A snowblower is a great tool for clearing snow during the winter months, but it’s important to properly maintain it to ensure it runs smoothly season after season. One crucial aspect of maintenance that often gets overlooked is draining the gas from the snowblower at the end of the winter. Ignoring this step can lead to damage to the engine, clogged fuel lines, and overall reduced performance. In this post, we will guide you through the simple steps to properly drain gas from an Ariens snowblower.
Things You Will Need
Before we begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools to drain the gas from your Ariens snowblower. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Drain pan or container
- Pliers
- Fuel stabilizer (optional)
- Funnel (optional)
Steps on how to drain gas from Ariens snowblower
1. Preparation
Start by making sure the snowblower is in a well-ventilated area and the engine is cool to the touch. We also recommend wearing gloves to protect your hands from any spills. Locate the fuel shutoff valve under the gas tank and turn it to the “off” position.
2. Draining the Gas
Place the drain pan or container under the fuel valve, which is typically located at the base of the carburetor or gas tank. Using pliers, carefully turn the fuel valve to “open” and allow the gas to drain completely into the container. It’s important to ensure the entire tank is empty to avoid any leftover fuel spoiling and causing issues in the future.
As an optional step, you can add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before closing it up for the season. This will help to preserve the fuel quality and prevent it from breaking down over time.
3. Disposing of the Old Gasoline
Old gasoline should never be poured down the drain or thrown in the trash bin as it can be hazardous to the environment and cause damage to wastewater treatment systems. Contact your local waste management facility or hazardous waste disposal service to properly dispose of the gas.
Additional Tips and Warnings
- Make sure to always read your Ariens snowblower’s owner’s manual for any specific instructions or steps related to fuel maintenance.
- Check the fuel filter for any clogs or debris while the tank is empty to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
- Avoid using old gasoline as it can damage your snowblower engine and reduce its performance.
- Dispose of old gas in a safe and responsible manner to prevent environmental damage.
Draining gas from an Ariens snowblower is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining the tool’s performance and longevity. Following the proper steps outlined above will help you ensure your snowblower works smoothly and efficiently season after season. Remember to properly dispose of old gasoline to protect the environment.
Stay safe!
