Get Your Snow Thrower Ready, Here Comes the Snow!
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by: Michael P. King
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Word Count: 409
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 Time: 12:48 PM
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Keys to Starting the Season Right!
1. Pull out the owner’s manual and give yourself a refresher course on how your snow thrower operates. Every snow blower is different. Is it a single-stage or two-stage model? Is your snow thrower engine a two-stroke (pre-mix gas/oil) or a 4-stroke?
2. Fill the tank with fresh gasoline. “Stale gasoline” is increasingly identified by repair shops as a major cause of small engine failures that can destroy engines and result in big repair bills. Engine manufacturers tell us we should not use gasoline that is more than 60 or even 30 days old. The addition of a fuel stabilizer can help extend the life of your fuel.
3. Check the spark plug. Remove the spark plug and ground the "hex" part of the spark plug to a bare metal part of the engine. Remove any spilled gasoline that is nearby, then spin the engine by pulling the rope or turning the key. You should see a blue spark jump across the plug gap.
4. Check the oil level. If it is a 4-stroke engine, check the oil level on a snow thrower the same way as you do a car. Make sure the dip stick shows the oil level as “full”. If you need more oil, refer to your owner’s manual to find the specific type of oil your snow thrower requires. Remember to keep the oil cap clean so no moisture can get in the oil tank.
5. Check the air filter. If there appears to be excessive dirt build up, the filter should be replaced. From one season to the next the filter can become quite dirty. They are inexpensive to replace and will increase your engine’s life.
These five steps are essential to proper snow thrower operation. Each step is quick, easy, and will make you the most popular person on the block – when bad weather strikes, everyone will rely on you to keep the neighborhood clear of that pesky snow!
About the Author
Michael P. King, Director of Sales & Marketing for THDRepair, one of the largest equipment repair specialists in the U.S., has held a number of positions within the company over the past 10 years, previously as Director of Operations and Director of Business Development. Mike has been certified as an OPEESA 4-stroke technician and as a Generac standby generator installer.
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