Question about snowblowers
#31
Slob
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Question about snowblowers
If it's a lump of ice then probably the blower wont go over it. If it breaks off it'll likely be spat out of the chute so aim it away from anything you value. If it's too much the shear pin will break. Then you a) learn how to replace a shear pin and b) start to learn the limitations of your blower.
We are in for a fair whack of snow today, so I'll get the chance to learn how to use the thing. I'll avoid the pile of ice at the bottom of the driveway (present from the plough) because it's only on one side and isn't in the way. We're in for a warm-up and rain tomorrow, so I may be able to shift the pile by hand.
In addition, is the manual being truthful when it says to change the oil often? My blower came filled with oil. The manual is telling me to change it after 5 hours.
#32
Re: Question about snowblowers
That first oil change is to allow any metal particles from the initial few hours running of the engine to be be removed before they have a change to do any damage. So, reasonably important - but if its 5-10hrs I suspect it won't be a problem. From there annual oil change is all thats required and not even that really. Mine probably gets changed once every couple of years.
#33
Slob
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Question about snowblowers
That first oil change is to allow any metal particles from the initial few hours running of the engine to be be removed before they have a change to do any damage. So, reasonably important - but if its 5-10hrs I suspect it won't be a problem. From there annual oil change is all thats required and not even that really. Mine probably gets changed once every couple of years.
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
#34
Re: Question about snowblowers
OK. Noted. I'll make an initial change at some point.
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
Drain the gas tank? No. Fill the tank completely & chuck in some fuel stabiliser (source from Crappy Tire) if you feel so inclined, although I never bother & mine seems to still work fine after 10years service!
#35
Re: Question about snowblowers
OK. Noted. I'll make an initial change at some point.
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
#36
Re: Question about snowblowers
OK. Noted. I'll make an initial change at some point.
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
Is it advisable to drain the thing completely at the end of the season and run it dry of gas (not in that order, obviously) before stowing it for the summer?
I am a complete newbie at this, so I know you'll be nice to me
Draining them completely of gas is what those that know tell me is ideal, but I am far too lazy to do that.
#38
Slob
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Question about snowblowers
OK. Got it.
Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).
Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.
Reduce choke when motor running properly.
Select gear. I'll start low.
Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.
Blow.
Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.
Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.
Have I got everything covered?
Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).
Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.
Reduce choke when motor running properly.
Select gear. I'll start low.
Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.
Blow.
Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.
Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.
Have I got everything covered?
#39
Re: Question about snowblowers
OK. Got it.
Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).
Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.
Reduce choke when motor running properly.
Select gear. I'll start low.
Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.
Blow.
Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.
Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.
Have I got everything covered?
Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).
Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.
Reduce choke when motor running properly.
Select gear. I'll start low.
Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.
Blow.
Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.
Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.
Have I got everything covered?
Purchase wide mouth funnel to assist with gas filling. It's often easier to use than the spout you screw into a gas container.
#40
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Formally Scotland. Now Bay of Quinte...Ontario
Posts: 2,466
Re: Question about snowblowers
After every use of the blower, top up the gas tank with stabilised gas. That is after each snow blowing session. Purpose is to prevent condensation forming inside the tank in the event a week or so passes before the next snow dump occurs. Added bonus is next time you need its services your good to go!
#41
Slob
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Question about snowblowers
After every use of the blower, top up the gas tank with stabilised gas. That is after each snow blowing session. Purpose is to prevent condensation forming inside the tank in the event a week or so passes before the next snow dump occurs. Added bonus is next time you need its services your good to go!
#42
Re: Question about snowblowers
Any brand will do, it just raises the octane rating, so as the fuel ages over time it helps retain its quality. Important to run it through the machine for a few minutes to stop carbs, throttle etc potentially gumming up with 'old' fuel sitting in them.
#43
Slob
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Question about snowblowers
Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer, 236ml | Canadian Tire
Any brand will do, it just raises the octane rating, so as the fuel ages over time it helps retain its quality. Important to run it through the machine for a few minutes to stop carbs, throttle etc potentially gumming up with 'old' fuel sitting in them.
Any brand will do, it just raises the octane rating, so as the fuel ages over time it helps retain its quality. Important to run it through the machine for a few minutes to stop carbs, throttle etc potentially gumming up with 'old' fuel sitting in them.
It's on my list for this weekend, along with spare pins and some 5W30. (I already have a funnel).
#44
limey party pooper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,982
Re: Question about snowblowers
OK. Got it.
Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).
Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.
Reduce choke when motor running properly.
Select gear. I'll start low.
Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.
Blow.
Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.
Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.
Have I got everything covered?
Fill it with gas. Clean up the spillage (thanks to Souvette buying and filling a 20-litre container, which is going to be a bugger to manipulate).
Plug in starter. Put the key in. Full choke and engine speed. Pump a couple of times and hit the starter button.
Reduce choke when motor running properly.
Select gear. I'll start low.
Aim chute to throw snow clear over the neighbour's hedge and well away from nipples, as well as anything else that may involve an insurance claim or litigation.
Blow.
Start getting certain neighbours being unusually nice to me.
Some time later, drain and replace the oil. Top up gas and shove some other stuff in it before throwing a tarp over it for a few months.
Have I got everything covered?
#45
Slob
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Question about snowblowers
Dammit!
My dreams of using my snowblower for the first time, to clear last night's 9cm accumulation were dashed by the city. Their contractor came round to clear the bigger piles and the bit around the hydrant at the bottom of my driveway.
I can do what's left with a teaspoon.
Then again, it's windy and the wind is blowing in exactly the wrong direction. A teaspoon might be better than a blower.
My dreams of using my snowblower for the first time, to clear last night's 9cm accumulation were dashed by the city. Their contractor came round to clear the bigger piles and the bit around the hydrant at the bottom of my driveway.
I can do what's left with a teaspoon.
Then again, it's windy and the wind is blowing in exactly the wrong direction. A teaspoon might be better than a blower.