Like any machine, changing the oil in your snow blower is an essential part of its maintenance. Doing it correctly can help keep your snow blower engine running smoothly and extend its service life.
That said, there are several considerations to keep in mind when learning how to change oil in a snow blower. You’ll need to think about your safety, the required tools and materials, and the steps to draining, replacing, and filling the tank with new oil.
You will also need to learn how to check for leaks, clean up your work area, and figure out how often you’ll need to change snow blower oil.
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Safety Considerations
When changing the oil in your snow blower, it is important to take safety precautions. With these things in mind, you can guarantee not only your safety but also your machine’s:
- Make sure to turn the snow blower off and let it cool down before attempting to work on it. Avoid any contact with the hot engine, which can result in serious burns.
- Always wear eye and hand protection when handling the oil and other parts of the snow blower.
- Be extra careful when working around the spark plug, as it can cause an electric arc.
For snow blowers with larger engines, it is important to check the oil level before starting. Poor oil quality can also damage engine internals and reduce engine life.
What You’ll Need
Before you start changing the oil in your snow blower, you need to make sure you have all the right tools and materials to get the job done safely and correctly. Here is a list of the tools and materials you will need to change the oil in your snow blower:
- Engine oil
- A container for the old oil
- An oil filter for your specific snow blower model
- Oil drain plug and drain tube
- Oil fill tube
- A funnel
- Gloves and safety glasses
- A rag or paper towels
- A spark plug wrench
- A gas tank for larger engines
Depending on the size of the engine, you may need additional tools. For larger engine blowers, you may need a drain filter and a drain hole. You should also have the owner’s manual handy so you can refer to it if needed.
Most importantly, make sure you have the right type of engine oil. As mentioned, poor engine oil quality can significantly reduce the life of your engine and cause problems with engine startup and operation.
If you are unsure of what type of engine oil to use, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
How To Change Oil in a Snow Blower
After preparing all the necessary tools and materials, follow these steps to change the oil in your snow blower:
Step 1: Drain the Old Oil
Before you can fill the snow blower with new oil, you need to drain the old oil. To start, use a rag to wipe off any dirt or debris around the oil drain plug to ensure a good seal when you remove the plug.
Next, locate the oil drain plug and remove it. Many snow blowers have a drain tube attached to the drain plug, allowing you to direct the oil into a container. If your snow blower does not have a drain tube, you can use a pan or tray to catch the draining oil.
Once all the oil has been drained, use a rag to clean up any spilled oil. Then, replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
Step 2: Replace the Oil Filter
After draining the oil from the snow blower, it is important to replace the oil filter. This is a crucial part of the process, as a clean oil filter will help the snow blower engine run more efficiently and last longer.
Start by removing the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, being careful not to damage the filter. Once the filter is off, use a small brush to clean out any old oil or dirt that is trapped in the filter. Then, use a rag to wipe the area around the oil filter housing.
Finally, install the new filter and tighten it with the filter wrench. Make sure not to overtighten it; just make sure it is secure.
Step 3: Fill with New Oil
After replacing the filter, it is time to fill the snow blower with new oil. Start by consulting the user manual to find the exact type of oil to use in the engine. It is important to use the right type of oil to ensure optimal engine performance and to extend the life of the engine.
If the user manual doesn’t specify the type of oil to use, a 10W-30 synthetic oil is a good choice. However, if your snow blower’s engine is larger, you may need to use a thicker oil. If you are unsure, consult a professional.
Before you start filling the snow blower with new oil, make sure the engine is cool and the spark plug has been removed. Place the snow blower on a flat surface and locate the oil fill tube.
Most snow blower engines have an oil fill tube near the gas tank. Insert the oil fill tube into the oil container and slowly pour the oil into the snow blower. Make sure not to overfill the engine. To do this, add only the recommended amount of oil to the oil fill tube.
Be sure to check the oil level with the dipstick after filling to make sure it’s at the proper level. When the oil reaches the proper oil level, stop pouring and replace the oil fill tube and ensure it is secure.
Step 4: Start the Snow Blower
Now that the oil has been changed, it is time to start the snow blower. Start the engine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure that the gas tank is full and the spark plug is in the “on” position.
Once the engine has started, leave it idle for a few minutes. Make sure you are standing away from the snow blower while it’s running and that you’re wearing protective gear.
Step 5: Check for Leaks
Next, shut off the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before checking for any leaks. Look for any oil that may have seeped around the drain filter or drain hole. If you find any, shut off the engine and address them before continuing. You can also try tightening the drain plug and fill tube and see if that solves the issue.
When you’re done checking for leaks and tightening any loose connections, you are ready to clean up your work area.
Step 6: Clean Up the Area
Begin by wiping off any oil that has spilled on the snow blower, and dispose of the used oil in an appropriate container. Make sure to securely tighten the spark plug, oil drain plug, and oil fill tube. Replace the oil filter and any other components that were removed.
Finally, if the snow blower has a gas tank, make sure it is securely closed. Following these steps will ensure the engine is in good condition and will help extend the life of your snow blower.
How Often To Change Snow Blower Oil
It is important to know how often to change the oil in your snow blower to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Generally, it is recommended to change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year, whichever comes first.
If you use your snow blower often in cold temperatures, you should change the oil more frequently. Larger engines may need an oil change every 25 hours of operation.
Poor oil quality can reduce the life of an engine, so it is important to use a high-quality product when changing the oil. If you have any questions about how often you should change the oil in your snow blower, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified technician.
Changing Snow Blower Oil Like a Pro
Learning how to change oil in a snow blower does not end after you’ve replaced it; you should also know how to check for leaks. Give it a few minutes to warm up before assessing the oil level and checking for any issues. If all is in order, you are ready to put your snow blower to work.
Your snow blower engine should remain in peak condition for many hours of operation if you regularly maintain it and use the correct type of oil. With proper care, you can expect your snow blower to last for many years.
