For gas snow blower users, there's a very practical question that also seems to ask itself: can you use stale gas in a snow blower? It's not only about convenience; it's also about performance and equipment longevity, as well as safety.
The Application of Gasoline in Your Snow Blower
Gas snow blowers, such as those provided by PowerSmart, utilize gasoline to fuel their devices. PowerSmart, the leading developer of high-performance outdoor power products, has a series of gas snow blowers that are built for performance and durability. Their products incorporate such powerful motors as the 208cc Briggs & Stratton motor that provide high-end clearing capability. These snow blowers also come with sophisticated specifications like electric start, hand warming, and anti-clogging technology which is meant to make the process of removing snow easy even during harsh weather conditions.
What Happens When You Use Old Gas in Your Snow Blower
Old gas is typically gas that has been sitting in your gas tank or fuel reservoir for more than 30 days. Gasoline, especially if it is stored incorrectly, will degrade over time. It may begin to chemically break down, lose its combustible qualities, and produce byproducts that are harmful to your engine.
Some of the risks of using old gasoline in your snow blower are:
1. Engine Performance Issues: Stale gas becomes non-volatile and makes the engine reluctant to start or fail to start. The fuel will not burn and lead to misfires, rough idling, or the engine failing to run.
2. Fuel Line Plugging: Degraded gasoline will typically cause varnish-type deposits that will plug fuel lines, the carburetor, and fuel injectors. This will hinder the engine from not being able to get a steady supply of fuel, hence leading to running malfunctions.
3. Corrosion: Stale gas, over time, can lead to rust and corrosion in the fuel system. It can destroy such essential components as the fuel tank, fuel lines, and the carburetor, thus losing one money.
4. Less Efficiency of Snow Blower: The engine won't be able to work at its best if the fuel quality is not good. Your snow blower may not blow snow as well or take longer and harder to get the work done.
How Long Gas Can Last in a Snow Blower?
Gasoline, according to industry estimates, begins to degrade after about 30 days. This is why it is usually best to store fuel in your snow blower for a short period between uses.
The following are some handy tips on how to handle fuel in your gas snow blower.
1. Use Fuel Stabilizers: When you have to store gas in your snow blower for more than a couple of months, utilizing the services of a fuel stabilizer proves to be beneficial. Fuel stabilizers will decelerate the oxidation process and prevent the fuel from becoming stale in the long run. Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer is an industry-used product to provide the maximum possible utilization of the fuel.
2. Drain the Gas Tank: Draining the gas tank to zero before you put your snow blower away for the summer season is something you should do. It keeps stale gas from accumulating in the machinery over the off-season and playing havoc with it when you go to retrieve it the next winter.
3. Proper Storage: Make sure you keep gasoline in a dry, cool location, not near heat or sunlight, which can speed up the breakdown of the fuel. If you are storing gas cans, make sure they are tightly closed to keep air out.
4. Use New Gas Every Season: Swapping to new gasoline every winter season is among the best techniques. This will have your snow blower running smoothly along right from the first pull of the cord. Also, always use the correct octane fuel as specified in your snow blower manual.
What About Mixed Gas or Fuel Additives?
The second question is whether to blend fuel additives or blended gas. Some users wonder if it is worth blending oil and gasoline to achieve a certain fuel blend to keep the engine healthy. While it might be beneficial in some two-cycle engines, it is unnecessary and even harmful to most gas snow blowers with four-cycle engines like PowerSmart gas snow blowers.
For instance, PowerSmart products such as the 24" 208cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower feature Briggs & Stratton engines and are straight-gas ready without oil mixing. Make sure to read your manufacturer's manual before using gas additives or adding oil to the gas.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Gas Snow Blower Running
There's more to maintenance than just right fueling of your snow blower. In order to keep your equipment performing at its best throughout the entire winter season, adopt these simple maintenance habits:
1. Timed Oil Changes: Supply frequent oil changes so motors never gain wear. The PowerSmart HB7109A is one such device. It accommodates 20.29 fl.oz of motor oil capacity within its engine, and oil changes on time deliver peak performance.
2. Clean Snow Blower After Use: Snow and ice jam up parts of the snow blower, damaging and lessening its efficiency. Clean the auger, chute, and engine after every use to keep the snow blower in top condition.
3. Check Spark Plugs: Check and clean the spark plugs from time to time. A dirty or worn-out spark plug will make it difficult to start and cause the engine not to run efficiently.
4.Test the Electric Start: An electric start power snow blower such as the PowerSmart HB7109B should also be tested periodically to verify the start system operates perfectly even in colder environments.
Conclusion: Fresh Gas for Better Performance
In general, using old gas with your snow blower is not a good idea. The dangers—the faulty engine performance, clogs, and rusting—overweigh the advantages immensely. To ensure that your snow blower operates smoothly and efficiently, always use fresh fuel, consider fuel stabilizers for long-term storage, and follow proper maintenance practices. If you’re in the market for a reliable and high-performance snow blower, look no further than PowerSmart. With their line of gas-powered snow blowers, fueled by high-powered engines, innovative features, and first-class customer service, PowerSmart is the best for homeowners and businesses alike.
