Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Spring Snowblower Tune-Up????

I know what most of you are thinking!  What, Tune-Up my Snowblower in April or May! What are you thinking...we might get a snowstorm in June???  Well, when you have done as many Snowblower Tune-Ups as I have over the years, you start to see what exactly the life cycle holds for these warriors of  the cold, wet and snow!
You see, the main enemy of your Snowblower is all the fluctuations in temperature between last use (Feb. or Mar.) and the first use of next season!  Yes, temperature fluctuations and the old gas left in your machine are the Cancer cells waiting to attack! True, a few of you do drain the gas but the problem is not in the gas tank per say as it is the residue gas remaining in the carburetor bowl and channels!  This is the gas that goes bad, sour and turns green and leaves my hands stinking for days even with multiple washes!  This is the poison that dries up, clogging the channels and emulsion tube of your machine's carburetor! Ever wonder why your 2-8 year old machine only runs on 3/4 or 1/2 chock best.... it's because your machine is already partially plugged up.  In order for the reduced amount of gas vapor making it into your machine's engine chamber, the carburetor has to equally reduce the air coming in to compensate for a too high air/gas ratio.  So now your know...why treating you gas or gas can with fuel stabilizer is very important....a Small Engine Tech will do this as part of the Spring tune-up.
Secondly, old worn oil left in your machine is also a problem waiting to happen as particles can work their way to the carburetor further compounding a bad problem.  Changing your oil at end of season is the best solution as your machine will stay cleaner and a clean snowblower is a happy one! Remember to use quality 5W30 or Snowblower Oil made especially for blowers.  Once again, a Spring tune-up by your small engine tech will take care of this...
Your machine was made for years of dependable service.  However, new machines are made with thinner and cheaper quality steel hull contruction. This means with all that wet exposure during the snow season, your machine will start rusting out from day 1.  Your small engine tech will know to lubricate all the places vulnerabe and those difficult to reach such as the gear housing and a few places under the machine.  Also, the auger housing needs special attention with low temperature grease in order to prevent a vibration from developing.  Again, your small engine tech will take care of this for you when completing your Spring tune-up.
The Snowblower business is seasonal.  You don't need to be a genius to figure that one out!  But by waiting to Oct., Nov., or Dec. to receive your  tune-up/serving, your probably paying a seasonal premium.  The moral here is get your Snowblower tune-up in early Spring to keep your machine the healthiest and save money.  Savings can be as great as 50+ dollars per tune-up!
Finally, why wait until late Fall to get your tune-up?  Most small engine shops are very busy at this time with blowers and do you really think yours will get the full attention it needs?  Likely not as the assembly line must move on.  Additionally, wait times are longer and you may need to have it trasported there and back which is costly.  Look for a qualified mobile tech who can perform the tune-up right in your garage.  You can then watch the whole process and make sure your getting your monies worth!  Oh, and more point!  By getting this tune-up early, you won't suffer from potential parts which may need to be ordered to fix your machine.  After all, it's Spring and time is on your side!
So, don't hesitate, call your small engine tech in April and book your tune-up! You will be happy you did and your pocket book even happier!
Once last important point!  Less than 1 snowblower in a thousand is treated regularly with Polymer in the auger housing area!  What your saying??  Yes, similar to non-stick cooking spray, the Polymer spray is lightly absorbed and not only does your snow NOT stick to the metal but you can throw it up to 20% further!  Sadly, those 999 blowers not treated are those tune-up in wet late Fall or early Winter.  The auger housing is already moist, wet or worse, has snow and/or ice build up within.  Thus, Polymer treatment is almost futile!  Yes, it can be done but not properly or to high standards.  Just the cold itself will prevent a good bind with the metal!  So what are you waiting for, pick up that phone in April and get your blower done right!

No comments:

Post a Comment