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How to Winterize a Backpack Blower

Published in Equipment Maintenance 6 mins read

Winterizing your backpack blower is a vital maintenance step that ensures its longevity, prevents costly damage, and guarantees reliable performance when you need it again next season. This process systematically prepares the engine and components for an extended period of inactivity.

Why Winterize Your Backpack Blower?

Proper winterization prevents issues such as fuel system corrosion, engine damage from old oil, and wear from accumulated dirt. It also gives you an opportunity to identify and replace worn parts, saving you time and frustration during your spring tune-up. By following these steps, you'll protect your investment and ensure your equipment is always ready for work.

Essential Steps to Winterize Your Backpack Blower

Here’s a comprehensive guide to properly prepare your backpack blower for winter storage:

1. Address the Fuel System

Leaving fuel in the equipment tank, especially with ethanol content, can be destructive to the fuel system. Ethanol attracts water, leading to rust and gumming up carburetor components over time.

  • Empty the Fuel Tank: The safest method is to run the blower until it completely runs out of fuel. This ensures the carburetor and fuel lines are also dry. Alternatively, carefully drain the fuel into an approved, sealed container for proper disposal or storage (if treated with stabilizer).
  • Consider a Fuel Stabilizer: If you prefer not to completely drain the tank, add a high-quality fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel. Then, run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the entire fuel system before storage.

2. Drain or Change the Engine Oil (4-Stroke Models)

For 4-stroke backpack blowers, letting old, contaminated oil sit in the engine can do a lot of damage over time. Used oil contains acids and particulates that can corrode internal engine components.

  • Drain Old Oil: While the engine is still warm (this helps the oil flow more easily), carefully drain the old oil into an appropriate collection container.
  • Refill with Fresh Oil: Replace it with the manufacturer-recommended fresh oil. This ensures that internal engine components are coated with clean, protective oil, minimizing corrosion during the storage period.

3. Clean Thoroughly: Get Rid of Dirt and Rust

Dirt, grass clippings, dust, and rust can accumulate in various parts of the blower, leading to overheating, inefficient operation, and accelerated wear.

  • Exterior Cleaning: Use a brush, shop rag, or compressed air to remove all debris from the engine fins, air intakes, and the entire housing. Pay close attention to cooling fins to ensure proper airflow.
  • Internal Inspection: Inspect the metal components for any signs of rust or corrosion. Address small rust spots with a wire brush and consider applying a light coat of rust-preventative lubricant if necessary.
  • Blower Tubes: Ensure the blower tubes and nozzle are free of any leaves or compacted debris.

4. Inspect and Change the Filters

Filters are crucial for protecting your engine from contaminants. Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow and fuel delivery, significantly impacting performance and potentially causing engine damage.

  • Air Filter: Remove and inspect the air filter. If it's heavily soiled, replace it. Foam filters can often be cleaned with mild soap and water, dried thoroughly, and lightly oiled (if specified by the manufacturer). Paper filters generally require replacement.
  • Fuel Filter: Consider replacing the in-tank fuel filter annually or if it appears clogged or discolored. This inexpensive part plays a critical role in preventing debris from reaching the carburetor.

5. Replace Worn Out Parts

A winter shutdown provides the ideal opportunity to address any components showing signs of wear and tear. Proactively replacing worn parts prevents unexpected breakdowns and ensures your blower is ready for optimal performance.

  • Gaskets and Seals: Look for any oil or fuel leaks around gaskets and seals, indicating they might need replacement.
  • Belts and Hoses: Inspect any visible belts for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear. Check hoses for cracks, leaks, or signs of brittleness.
  • Starter Rope and Housing: Examine the starter rope for fraying and ensure the recoil spring operates smoothly.

6. Spark Plug Check

A well-maintained spark plug is essential for easy starting and efficient engine operation.

  • Remove and Inspect: Carefully remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench.
  • Clean or Replace: Check the spark plug for carbon buildup, fouling, or electrode wear. Clean off any carbon with a wire brush or fine sandpaper. If the electrode is significantly worn or the plug is heavily fouled, replace it with a new one of the correct type, ensuring it's gapped accurately according to the manufacturer's specifications. A fresh spark plug will ensure reliable starts in the spring.

Additional Winterization Tips

  • Lubrication: Lightly lubricate any moving parts, cables, and linkages as recommended in your owner's manual to prevent seizing and corrosion.
  • Storage Location: Store your backpack blower in a dry, clean, and sheltered area, away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and corrosive materials. Covering it with a breathable tarp can protect it from dust and debris.
  • Battery Care (for electric start models): If your blower has an electric start battery, remove it and store it in a cool, dry place. Keep it charged with a trickle charger or battery maintainer if recommended by the manufacturer to prevent deep discharge.

Backpack Blower Winterization Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you cover all essential steps:

Task Description Status
Drain/Stabilize Fuel Empty the fuel tank completely or add stabilizer and run the engine.
Drain/Change Oil (4-stroke models) Drain old oil and refill with fresh, clean oil.
Clean Exterior & Interior Remove all dirt, debris, and check for rust.
Inspect/Replace Air Filter Clean or replace the air filter as needed.
Inspect/Replace Fuel Filter Replace the fuel filter if clogged or as part of annual maintenance.
Check/Replace Spark Plug Inspect, clean, and replace if worn, ensuring correct gap.
Inspect/Replace Worn Parts Check starter rope, belts, hoses, gaskets, and other components.
Lubricate Moving Parts Apply lubricant to cables and linkages as per manual.
Proper Storage Store in a dry, clean, and sheltered location.
Battery Maintenance (if applicable) Remove and maintain the battery with a trickle charger.

By meticulously following these steps, your backpack blower will be perfectly prepared for its off-season rest, ready to start effortlessly and perform reliably when the warmer weather returns.