
Rust makes small holes and ruins the tank. Fixing a rusted fuel tank costs a lot of money. It’s often cheaper to buy a whole new machine.
Learning how to remove gasoline from snowblower prevents these issues. It’s a simple upkeep task that saves you headaches. Think of it like changing the oil in your car.
You do it to keep things running smooth. The Consumer Reports team says fuel upkeep is key for small engines. Don’t skip this step.
Tools You Will Need for the Job
You don’t need fancy tools to start. A simple hand siphon pump is your best friend here. You can find one at any auto parts store for a few bucks.
A turkey baster from your kitchen works in a pinch. Just make sure you never use it for food again after this job. Label it clearly as a garage tool.
You’ll need a gas can that’s approved for fuel storage. Use one with a spout for easy pouring. Have some old rags or paper towels ready for spills.
A pair of safety glasses is a smart idea too. Gasoline can splash, and you don’t want it in your eyes. A well-ventilated space is very important.
Never do this job inside your house or garage with the door closed. Fumes build up fast and are very dangerous. Open the garage door or work outside.
Having the right tools makes learning how to remove gasoline from snowblower much easier. It turns a scary job into a simple ten-minute task. I keep my siphon pump with my winter tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Siphon the Gas
First, move your snowblower to a flat, open area. Make sure the engine is completely cool. You never want to work on a warm engine near gasoline.
Locate the fuel tank cap and open it slowly. Place your siphon pump tube all the way into the tank. The end should touch the bottom where the fuel sits.
Start pumping the siphon according to its instructions. Most hand pumps have a squeeze bulb you press a few times. You’ll see gas start to flow into your collection can.
Keep going until the tank is empty. Tilt the snowblower slightly if you need to get the last bit out. Be careful not to tip it too far.
This is the core of how to remove gasoline from snowblower the right way. The siphon does the hard work for you. It’s clean and controls the flow.
Once the tank is empty, look inside with a flashlight. Check for any dirt or rust flakes at the bottom. If you see junk, you might need to rinse it.
According to OSHA, always have a fire extinguisher nearby when handling fuel. It’s a good safety rule for any gas-related job.
Using a Turkey Baster Method
Don’t have a siphon pump? A turkey baster can work. This method is messier and takes more time, but it gets the job done.
Insert the baster’s tube into the fuel tank. Squeeze the bulb before you put it in to push the air out. Then release the bulb slowly to suck up the gas.
Point the baster over your gas can and squeeze the bulb again. The fuel will squirt out into the container. Repeat this process many, many times.
It’s a slow way to learn how to remove gasoline from snowblower. Your hand will get tired from all the squeezing. But it’s better than trying to pour from the tank.
Pouring is a sure way to spill gas everywhere. Spills are slippery, smelly, and a fire risk. The baster gives you more control than pouring.
Use a rag to wipe the baster tip between squeezes. This keeps drips from falling on your machine or the ground. Work patiently and you’ll get there.
Dispose of the turkey baster when you’re done. Do not wash it and put it back in your kitchen drawer. Gasoline residue is toxic and flammable.
What to Do With the Old Gasoline
You have a can of old gas now. You can’t just pour it on the ground or down a drain. That’s bad for the earth and often against the law.
Check with your local waste department first. Many towns have a hazardous waste drop-off day. They take old paint, chemicals, and gasoline for safe disposal.
Some auto parts stores also take old fuel. Call around to see if any near you offer this service. It might cost a small fee.
If the gas is relatively fresh and just contaminated, you might be able to reuse it. Mix it with a lot of fresh gas in your car’s tank. The car’s big engine can handle a small amount of iffy fuel.
I only do this if the gas is less than a month old. Never put old, varnished gas into any engine. It will cause the same problems you just fixed.
Proper disposal is the last step in how to remove gasoline from snowblower. Doing it right keeps you and your community safe. Don’t cut corners here.
Cleaning the Empty Fuel Tank
Once the tank is empty, it’s a good time to clean it. Any dirt left inside will just mix with your new gas. That defeats the whole purpose of your work.
