Forgot to empty fuel from snow blower last year

[scottie]

so we used the snow blower last year and put it away in storage without emptying the tank- not sure what I was thinking. Would I be ok with trying to start it with the current fuel that has been sitting in there? I wasnt sure if that would do any possible harm if I ran it to burn off the old gas. Any tips on best practice would be appreciated!

 

[GeorgeG]

I think you would be okay trying to start the snowblower. It may balk a bit, but if it starts just let it run for awhile at idle and then at higher speed. The gas should be good. The little bit that sat in the carburator might be a bit gummed up, but once it runs a bit it should be okay.

 

[bigredbill]

While certainly not recommended, it should be OK. May be a tough first start. I'd get it running well before you need it the first time.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

There's no damage that would be done to your engine from this gas. The reason for draining it is that it can gum up the carb and make the engine difficult to start. If you can get it running, by all means run it. If you can't. You may need to drain it & start fresh.

 

[thylightguy]

Just shake/move it around so that the gas can mix any separation that might have taken place. This used to happen with my motorcycle. No big deal.

 

[peabody58]

Pulled my Snowblower out the other day with gas left in all year. Fired right up and is ready for winter.

 

[mrodgers]

Tractor- use between May and October then stored. Never drain or run out the gas.

Tiller - used twice a year, in May then in September/October. Never drain or run out the gas.

Push mower - Used between May and October then stored. Never drain or run out the gas.

Motorcycle - Used between May and October then stored. Never drain or run out the gas. Needs stored with full tank of gas to eliminate possible rust in the tank.

Snow blower - Used between November/December to March. Never drain or run out the gas.

I have never used stabilizer. I never have a problem.

 

[scottie]

Decided to give it a try at starting today after finding the old 2cycle bottle and realizing it included stabilizer. Snow blower started up fine...happy camper!

 

[Imzadi]

Tractor- use between May and October then stored. Never drain or run out the gas.

Tiller - used twice a year, in May then in September/October. Never drain or run out the gas.

Push mower - Used between May and October then stored. Never drain or run out the gas.

Motorcycle - Used between May and October then stored. Never drain or run out the gas. Needs stored with full tank of gas to eliminate possible rust in the tank.

Snow blower - Used between November/December to March. Never drain or run out the gas.

I have never used stabilizer. I never have a problem.

Yes, I never knew leaving the gas in was a problem? Growing up, we'd leave the gas in the lawn mower all year, in the motorcycles, and cars that were being worked on and don't get up & running for months on end. Those were the years before they put 'detergent' & stuff in gas.

 

[PeterPanic]

In 25 years of snow blower usage I NEVER drained the gas out of it at the end of the season. In the fall I would top it off with fresh gas and almost always started it on the first pull. Same with my lawnmowers and I kept them for years. Never any problems, so don't worry. It will be fine.

 

[Sweettears]

Not an expert but it might depend on the additives and where you live. I'm in Chicago area. If I don't run out the gas I can't start it next season no matter what it is. Mower, tiller, blower.....

 

[Anne34]

We also live in Chicago and never drain the fuel from our snow blower or lawn mower. We have never had a problem. Sometimes the first start takes a couple tries, but they always start!

 

[clarkshel]

I always leave fuel in my lawnmower through the winter. It starts up right away in the spring and I don't have any problems. I'm sure this would be the same for a snowblower.

 

[manning]

I've left fuel in and had no problem starting. The first thing I do when I get gas is mix Sta-bil fuel Stabilizer with the gas in the can.