Preparing Your Stihl Blower for Winter

 Avoiding Cold Engine Damage

Winter weather can be tough on outdoor power equipment, and your Stihl blower is no exception. Taking the right steps to prepare your blower for winter ensures it runs smoothly and avoids costly cold-engine damage. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling yard work, a professional landscaper, or Railway worker cleaning track switches, needing reliable tools, this guide has you covered.

1. Winter Preparation: Key Steps for Stihl Blowers 

Switch to Winter Mode to Prevent Carburetor Freezing

If you own a Stihl BR 500, BR 550, BR 600, BR 700, BR 700 X, BR 800, or BR 800 X, switching to winter mode is essential when temperatures drop below 50°F (+10°C). This feature helps prevent carburetor freezing by allowing warmer air into the blower.

Here's how to switch:
- For BR 500, BR 550, and BR 600 models: Remove the filter cover, move the shutter to the “R” (winter) position, tighten the screw, and reassemble.
- For BR 700 and BR 700 X models: Follow the same steps to position the shutter to“R"
- For BR 800 and BR 800 X models: Loosen the screws, move the shutter to the winter position, then refit the air filter and cover.

Using this feature is critical for maintaining the efficiency of your blower in cold weather.

Use High-Quality Winter Fuel for Stihl Blowers

Fuel quality is one of the most important factors in keeping your Stihl blower running properly during the winter months. Some winter gasoline blends are more volatile, increasing the risk of fuel spraying or engine issues. To avoid problems:
- Use premium fuel for 2-stroke engines, such as STIHL MotoMix, which has a high octane rating and the correct gas/oil mix.
- If using other fuel, make sure it’s combined with a high-quality, air-cooled, 2-stroke engine oil.

Not sure what fuel to use? Bring your blower to Backtrack, and our team will help you get set up with the right fuel and maintenance tips.

Inspect Your Blower Before Use

Before each use, perform a quick inspection to ensure your blower is in top condition:
- Check the muffler, air intakes, and air filter for debris or damage.
- Confirm all fasteners are tight to prevent issues during operation.

2. Starting Your Stihl Blower in Cold Weather

Follow These Cold Start Steps
Starting your blower properly in winter is critical to avoiding damage. Use these steps for a hassle-free startup:

1. Safety First: Start your blower on a clean surface, ensure bystanders are clear, and secure your grip and footing.
2. Fuel System Check: Inspect the tank cap, hose connections, and manual fuel pump for leaks.
3. Setting Lever Position: Move the setting lever to “F” (start position).
4. Prime the Fuel Pump: Press the fuel pump bulb 5–6 times.
5. Adjust the Choke:
   - For a cold engine, set the choke knob to the “I” or “C” position.
   - For a warm engine, move it to the “N” or “O” position.
6. Crank the Engine: Slowly pull the starter grip until resistance is felt, then pull briskly. Avoid pulling the rope to its full length, and guide it back gently to avoid damage.

Avoid Overheating After Use
After extended full-throttle operation, allow the blower to idle for a short time to let engine heat dissipate safely. This simple step can extend the life of your equipment.

3. Additional Cold Weather Tips

• For Extremely Low Temperatures: Allow the engine to run in the cold start position until it nearly stalls, then switch to warm start and restart if necessary.
  - Flooded Combustion Chamber: If flooding occurs, move the setting lever to full throttle and pull the starter rope until the engine starts.
  
  Why Choose Backtrack for Your Stihl Blower Maintenance?
  

At Backtrack, we’re more than just a retailer – we’re your partner in outdoor equipment care. If you’re unsure about winterizing your blower or need help with maintenance, we’re here to assist you. Bring your machine in for a FREE winter changeover, and let us handle the setup for you.

From choosing the right fuel to ensuring every component is properly adjusted, our expert team is dedicated to keeping your equipment in top condition. Whether you're preparing for winter or getting ready for spring, we've got your back.

Get Ready for Winter with Backtrack. 

Don’t let the cold weather damage your Stihl blower. Follow these steps to prepare your machine, and let us help you make the process easier. For more tips, professional maintenance, or to schedule your free winter change over, visit Backtrack today.