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Lockedregular gas vs. premium gas for snow blower

posted on February 09, 2010 at 05:34PM Inappropriate?

I recently received (as a hand-me-down) a decent size Craftsman snow blower.  It is only a few years old.  I heard a rumor that the gasoline companies were changing the chemical make-up of gas.  As a result, it was recommended that I switch to using premium gas.  Does anyone know if this is true?  Should I use regular or premium?  If I should switch, is it ok to add premium to the regular gas already in the snow blower?

Also, is it recommended to maintain the snow blower at the end of the winter, or before the winter comes (including changing oil, spark plugs, filters, etc.)?  If I don't know how to do the maintenance, how do I find someone reputtable to do it for me, for a fair price?  Thanks for the advice.

replies: 2 latest post: February 09, 2010 at 07:44PM by stpaulcaddydaddy
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posted on February 09, 2010 at 07:33PM
 
In response to syrsoc's post from February 09 2010 05:34PM

Hi Sy, fresh regular gas is recommended, less than 30 days old, put any old gas in your car(it's fine). Gas has 10% ethanol which releases water molecules over time. There are no air, oil or fuel filters. A spark plug should last a few years but always check it and pour a little oil in the plug hole, then pull the recoil once to lubricate the cylinder during storage. I do this and change the oil in spring when the sand and salt gets hosed off. There are other lubrication points inside that are simple to do too. You can do this. Got a model number and manual?

posted on February 09, 2010 at 07:44PM
 

Use regular gas.  Use a fuel stabilizer.  Mixing grades of gasoline is immaterial.  Buy your gas from a reputable station.  Do maintenance at the end of the season.  Used engine oil contains acids and contaminants that shouldn't be left in the engine all summer.  Change once a season.  Use correct weight and amount of oil.  Suggest you use a synthetic.  (Typically less than 1 quart).  Download an owners manual if you can, typically there are no filters.  Run ALL of the fuel out before you put it into storage for the summer.  Run until the engine stalls, set the choke to full and run until it stalls again.  Wait 5 minutes and try to start one more time.  Then, pull the spark plug and put a few ounces of oil on top of the piston.  I use a cheap pump type oil can with engine oil in it.  Pull the engine over slowly to distribute the oil and replace the spark plug. Clean, lubricate everything and put it in the corner.  A cover is a worthwhile investment.  Next season, it's ready to run for the first snow.  Takes less than an hour and you save a considerable amount of money doing it yourself.  Check the belts every few years.      

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