Yes, you need to know how to run gas out of snow blower before you store it. This simple step stops bad fuel from ruining your engine and saves you a lot of trouble next winter.
Old gas left in the tank turns into a sticky mess. It can clog up the small parts inside your carburetor. Then your machine won’t start when you really need it.
I’ve seen this happen to friends every spring. They put the blower away with a full tank, and come winter, it’s a big headache. The repair bill is often more than the gas was worth.
This guide will show you the right way to do it. I’ll walk you through each simple step so your blower is ready to go next season.
Why You Must Run Gas Out of Your Snow Blower
Here’s the main reason you need to do this. Gasoline doesn’t last forever once you put it in a machine.
Over months, the good parts of the gas evaporate. What’s left behind is a thick, gummy substance. This gunk is terrible for small engines.
It sticks to the inside of your fuel lines and carburetor jets. Think of it like syrup clogging a tiny straw. The engine can’t get the fuel it needs to run.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, proper small engine care helps cut down on pollution. A well-maintained engine burns cleaner.
Learning how to run gas out of snow blower prevents this whole mess. It’s a cheap way to avoid a very costly fix. A carburetor cleaning or replacement is not fun.
It also makes your next season start smooth. You’ll turn the key, and it will roar to life. No pulling the cord fifty times while you freeze.
The Simple Tools You Will Need
You don’t need fancy tools for this job. You probably have most of this stuff in your garage already.
Get a gas can that’s clean and meant for fuel. You’ll use this to catch the old gas as it comes out. Make sure it’s clearly marked so no one drinks it by mistake.
A basic set of wrenches or a socket set is good. You might need to loosen a hose clamp or a bolt. The sizes are usually small, like 8mm or 10mm.
Safety glasses are a must. Gasoline can splash, and you don’t want it in your eyes. A pair of gloves keeps your hands clean and protected.
Some rags or paper towels are handy for spills. Gasoline evaporates fast, but it’s still good to clean up drips. You might also need a flathead screwdriver to help with clamps.
That’s really it. The process of how to run gas out of snow blower is more about the steps than the tools. Keep it simple.
Step-by-Step: How to Run Gas Out of Snow Blower
First, take your snow blower to a well-ventilated area. Do this outside or in an open garage. You don’t want to breathe in gas fumes.
Turn the fuel valve to the “Off” position if your model has one. This valve is usually on the fuel line between the tank and the engine. It stops new gas from flowing.
Now, locate the carburetor bowl. It’s a small, bulb-shaped metal part under the carburetor. There’s a drain screw on the bottom of this bowl.
Place your gas can underneath the drain area. Put down some rags too, just in case. Loosen the drain screw with your wrench or screwdriver.
The old gas will start to drip or flow out into your can. Let it drain until it stops completely. This is the core of how to run gas out of snow blower.
Once it’s empty, tighten the drain screw back up. Don’t overtighten it, or you might strip the threads. Just make it snug so it doesn’t leak.
What If Your Blower Has No Drain?
Some newer or simpler models don’t have a drain screw. Don’t worry, you can still get the gas out. The method is just a little different.
You’ll need to disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor. Find the rubber hose that goes from the gas tank to the engine. There’s usually a small clamp holding it on.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the clamp and slide it back. Then gently pull the hose off the carburetor nipple. Have your gas can ready to catch the fuel.
You might need to tilt the machine slightly. This helps the last bit of gas flow toward the hose. Let it all drain out until the tank is empty.
This is another safe way for how to run gas out of snow blower. The goal is the same: get the liquid fuel out of the system. Reconnect the hose and clamp when you’re done.
If you’re not sure, check your owner’s manual. It will show you the exact parts for your model. The Consumer Reports website also has good tips on small engine care.
Running the Engine Dry
After you drain the tank and carburetor, there’s still fuel in the lines. The best way to clear it is to run the engine until it stops.
Reconnect everything and make sure the fuel valve is “Off”. Now, try to start the snow blower. It might take a few pulls because there’s a little gas left.
The engine will start and run for a minute or two. It will use up the last bit of fuel in the carburetor bowl and lines. Listen to it as it runs.
