Category: Snow Blower

Snow Blower Oils Revisited

A post I made in 2011 talked about how to select an oil to use in your snow blower. Things have changed recently in the minimum API specification of automotive oils that have outdated those suggestions.

The new API SN specifications have lowered the amount of ZDDP anti-wear additives so much that I’ve decided to no longer suggest regular vehicle oil to be used in air cooled lawn and garden equipment. Air cooled equipment is abused and works so much harder in a much more difficult environment than your daily driver liquid cooled vehicle.

The cost of a quality oil – which is just a few dollars more – versus the possible repair bill is something you’ll have to choose. I made my choice based on my recent experience with an over rev’ing situation which needed the extra protection of an oil designed for air cooled outdoor power equipment.
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Fall Maintenance

The leaves turning, nights getting cooler and mornings crisper is a signal that the seasons are changing. It’s time to start thinking about putting away summer equipment while looking over any winter gear that may need some work before the snow flies. Don’t forget to maintain those daily drivers to help them make it through another winter.

The fall is the perfect time to change the oil on your daily driver if you’re on an extended 6-month/15,000-km schedule using either the Signature Series or the XL Series from the 3 tiers of AMSOIL engine oils. Our 2005 Vibe was changed last weekend and is now good until May of 2013 or 20,000-kms.

I think it’s too soon to put the bikes away but those early morning starts without synthetics in the crank case may become a bit more harsh. Try one of the AMSOIL motorcycle oils to help with extream temperatures like cold starts and hot idling in the heat of the summer. In my opinon fresh oil is the best way to store any piece of equipment/vehicle. AMSOIL motorcycle oils have excellent anti-corrosion additives that lesser oils may be lacking.

How do you remember what needs to be done? Especally if you’re maintaining the equipment for an entire house, family or small fleet?
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Video: Snow Blower Maintenance

This is a new video from the AMSOIL Information series about snow thrower maintenance – including storage over the summer.

Since the temperature hit 17°C today it seems like the right time to start thinking about putting the snow blowers away and looking at preparing the mowers for fresh spring grass. The snow blower didn’t even get used this winter at our house in Mississauga so it should be a very easy job this year.

If you’ve used quickshot all winter you should now add a proper fuel stabilizer to your last tank or run/drain your tank dry before putting the machine into storage this summer.

Snow Blower Oils

I’ve updated these suggestions – please click here to see my new snow blower recommendations.

AMSOIL has a variety of oils that will protect your snow blower this winter. The first step when deciding what oil to run in your snow blower is to read the users manual. Usually it suggests a 5W-30 or synthetic 0W-30 oil since you’ll be running the equipment in sub-zero temperatures.

Every time someone asks me what oil they should use in their snow blower it usually leads to a much longer conversation as I end up asking these questions.

  • Do you have a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine on your snow thrower?
  • What oil are you currently using in your vehicles or other OPE?
  • How cold do you expect winter to be in your area and where do you store your snow blower?
  • Do you purchase fuel that doesn’t contain ethanol?

Continue reading Snow Blower Oils

How To Cross Reference NGK Spark Plugs

I’ve got an old beat up snow blower that needs a new plug for the Tecumseh Sno-King engine.
There is a Champion plug in there right now with the model number RJ19LM.

The easiest way to find the AMSOIL NGK plug stock number is to use the NGK Plugs and Wires Cross Reference found on the right side links of the amsoil.com website.

Type in “RJ19LM” into the Manufacture Part Number text box and click the “Cross Reference” button to look for matching plugs/wires.

It will return a table similar to this or an empty table if a matching product can’t be found:

Part Type        NGK Part Number      AMSOIL Stock Code      
Plugs BR2LM NGK5798

Signature Series Showcased in Magazine Ads

AMSOIL has showcased its Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil line in two national print magazines Car & Driver and Popular Mechanics.

As an AMSOIL independent dealer I’m looking forward to working with people who have read the ads and are interested in more information about AMSOIL products and business opportunities. Feel free to reach out and contact me directly for more information or though the AMSOIL online store.

AMSOIL has a wealth of excellent products above and beyond automotive applications. Motorcycles, ATV’s, watercraft and all kinds of outdoor power equipment just to name a few.