You can use a dedicated fuel system cleaner. Pour a small amount into the empty tank and swirl it around. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down gunk.
Then use your siphon or baster to remove the cleaner. You might need to do this rinse step two times. Look for clean fluid coming out on the second try.
For a natural clean, some folks use a bit of fresh gas as a rinse. Swirl it and dump it out into your waste can. This uses more fuel but works in a pinch.
Let the tank air dry completely before you add new gasoline. Any leftover moisture will mix with the fuel and cause issues. Patience is key here.
This extra cleaning step makes your how to remove gasoline from snowblower job more complete. A clean tank helps your engine run better and last longer. It’s worth the few extra minutes.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guides on managing used fuel. They stress safe handling to protect water sources.
Adding Fresh Gasoline and Stabilizer
Now for the good part – adding new fuel. Use fresh, unleaded gasoline with the right octane rating. Check your snowblower’s manual for the exact type it needs.
Here’s a pro tip I always follow. Add a fuel stabilizer to the fresh gas before you pour it in. This chemical keeps the gas from going bad for months.
Mix the stabilizer in your gas can first. Shake it gently to make sure it’s blended well. Then pour the treated fuel into your clean, dry tank.
Don’t overfill the tank. Leave a little space at the top for air. This space prevents spills when you move the machine around.
Replace the fuel cap tightly. Wipe up any drips on the outside of the tank with a dry rag. You’re almost ready to start the engine.
This final step completes the process of how to remove gasoline from snowblower. You’ve taken out the bad stuff and put in the good. Your machine should thank you with an easy start.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see people make the same errors every year. The biggest one is trying to tip the snowblower to pour the gas out. This almost always leads to a spill.
Gasoline gets on the engine, the carburetor, and the ground. It’s a mess and a major safety hazard. Always use a pump or baster to pull the fuel out.
Another mistake is using a vacuum cleaner. Never, ever use a shop vac or home vacuum to suck up gas. The motor can spark and ignite the fumes.
People also forget to work in a ventilated area. Breathing those fumes in a closed garage can make you dizzy and sick. Open doors are a must.
Don’t store the old gas in a milk jug or soda bottle. Someone might think it’s a drink. Use a proper, labeled gas can for storage and transport.
Finally, don’t skip the stabilizer in the new gas. If you learn how to remove gasoline from snowblower but don’t treat the new fuel, you’ll be back here next season. Stabilizer is cheap insurance.
When to Call a Professional
Most times, you can handle this job yourself. But some situations need a pro’s touch. If you see serious rust inside the tank, that’s a sign.
A rusted tank can have tiny holes you can’t see. It will leak gas slowly and cause a fire risk. A small engine repair shop can often replace the tank.
If you accidentally spilled a large amount of gas, you might need help. Big spills on soil or concrete need special cleanup. Your local fire department can advise you on this.
If your snowblower still won’t start after fresh gas, the problem might be deeper. The carburetor jets could be clogged with old varnish. A mechanic has tools to clean those tiny passages.
Knowing how to remove gasoline from snowblower is a great skill. But also know your limits. There’s no shame in calling for help with a tricky or dangerous situation.
Safety should always come first. The National Fire Protection Association has resources on flammable liquid safety. It’s good info for any homeowner.
Preventing Future Fuel Problems
The best fix is stopping the problem before it starts. At the end of each winter, run your snowblower out of gas. An empty tank can’t have bad fuel in it.
If you can’t run it dry, use the siphon method to empty it for storage. Store your machine with a clean, dry tank all summer long. It will be ready when snow falls.
Always use fuel stabilizer in every can of gas you buy for small engines. Make it a habit, like putting on your seatbelt. It just becomes part of the routine.
Store your gasoline in a cool, dark place. Heat and sunlight make gas go bad faster. A shed is better than a hot garage.
Buy gas in smaller amounts if you can. Don’t keep a five-gallon can for two years. Fresh fuel works best in small engines.
