Every year I top off the fuel and add Stabil to my Ariens snowblower. Last year was no different. At the beginning of this winter season it started right up like it always does but I never had the need for the machine this winter. My question is should I drain the fuel and Stabil out and refill it with fresh or can I get away with another year with the same fuel and stabilizer? Thanks guys.

I add extra Stabil to the tank. It actually stays in my jugs always. Make sure it mixes well. I then run it and turn the gas valve off until the engine dies. Good enough.

If the gas is a year old, maybe use it in your mower and put in a fresh mix.

I always drain the gas from mine and only us real gas.

I'm pretty sure the recommended dose of Stabil keeps the fuel good for 12 months.

Shouldn't that be summerizing?

This weekend I will just siphon off the fuel tank into my gas can, run the snow blower till it's out of gas, and call it good. That's all I have ever done as far as summarizing my snow blower.

I put a new sparkplug in it once a year before I first start it, and change the oil every couple years or so.

If the gas is already old, I’d drain it and use that in my truck, then just leave the blower empty until next winter

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
Shouldn't that be summerizing?

Yeah. Winterizing a snow blower is something you do when you have a hot water heater.

With mine, I shut the gas off and let the engine run dry. But I don't drain the tank. I've put 2 year old stabiled gas through it without issue.

FWIW, my lawnmower/small engine mechanic told me never to use Stabil; says it's junk. I used to use it in my gas and almost every year the lawnmower would quit on me and I'd have it back to him. He asked me if I used a gas stabilizer; said I used Stabil. He said that's part of your problem and to use a different brand. No issues since I followed his advice.

I am fortunate enough to have a place I can get non-ethanol gas. The ethanol eats small engine carbs. I don't use a fuel stabilizer anymore, I simply rotate my gas every six months - dump into the car and go get fresh gas (the gas feeds the lawnmower, leaf/stick shredder and 2.4KW generator).

I run my lawnmower dry at the end of every season.

A mechanic that serviced my sisters snowblower at the local repair shop said to stay away from Stabil. Advised that I should use Startron. A lot better for engines like snowblower, lawnmowers etc. I have a shitload of Stabil right now, but when I get low, I will take a look at Startron. I use non-ethanol gas in all my engines.

I'd drain it and pour it in your car and burn it up. 20 minutes to drain it, is a lot better than have carb or other fuel issues. Might as well run it periodically also.

I run all my engines dry at the end of season, screwed up too many carbs with ethanol. There is no additive that will completely eliminate phase separation.
https://www.westmarine.com/Wes...g-Ethanol-Fuel-Myths

Will be summerizing my snow blower this weekend.

Drained and done. Thanks guys.

I always siphon as much as I can and save for the lawn mower, then run the blower until every drop is burned off, then park in the shed.