Winter’s upon us, and that means it's time to ensure your snowblower is in top-notch shape!
Here are some key maintenance tips to keep your snowblower running smoothly through the snowy season:

Preseason Preparation

1. Check Fuel: Ensure your snowblower has fresh fuel. Gasoline more than 30 days old can cause engine problems.
2. Oil Change: Just like with cars, your snowblower engine needs clean oil. The oil can be checked and replaced if necessary with 5W30.
3. Spark Plug: The spark plug can be replaced it if it looks worn or dirty.
4. Belts: The drive and auger belts can be examined for wear and tear and replaced if they’re frayed or cracked.
5. Shear Pins: Keep spare shear pins on hand and check the ones on your machine for any damage.

During the Season

1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, clear snow and debris from the auger housing, impeller, and chute. Ensure engine can't be started first.
2. Inspect Tires: Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressure as noted on the tire sidewall.
3. Lubrication: Keep all moving parts well-lubricated according to your owner's manual. I could print out a manual for your machine.

End-of-Season Storage

1. Run Carburetor Dry: Run the engine until it uses all the fuel in the Carburetor. A fuel shut-off valve can be added. Drain fuel tank or top it off and add StaBol.
2. Clean Thoroughly: Remove any salt and grime to prevent rust.
3. Cover It: Store your snowblower in a dry, sheltered place and cover it to protect it from dust and moisture.

Mixing oil and gas in 2-cycle engines

A 2-cycle or 2-stroke engine requires a mixture of oil and gas. The oil provides proper lubrication to the internal engine parts. Most 2-cycle engines require a mixture of 50:1 or 40:1 ratio of fuel to oil. If your not sure what ratio your engine requires, your user manual will let you know or you can get a hold of me and I can look it up for you. I use a 5L gas container and fill it to the 5L mark with premium gas (no ethanol is good) and add 100mL of premium synthetic 2-cycle oil for a 50:1 mix. For a 40:1 mix, I use a second 5L container and fill it with premium gas, mix it with 125mL of premium synthetic 2-cycle oil. Both containers should now be labelled with 50:1 or 40:1 and be shaken a bit for the oil to blend in. I also add a little StaBol to both containers to keep the gas fresh. I have 100mL bottles of premium synthetic oil in stock.

Tire pressures and tubes

Tires periodically should be checked for proper air pressure and filled if at a low level. The tire pressure for each size of tire is located on the outer sidewall of the tire. My experience when a tire has a slow leak or is flat would be to install a tube inside the tire.

Chainsaws

Chainsaws that come into the shop are dealt with quickly because I have most specialized tools for servicing and repair.