You’ll hear the engine sputter and then die. This is exactly what you want. It means it has used all the available gasoline.
This final step is a key part of how to run gas out of snow blower. It ensures the system is truly empty. Now you can store it without worry.
Never run the engine dry for a long time. Just the minute or two it takes to use the last fuel is perfect. You’re not hurting it.
Using Fuel Stabilizer as an Alternative
Some people use a product called fuel stabilizer instead. You add it to a full tank of fresh gas at the end of the season.
The stabilizer mixes with the gasoline. It stops the gas from breaking down and turning into gum. This keeps the fuel system clean for months.
This is a good option if you hate the draining process. You just add the stabilizer, run the engine for five minutes, and store it. The treated gas stays good inside the machine.
I use this method for some of my lawn equipment. It works very well if you follow the directions on the bottle. You must run the engine to get the treated gas into the carburetor.
However, I still think knowing how to run gas out of snow blower is important. Stabilizer can go bad over time, or you might forget to add it. Draining is a sure thing.
The USDA Forest Service notes that proper fuel management prevents fires and engine damage. Whether you drain or stabilize, don’t leave untreated gas sitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A big mistake is just letting the tank sit empty over summer. Moisture from the air can get inside a metal tank. This causes rust.
If you learn how to run gas out of snow blower, also learn to store it right. After draining, add a little bit of fresh gas with stabilizer. Run the engine to coat the inside, then drain that too if you want.
Don’t use old gas that’s been in your can all year. If it’s more than a few months old, take it to a disposal site. Bad gas won’t help your engine.
Never siphon gas out with your mouth. It’s toxic and dangerous. Use a proper hand pump or the drain method we talked about.
Avoid using tools that don’t fit well on the drain screw. You can strip the head, and then you’re stuck. Use the right size wrench.
Don’t skip the step of running the engine dry. That last bit of fuel in the carburetor can still cause problems. Finish the job completely.
Preparing for Winter Storage
Once you know how to run gas out of snow blower, storage is easy. A clean, dry fuel system is the biggest part.
Give the whole machine a good cleaning. Hose off any caked-on snow, salt, and dirt. Let it dry fully so it doesn’t rust.
Check the scraper bar and paddles for wear. Make a note if they need replacing next fall. It’s easier to remember now.
Lubricate any moving parts like the auger shaft and wheel bearings. A little grease keeps things smooth and stops rust.
Store your blower in a dry place, like a shed or garage. If you have to leave it outside, use a waterproof cover. Keep it out of the rain and sun.
Disconnect the spark plug wire for safety. This prevents any accidental starts while it’s in storage. It’s a simple but important habit.
What to Do With the Old Gas
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 environment and illegal in many places.
Check with your local waste disposal service. Many towns have a hazardous waste collection day. They will take old gasoline, oil, and paint for free.
Some auto parts stores also take old fuel for recycling. Call ahead to see if they have this service. It’s worth the short trip.
If the gas is relatively fresh (from this season), you might be able to use it up. You can mix a small amount into your car’s nearly-full gas tank. The car’s big engine can handle a little old fuel mixed with lots of new gas.
Never put old gas from your snow blower into another small engine. That just moves the problem. Dispose of it the right way.
Proper disposal is the final step after you learn how to run gas out of snow blower. It keeps your property and our water clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run gas out of my snow blower?
You should do this at the end of every winter season. Don’t let gas sit in the tank for more than a few months. It’s a key part of yearly maintenance.
Can I just run the snow blower until it stops?
Running it until it stops uses most of the gas. But it often leaves a little in the carburetor bowl. For best results, use the drain screw method first, then run it dry.
What if I forget and the gas is already old?
If the blower won’t start, you likely have gummy gas. You’ll need to drain the tank and clean the carburetor. It’s a harder job, but the Arizona State University engineering site has guides on carb cleaning.
Is fuel stabilizer better than draining?
Stabilizer is easier but costs money. Draining is free and 100% effective. Knowing how to run gas out of snow blower gives you a reliable, free option.
Can bad gas ruin my snow blower engine?
Yes, it can. The gummy residue clogs the carburetor, so fuel can’t get to the engine. The engine itself is usually okay, but it won’t run without a clean carburetor.
