What maintenance you should be doing after every snow blower use and before summer storage
Snow blowers across the country have been operating on overtime this season. Extreme use translates into the need for mid-season attention and snow blower maintenance.
AFTER EVERY SNOW BLOWER USE:
1. Turn down the throttle and let the engine cool gradually, particularly after use for extended periods of time.
2. When you turn off the snow blower, use a snow brush to finish clearing snow from the exterior, auger area and chute.
3. Bring snow blower inside garage and place on a rubberized mat to capture the additional melting snow. Some people use a small heater to quickly melt remaining residue.
4. After all excess snow has been removed, dry surfaces with towel.
5. Spray exterior, interior auger area and chute with a protective coating such as 2155 BACK DOWN All Season Surface Repellent. This specially formulated wax keeps snow, slush and ice from sticking on snow blower surfaces during the next use.
BEFORE SUMMER STORAGE:
1. Drain gas tank and change oil.
2. Wash snow blower thoroughly to remove dirt and salt. Dry with a towel. Treat any metal areas showing rust. In most cases, using a light-duty penetrant, such as 5340 MR. MECHANIC Penetrating Lubricant will do the job. Just spray and wipe to remove light rust and have it displace moisture, lubricate, penetrate and prevent corrosion.
For more stubborn rust, using a product such as 5960 REVIVE Rust Converter Spray chemically converts rust to an inert black polymer-based coating that prevents future rust from forming and can be painted for improved appearance. Finalize by spraying surfaces with 5540 DEFENSE EF Metal Parts Protector which gives long-lasting protection from rust and corrosion.
If the auger paddles are plastic, apply 2155 BACK DOWN All-Season Surface Repellent on all surfaces for protection during storage.
3. Lubricate all moving metal parts (chute direction control, shifter linkage, etc.) and gears with a lithium grease, such as 5830 SAFE BET Multi-Purpose Penetrating Lithium Spray Lubricant. It sprays on like an oil and sets up to a tough grease in minutes to lubricate, penetrate and prevent rust.
4. If removing the gear box cover for maintenance, use 5460 SURRENDER Anti-Seize on the bolts before replacing them to make future access easier. Ditto for use on the axle extension if removing wheels.
Additionally, summer storage maintenance is a good time to check for wear and tear on belts, spark plugs, tire pressure, scraper blade and skid shoes.
As with any maintenance performed on equipment, refer to your operating manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.