Snow blower question... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

br0deur · 05-08-2003, 07:36 PM

This past winter I bought a new snow blower.
Now, that I'm pretty sure the snow is gone (for a few months),
should I:

a> Fill it with gas
or
b> Drain the gas out

Thanks.

Ashton · 05-09-2003, 02:18 AM

Drain the gas, then start it and let it run until it dies..... although this is for long time storage it's a good idea because gas gets nasty just sitting.

splck · 05-09-2003, 08:12 AM

as it runs out of gas give the primer bulb a push or two.

MSD · 05-09-2003, 02:26 PM

Gas goes bad and turns into gel and kerosene-like liquid after about 30 days. That stuff screws up carburetors.

Mango · 05-09-2003, 02:37 PM

If you run it out of gas the seals on the carb could dry out. I put some anti gel shit in my snowblower and sled in the summer and in my mower & rototiller in the winter. After if put it in the tank I runit untill I am sure that the mixed fuel antigel shit has made it to the carb (2-3 minutes). I also buy "fogging oil". It is a spray oil that you spray into the air intake while the engine is running. Keep spraying untill it kills the engine, then put it away for the summer. The other way to use fogging oil is to pull the spark plug(s) and give aeach cylinder a good blast then with the plugs still out turn over the motor a few times to spread it around a little. Then put the plugs back in and forget it till next year.

apetaster · 05-09-2003, 03:14 PM

I know that there are those who swear by one method or the other. I prefer to put in stabilizer (I use Stabil) for the non-use period, run the unit for five minutes and then store it. This winter after being in storage mine started on the second pull - can't beat that. Mine is not the 'right' way, but it does juts fine by me.

Ashton · 05-09-2003, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by apetaster
I know that there are those who swear by one method or the other. I prefer to put in stabilizer (I use Stabil) for the non-use period, run the unit for five minutes and then store it. This winter after being in storage mine started on the second pull - can't beat that. Mine is not the 'right' way, but it does juts fine by me.

Stabil is good stuff, I use stabilizer mixed with the gas/two stroke oil in teh weed wacker during the winter

apetaster · 05-10-2003, 02:22 PM

Yeah - next I have to get off my butt and label my three different gas cans at home - the big one is know is straight gas, but I can never remember which one has the mix for the chainsaw and which is for the weedwhacker/leaf blower.

sngx1275 · 05-27-2003, 10:39 PM

I'm going to have to agree with the Stabil guys. Never had a problem with that stuff.

rashorangutan · 05-28-2003, 07:33 AM

I definately believe in Stabil

Paper Clip · 05-28-2003, 10:10 AM

Stabil worked for me as well. I didn't even run the nower or do anything else. It just started right up.

Leto · 01-13-2009, 09:16 AM

it's alive! Okay, this is a snowblower question and I did search the threads, thereby resurrecting this one.

My 5 hp dual stage snowblower (brand name escapes me, MDG perhaps?) was purchased at Home Depot in 2000. It has worked like a charm since then, until this week. It appears that the impeller (the blades behind the auger that throws the snow out of the chute) spins freely when the machine is off (and the spark plug unplugged - I'm no Joe Sakic!) and I push it with my hand.

It also stops throwing snow when there is more than a light fluffy powder.

The auger still turns and chops up snow.

What am I looking at here? I know if I take it into a repair place, it will be several months before I see it again. Is there a home repair for this? I'm thinking that somewhere inside (where???) there is a belt, a gear or a breakaway bolt that has yielded.

By the way, 5 cm of snow coming today, another 5 tomorrow and thursday plus about 10 on Saturday.

As for the OP - I have always drained the gas out of my tank, usually in May, left the cap off to allow for evaporation, and then capped and unplugged the spark, and stored the machine away in the basement until october (it trades places with the lawnmower). I have had no issues with gas going bad etc.

Daval · 01-13-2009, 11:48 AM

Sounds like a gear has either broken, or come loose. Get in there with a flashlight and move the parts by hand. Do not, I repeat, do not have the snowblower running and be anywhere near the front of it.

thingstodo · 01-14-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apetaster

I know that there are those who swear by one method or the other. I prefer to put in stabilizer (I use Stabil) for the non-use period, run the unit for five minutes and then store it. This winter after being in storage mine started on the second pull - can't beat that. Mine is not the 'right' way, but it does juts fine by me.

