🥶 Winterizing Your Blower: A Step-by-Step for Long-Term Storage

The leaves are finally gone, the weather is turning cold, and your faithful leaf blower is ready for a long winter’s nap. Don’t just toss it in the shed! Improper storage is the number one killer of small engines, leading to gummed-up carburetors, rusted pistons, and frustrating spring startups.

Whether you run a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke model, proper winterization is essential for a seamless start next season. Here is the definitive, step-by-step checklist for putting your blower into safe, long-term storage.

1. Fuel System Preparation (The Most Critical Step)

Old gasoline is the enemy of small engines. It breaks down, leaves sticky varnish, and attracts moisture. You have two options here:

• Option A: Run It Dry (Preferred Method for 2-Strokes)
  • Add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel in the tank (follow the stabilizer directions for mixing ratio).
  • Run the blower for 5–10 minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the carburetor.
  • Turn off the engine, drain the remaining fuel from the tank into an approved container.
  • Start the engine again and let it run until it stalls out and dies. This ensures the carburetor bowl and fuel lines are completely empty of fuel.
• Option B: Stabilize and Fill
  • If running it dry is difficult (e.g., for some 4-strokes), add fuel stabilizer to the tank and fill the tank completely with fresh, stabilized fuel. A full tank leaves less room for condensation to form inside the tank.

2. Engine and Combustion Care

The engine itself needs protection from moisture and sticking.

• Remove the Spark Plug: Use a socket wrench to carefully remove the spark plug.
• Add Engine Oil (Fogging): Squirt a small amount (about a teaspoon) of engine oil or specialty fogging oil into the spark plug hole.
• Turn the Engine Over: Gently pull the starter cord 2–3 times. This distributes the oil onto the cylinder walls, lubricating the piston and preventing the formation of rust (a major cause of a “stuck” engine in the spring).
• Reinstall the Spark Plug: If the plug is old or dirty, replace it with a new one; otherwise, re-install the cleaned, existing plug.

3. General Maintenance and Cleaning

Take the time now to ensure the blower is clean and ready for immediate use next season.

• Clean the Unit: Remove debris, dust, and caked-on leaves from the exterior housing. Pay special attention to the cooling fins on the engine and the air intake screen. A clogged screen will cause the engine to overheat next spring.
• Air Filter Inspection: Remove the air filter. Clean it if it’s a foam type, or replace it if it’s paper and looks dirty or saturated. Store the blower with a clean filter installed.
• Check Spark Arrestor Screen (if applicable): On 2-stroke engines, remove the muffler cover and inspect the spark arrestor screen. Clean it with a wire brush if it is covered in carbon deposits.
• Inspect and Lubricate Cables/Controls: Wipe down the throttle cable and choke linkage. Apply a light oil or graphite lubricant to all moving control points.

4. Blower Tube and Storage

The final steps ensure the plastic and hoses remain in good condition.

• Remove the Blower Tube: Disassemble any detachable tubes or nozzles. This makes the unit smaller and prevents plastic pieces from warping or cracking if they are squeezed during storage.
• Choose the Right Location: Store the blower in a dry, clean location where temperatures remain relatively stable. Avoid storing it directly on a cold concrete floor, as this can draw moisture. A shelf or a storage bin is ideal.

By following these four simple steps, you guarantee that your leaf blower will be protected from the harsh effects of long-term inactivity, ensuring a quick and easy start when the yard work begins again!