Wrong Gas Can Kill Your Ariens Snowblower: The Ultimate Guide
You pull the cord on your Ariens snowblower, but it sputters and dies. You try again, and again, with no luck. The snow is piling up, and your machine has failed you when you need it most.
This frustrating scenario is often caused by a simple, overlooked mistake: using the wrong type of gasoline. The fuel you put in your snowblower is the most critical factor for its reliability and longevity.
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Why the Right Gas is Non-Negotiable for Your Engine
Modern gasoline is not the same as it was ten or twenty years ago. The introduction of ethanol has created a minefield for small engine owners. Using the wrong fuel can lead to costly repairs and catastrophic engine failure.
Ethanol-blended fuel attracts water, corrodes sensitive carburetor parts, and degrades rubber fuel lines. Understanding the specific fuel requirements for your Ariens machine isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the single most important maintenance task you can perform.
The Official Ariens Fuel Recommendation: What You Must Know
For the vast majority of Ariens snowblowers, the manufacturer’s recommendation is straightforward. You should use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. This is the most important takeaway for any owner.
Specifically, this means a gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. You should also ensure the ethanol content is no more than 10% (commonly labeled as E10). Anything higher can cause serious damage.
Decoding Octane: Is Premium Gas a Waste of Money?
It’s a common myth that using high-octane “premium” gas (91 or 93) is better for an engine. For a high-performance car, that might be true. For your Ariens snowblower, it is not.
Ariens engines are engineered to run optimally on 87-octane fuel. Using a higher octane provides absolutely no performance benefit and can sometimes lead to incomplete combustion and carbon buildup. Stick with regular unleaded and save your money.
The Ethanol Menace: Your Snowblower’s Worst Enemy
Ethanol is the primary villain in the story of small engine problems. While E10 gasoline is approved for use, it’s far from ideal. Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture directly from the air.
This water can lead to corrosion inside your fuel tank and carburetor. Even worse, if enough water is absorbed, it can cause “phase separation,” where the ethanol and water mixture separates from the gasoline and sinks to the bottom of the tank. This corrosive sludge will then be drawn directly into your engine.
This is why you must never use E15, E85, or any flex-fuel in your Ariens snowblower. These higher ethanol blends will rapidly destroy plastic and rubber components and cause severe engine damage.
The Gold Standard Solution: Fuel Choice and Treatment
To guarantee your machine starts every time, you have two primary options. The best choice is to use ethanol-free gasoline whenever possible. This fuel eliminates all the problems associated with ethanol-blended gas and is the safest choice for any small engine.
If you cannot find ethanol-free gas, the next best thing is to treat every single can of E10 gasoline with a high-quality fuel stabilizer. A good stabilizer prevents fuel from breaking down, neutralizes the harmful effects of ethanol, and keeps your carburetor clean.
Quick Fuel Comparison Guide
Use this table as a quick reference for making the right choice at the pump. This simple chart can save you from hundreds of dollars in repairs.
| Fuel Type | Ethanol Content | Safe for Ariens? | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Unleaded (87 Octane) | Up to 10% (E10) | Yes, with stabilizer | Most common fuel. Must add stabilizer to prevent issues. |
| Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) | Up to 10% (E10) | Yes, but not recommended | No performance benefit. A waste of money for your snowblower. |
| Ethanol-Free Gasoline | 0% | Highly Recommended | The best possible fuel for engine health and long-term storage. |
| E15 / E85 / Flex Fuel | 15% to 85% | NEVER USE | Will cause rapid and severe engine damage. Voids your warranty. |
| Old Gas (Over 30 days) | Varies | NEVER USE | Degraded fuel that will clog your carburetor and prevent starting. |
Your Step-by-Step Fueling Process for a Flawless Start
Following a precise fueling routine is key. It eliminates the risk of contamination and ensures your engine gets the clean fuel it needs to perform in harsh winter conditions.
First, always use a clean, dedicated gas can that is clearly labeled for your snowblower. Never use a can that has previously held mixed fuel for a 2-stroke engine. Buy fresh gasoline, aiming to use fuel that is less than 30 days old.
The 30-Day Rule and the Power of Stabilizer
Gasoline begins to break down and oxidize in as little as 30 days. This “stale” gas creates gummy deposits that clog the tiny passages in your carburetor. This is why you must treat your fuel.
The moment you buy gas, add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer directly to the gas can. This keeps the fuel fresh for up to two years. Agitate the can gently to ensure it mixes thoroughly before you pour it into the snowblower’s tank.
Preparing for the Off-Season: The Most Overlooked Step
How you store your snowblower in the spring is just as important as the fuel you use in the winter. Improper storage is the leading cause of “won’t start” issues at the first snowfall.
You have two reliable methods. The modern and often preferred method is to fill the tank about 95% full with fuel that has been treated with a stabilizer. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate this protected fuel through the entire system, including the carburetor. This prevents seals from drying out and keeps the system corrosion-free.
An older method is to run the engine completely out of fuel until it stops on its own. While this empties the carburetor bowl, it can leave other parts of the fuel system exposed to air and moisture, potentially causing gaskets and seals to dry and crack over time.
Troubleshooting Common Fuel-Related Problems
Even with the best care, problems can arise. If your machine runs rough or refuses to start, fuel is the first thing you should suspect. A sputtering engine can be a sign of water in the fuel, which often points to untreated ethanol gas being the culprit.
If you’re facing persistent starting issues, you may have a more significant clog. This is a common complaint and can sometimes require a full carburetor cleaning. Handling these sorts of Ariens ST1028LE snowblower problems often starts and ends with the fuel system.
Beyond Fuel: A Note on Overall Engine Health
While fuel is critical, don’t forget other vital fluids. The engine’s longevity also depends on using the correct type and amount of oil. It’s wise to understand the specifics, as asking questions like “can I use 5W-30 in my snowblower” can save you from another set of costly engine issues.
Ultimately, proper maintenance ensures you get the most out of your investment. A well-maintained machine like those covered in this Ariens 520 snowblower review can provide decades of reliable service. It all begins with putting the right gas in the tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gas is recommended for an Ariens snowblower?
For Ariens snowblowers, you should use fresh, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. It is highly recommended to use fuel with 10% or less ethanol to ensure maximum efficiency and durability.
Should I use premium (91 octane) gasoline?
Using 87 octane gasoline is perfectly fine for your Ariens snowblower. While premium gas isn’t necessary for its higher octane, many users prefer it because it is often ethanol-free, which is better for the engine.
Is it safe to use E15 or E85 gasoline?
No, you should avoid using gasoline with high ethanol content like E15 or E85. Ariens strongly recommends using 100 percent gasoline or blends with no more than 10% ethanol to prevent fuel-related issues. Higher ethanol blends can be corrosive and damaging to small engines.
Why is ethanol-free gasoline preferred?
Ethanol absorbs moisture, which can lead to rust and corrosion in the fuel system and carburetor. It can also degrade plastic and rubber components and dissolve varnish deposits that can clog the engine’s fuel lines.
How old can the gasoline be?
It is best to use fresh, clean gasoline that is no more than 30 days old. Using older gas can lead to engine problems and poor performance.
What should I do with leftover gas at the end of the season?
Before storing your snowblower for the off-season, you should completely drain the fuel from the tank. This practice prevents the buildup of sludge and varnish in the fuel system, ensuring a reliable start next winter. Alternatively, you can add a quality fuel stabilizer to the gas.