I use the stuff year round. Put some in my gas cans every time I fill them. Then I put a little extra when I winter or summerize and run for 5 minutes. Been working like a charm for years.

dogzilla · 01-14-2009, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daval

Sounds like a gear has either broken, or come loose. Get in there with a flashlight and move the parts by hand. Do not, I repeat, do not have the snowblower running and be anywhere near the front of it.

There might be a shear pin on one of the gears that has broken. Old snowblowers had a pin like that so if anything hard enough to damage the snowblower got jammed, the pin would snap and protect the rest of the machine. To fix it, you punch out what's left of the old pin and drive in a new one.

Again, be sure the snowblower is not running when you check this.

Leto · 01-14-2009, 04:04 AM

ya, i am trying to find schematics of the machine. IF there is a shear pin for the impeller, it must be inside the gear box.

Oh yes, I wont do what Joe Sakic did!

Daval · 01-14-2009, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogzilla

There might be a shear pin on one of the gears that has broken. Old snowblowers had a pin like that so if anything hard enough to damage the snowblower got jammed, the pin would snap and protect the rest of the machine. To fix it, you punch out what's left of the old pin and drive in a new one.

Again, be sure the snowblower is not running when you check this.

I think this is probably it as well.

kazoo · 01-18-2009, 12:13 PM

Bought from Home Despot, it's probably an MTD, the conglomerate which builds machines labeled and sold under various names.

Go to MTD's website: BUYMTDONLINE.COM - MTD Genuine Factory Parts, accessories and attachments for all MTD brands including Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Bolens, White Outdoor, McCulloch, Huskee and Arnold and using your model and serial number, you should be able to locate an exploded diagram which will identify the shear pin or other frangible part which requires replacement.

If you have no local outdoor power equipment dealer, then whip out your plastic and order online.

thingstodo · 02-08-2009, 05:22 AM

This is the link I used to locate parts for my MTD. I was able to determine what I needed and then picked the parts up at a local store after calling to make sure they had the parts.

MTD Parts Lists MTD Lawn Mower Parts lists

Leto · 02-09-2009, 10:36 AM

Great, thanks for the last two posts... very helpful!

runtuff · 02-26-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apetaster

I know that there are those who swear by one method or the other. I prefer to put in stabilizer (I use Stabil) for the non-use period, run the unit for five minutes and then store it. This winter after being in storage mine started on the second pull - can't beat that. Mine is not the 'right' way, but it does juts fine by me.

Agreed! works well for mowers, tractors, leaf blowers, generators ANY gas engine.

downhill · 02-27-2009, 05:56 PM

Put in the Stabil, fill the gas tank full, fog the cylinder and forget about it till december. Filling the gas tank all the way prevents condesation from contaminating your gas with H2O.

Leto · 01-08-2010, 12:25 PM

Update: So, almost a year later and i got around to looking at my snowblower last week. The brand is Noma, and the motor is made by Tecumseh. My wife had a very good idea, look in the manual there usually is a trouble shooting section. So, I took a look and followed the instructions to remove the coweling and inspect the auger belt & the drive belts. There should be about half an inch of play in the auger belt.

so I did this, and found that there was about 2 to 3 inches of play in the auger belt. So following instructions, I tightened the tensioner pully, and re-assembled the cowl. Looks like this is the problem, as the belt was so loose, that any load would have caused it to slip around the auger pully, rather than turn it. I will test this weekend once I gas it up.

Instructions! Owner's Manuals. they are useful!

dlish · 01-08-2010, 01:05 PM

ahh..women, they're a useful bunch sometimes.

Hektore · 01-08-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leto

Update: So, almost a year later and i got around to looking at my snowblower last week. The brand is Noma, and the motor is made by Tecumseh. My wife had a very good idea, look in the manual there usually is a trouble shooting section. So, I took a look and followed the instructions to remove the coweling and inspect the auger belt & the drive belts. There should be about half an inch of play in the auger belt.

so I did this, and found that there was about 2 to 3 inches of play in the auger belt. So following instructions, I tightened the tensioner pully, and re-assembled the cowl. Looks like this is the problem, as the belt was so loose, that any load would have caused it to slip around the auger pully, rather than turn it. I will test this weekend once I gas it up.

