A Murray snowblower is an essential tool for tackling winter’s heavy snowfall, especially for homeowners looking to clear driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor areas. To ensure that your snowblower continues to perform efficiently and has a long operational lifespan, one of the most important factors is proper maintenance, including the use of the right type of oil.
Choosing the appropriate oil for your Murray snowblower is crucial for its performance, engine longevity, and operational efficiency. In this article, we will explore the types of oil suitable for Murray snowblowers, the role of oil in snowblower maintenance, and additional tips to keep your snowblower running smoothly during those harsh winter months.
1. Understanding the Importance of Oil in Snowblowers
Oil serves as a lubricant for the engine, reducing friction between the engine components and ensuring that they operate smoothly. Without proper lubrication, an engine can suffer from excessive wear, overheating, or even complete failure. In a snowblower, this can translate to breakdowns, poor performance, and costly repairs.
In addition to lubrication, oil also plays a role in cooling the engine, cleaning it by trapping dirt and debris, and preventing corrosion on metal components.
2. Types of Oil Used in Murray Snowblowers
Murray snowblowers typically use two types of oils: engine oil and gear oil. Both oils serve distinct functions within the snowblower and should be chosen carefully based on their specific requirements. Let’s break down the types:
Engine Oil for Murray Snowblower
The engine oil in a snowblower lubricates the engine’s internal components, including the crankshaft, pistons, and valves. Choosing the right engine oil is essential for protecting the engine and optimizing its performance.
Type of Engine Oil:
Murray snowblowers typically use 4-cycle engines, meaning they have separate compartments for fuel and oil. For these engines, SAE 30 oil is a common choice, especially for temperatures above 32°F (0°C). However, the type of oil you choose can also depend on the temperature range in which you’ll be using the snowblower.
- SAE 30 oil: This is the standard oil for snowblower engines used in moderate climates where temperatures don’t drop too low. It offers good lubrication and is a cost-effective option.
- 5W-30 or 10W-30 oils: These oils are more versatile and can be used in both colder and warmer temperatures. They have multi-viscosity properties, meaning they can flow more easily in colder conditions and provide better protection in warmer temperatures. This is an ideal choice if you live in areas where temperatures fluctuate between seasons.
- Synthetic Oil: While regular oils like SAE 30 and 5W-30 are good for most situations, synthetic oils, such as 5W-30 synthetic or 10W-30 synthetic, are recommended for extremely cold environments. Synthetic oils offer better performance in low temperatures and are designed to reduce engine wear and improve fuel efficiency.
Oil Viscosity:
The viscosity of engine oil refers to its thickness or resistance to flow. Thicker oils (higher viscosity) tend to offer better protection against wear but may not flow as easily in cold temperatures. Conversely, lower viscosity oils flow more easily but may not offer as much protection in extreme heat.
For winter applications, especially when temperatures drop below freezing, it is crucial to choose an oil that provides optimal flow in cold conditions. This is why multi-viscosity oils like 5W-30 are often preferred for snowblowers, as they are designed to perform well in a wide range of temperatures.
Gear Oil for Murray Snowblower
Another type of oil used in snowblowers is gear oil, which lubricates the auger and drive system. Gear oil is necessary to ensure the snowblower’s snow-moving mechanism works smoothly. It helps to reduce wear and tear on moving parts, ensuring that the auger operates efficiently and without undue stress.
Type of Gear Oil:
Murray snowblowers typically use 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil, which is commonly available at most hardware or automotive stores. These types of gear oils have the right viscosity to function well in cold environments and to protect against wear.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how often to change the gear oil, as this will depend on how often you use the snowblower and the conditions in which you operate it.
3. Oil Change Intervals for a Murray Snowblower
Regular oil changes are critical to keeping your Murray snowblower running smoothly. As a general rule, you should change the engine oil after the first 5 hours of operation when the machine is new, and then every 25-50 hours of use or once a season, whichever comes first.
For the gear oil, a typical recommendation is to change it after the first 5 hours of operation and then once a season or after every 100 hours of use. However, it is always best to refer to your user manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations.
4. How to Change the Oil in a Murray Snowblower
Changing the oil in your Murray snowblower is a straightforward task, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Materials Needed:
- Fresh engine oil (SAE 30 or 5W-30 depending on climate)
- Gear oil (75W-90 or 80W-90)
- Drain pan
- Wrench or socket set
- Oil filter (if applicable)
- Funnel
- Gloves and safety glasses (optional)
Steps to Change the Engine Oil:
- Warm up the engine: Run your snowblower for a few minutes to warm the oil. This will help the oil flow more easily.
- Drain the oil: Tilt the snowblower or use a drain plug to remove the used oil into the pan. Be cautious of hot oil.
- Replace the oil filter (if applicable): Some models may have an oil filter that needs to be replaced. Consult the user manual.
- Refill with new oil: Using a funnel, pour in the new engine oil, ensuring that it matches the recommended viscosity.
- Check the oil level: Use the dipstick to ensure that the oil level is correct.
Steps to Change the Gear Oil:
- Locate the drain plug: The gear case will typically have a drain plug. Place a pan underneath to catch the old oil.
- Remove the plug: Let the used gear oil drain completely.
- Refill with new gear oil: Once the old oil has drained, use a funnel to refill the gear case with the recommended gear oil.
- Check the oil level: Some models have a level check plug to verify that the gear oil is filled to the correct level.
5. Additional Tips for Snowblower Maintenance
To ensure your snowblower remains in peak condition throughout the winter, follow these additional maintenance tips:
Use Fresh Gasoline
Use fresh gasoline in your snowblower to prevent issues like fuel degradation, which can cause engine performance problems. If your snowblower has been idle for several months, it’s recommended to drain the fuel tank and replace it with fresh gas before starting.
Inspect the Spark Plug
Check the spark plug regularly and replace it if it shows signs of wear. A dirty or worn spark plug can make it difficult for the engine to start, especially in cold weather.
Clean the Snowblower After Each Use
After each use, remove any snow, ice, or debris that may have accumulated on the snowblower’s auger and chute. This prevents clogs and ensures efficient snow clearing.
Store Properly During Off-Season
When not in use, store your snowblower in a cool, dry location to protect it from rust and damage. If possible, cover it with a tarp to prevent dust and debris from collecting on the machine.
Conclusion
Selecting the right oil for your Murray snowblower is a critical aspect of maintaining the machine and ensuring that it runs smoothly for years to come. Proper lubrication using the correct engine and gear oil will reduce wear and tear, improve performance, and extend the overall life of your snowblower.
Regular oil changes, along with other maintenance tasks like checking the spark plug, cleaning the machine, and using fresh fuel, will help your snowblower perform at its best during winter. Always refer to the manufacturer’s user manual for specific recommendations, as different models may have slight variations in oil requirements.
By choosing the right oil, sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, and caring for your snowblower, you can ensure that it’s ready to tackle whatever winter throws its way.