Instructions! Owner's Manuals. they are useful!

Did you check the belt for frays/wear that could have given you the slack? The belt could be getting ready to go entirely. Even if it doesn't look like it is, at 10 years old I would just change it if it wasn't too much trouble.

Leto · 01-09-2010, 11:09 PM

You're right... and I did check for frays. It looks to be in pretty good shape, but I have placed a replacement order just to be ready!

Sion · 01-23-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leto

Instructions! Owner's Manuals. they are useful!

RTFM man...RTFM

Hektore · 01-24-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leto

You're right... and I did check for frays. It looks to be in pretty good shape, but I have placed a replacement order just to be ready!

I should have mentioned this already, when you put the new belt on, save the old one. You never know when/why a belt might snap and having the old one could be just enough to limp you through until you get it fixed properly. I save all my old belts that could still be used in a pinch.

Leto · 01-25-2010, 03:15 AM

Good idea. Thanks!

All I'm waiting for is snow. It's now the last week of January, and it's been above zero most of the month. We're calling it the winter that wasn't. Very strange for the Toronto area. It's all on account of el Nino (apparantly).

Bill O'Rights · 01-25-2010, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leto

Instructions! Owner's Manuals. they are useful!

Man Law:
When all else fails...read the instructions.

Leto · 01-25-2010, 09:55 AM

* revision 1:

not until your SO reminds you at least twice.

Plan9 · 01-25-2010, 10:13 AM

But I don't have a SO. I guess I'll just have to take care of my yard equipment on my own.

05-08-2003, 07:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
br0deur Upright Location: NY	Snow blower question... This past winter I bought a new snow blower. Now, that I'm pretty sure the snow is gone (for a few months), should I: a> Fill it with gas or b> Drain the gas out Thanks.

05-09-2003, 08:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	as it runs out of gas give the primer bulb a push or two. __________________ nice line eh?

05-28-2003, 07:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
rashorangutan Tilted Location: Pennsylvania, USA	I definately believe in Stabil __________________ There's a whole world all around us and we don't even realize it!

01-13-2009, 09:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	it's alive! Okay, this is a snowblower question and I did search the threads, thereby resurrecting this one. My 5 hp dual stage snowblower (brand name escapes me, MDG perhaps?) was purchased at Home Depot in 2000. It has worked like a charm since then, until this week. It appears that the impeller (the blades behind the auger that throws the snow out of the chute) spins freely when the machine is off (and the spark plug unplugged - I'm no Joe Sakic!) and I push it with my hand. It also stops throwing snow when there is more than a light fluffy powder. The auger still turns and chops up snow. What am I looking at here? I know if I take it into a repair place, it will be several months before I see it again. Is there a home repair for this? I'm thinking that somewhere inside (where???) there is a belt, a gear or a breakaway bolt that has yielded. By the way, 5 cm of snow coming today, another 5 tomorrow and thursday plus about 10 on Saturday. As for the OP - I have always drained the gas out of my tank, usually in May, left the cap off to allow for evaporation, and then capped and unplugged the spark, and stored the machine away in the basement until october (it trades places with the lawnmower). I have had no issues with gas going bad etc. __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-13-2009, 11:48 AM	#13 (permalink)
Daval Junkie Location: The True North Strong and Free!	Sounds like a gear has either broken, or come loose. Get in there with a flashlight and move the parts by hand. Do not, I repeat, do not have the snowblower running and be anywhere near the front of it. __________________ "It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it." Winston Churchill

05-09-2003, 02:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ashton PORNHOUND Location: California	Drain the gas, then start it and let it run until it dies..... although this is for long time storage it's a good idea because gas gets nasty just sitting.

05-09-2003, 02:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Gas goes bad and turns into gel and kerosene-like liquid after about 30 days. That stuff screws up carburetors.

05-09-2003, 02:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mango Banned	If you run it out of gas the seals on the carb could dry out. I put some anti gel shit in my snowblower and sled in the summer and in my mower & rototiller in the winter. After if put it in the tank I runit untill I am sure that the mixed fuel antigel shit has made it to the carb (2-3 minutes). I also buy "fogging oil". It is a spray oil that you spray into the air intake while the engine is running. Keep spraying untill it kills the engine, then put it away for the summer. The other way to use fogging oil is to pull the spark plug(s) and give aeach cylinder a good blast then with the plugs still out turn over the motor a few times to spread it around a little. Then put the plugs back in and forget it till next year.

05-09-2003, 03:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
apetaster Insane Location: P.R. Mass.	I know that there are those who swear by one method or the other. I prefer to put in stabilizer (I use Stabil) for the non-use period, run the unit for five minutes and then store it. This winter after being in storage mine started on the second pull - can't beat that. Mine is not the 'right' way, but it does juts fine by me.

05-10-2003, 02:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
apetaster Insane Location: P.R. Mass.	Yeah - next I have to get off my butt and label my three different gas cans at home - the big one is know is straight gas, but I can never remember which one has the mix for the chainsaw and which is for the weedwhacker/leaf blower.

05-27-2003, 10:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
sngx1275 Loser Location: Central Missouri	I'm going to have to agree with the Stabil guys. Never had a problem with that stuff.

05-28-2003, 10:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
Paper Clip Upright	Stabil worked for me as well. I didn't even run the nower or do anything else. It just started right up.

01-14-2009, 04:04 AM	#16 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	ya, i am trying to find schematics of the machine. IF there is a shear pin for the impeller, it must be inside the gear box. Oh yes, I wont do what Joe Sakic did! __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-18-2009, 12:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	Bought from Home Despot, it's probably an MTD, the conglomerate which builds machines labeled and sold under various names. Go to MTD's website: BUYMTDONLINE.COM - MTD Genuine Factory Parts, accessories and attachments for all MTD brands including Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Bolens, White Outdoor, McCulloch, Huskee and Arnold and using your model and serial number, you should be able to locate an exploded diagram which will identify the shear pin or other frangible part which requires replacement. If you have no local outdoor power equipment dealer, then whip out your plastic and order online. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

02-08-2009, 05:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	This is the link I used to locate parts for my MTD. I was able to determine what I needed and then picked the parts up at a local store after calling to make sure they had the parts. MTD Parts Lists MTD Lawn Mower Parts lists __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

01-08-2010, 01:05 PM	#24 (permalink)
dlish Currently sour but formerly Dlishs Super Moderator Location: Australia/UAE	ahh..women, they're a useful bunch sometimes. __________________ An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere I always sign my facebook comments with ()()===========(}. Does that make me gay? - Filthy

02-09-2009, 10:36 AM	#20 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	Great, thanks for the last two posts... very helpful! __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

02-27-2009, 05:56 PM	#22 (permalink)
downhill Upright Location: west michigan	Put in the Stabil, fill the gas tank full, fog the cylinder and forget about it till december. Filling the gas tank all the way prevents condesation from contaminating your gas with H2O.

01-08-2010, 12:25 PM	#23 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	Update: So, almost a year later and i got around to looking at my snowblower last week. The brand is Noma, and the motor is made by Tecumseh. My wife had a very good idea, look in the manual there usually is a trouble shooting section. So, I took a look and followed the instructions to remove the coweling and inspect the auger belt & the drive belts. There should be about half an inch of play in the auger belt. so I did this, and found that there was about 2 to 3 inches of play in the auger belt. So following instructions, I tightened the tensioner pully, and re-assembled the cowl. Looks like this is the problem, as the belt was so loose, that any load would have caused it to slip around the auger pully, rather than turn it. I will test this weekend once I gas it up. Instructions! Owner's Manuals. they are useful! __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-09-2010, 11:09 PM	#26 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	You're right... and I did check for frays. It looks to be in pretty good shape, but I have placed a replacement order just to be ready! __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-25-2010, 03:15 AM	#29 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	Good idea. Thanks! All I'm waiting for is snow. It's now the last week of January, and it's been above zero most of the month. We're calling it the winter that wasn't. Very strange for the Toronto area. It's all on account of el Nino (apparantly). __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-25-2010, 09:55 AM	#31 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	* revision 1: not until your SO reminds you at least twice. __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

01-25-2010, 10:13 AM	#32 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	But I don't have a SO. I guess I'll just have to take care of my yard equipment on my own.