Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snow Thrower Rust Prevention, rust prevention, spray lubricant

Question
John,  I just purchased a snow thrower from sears (model 247.88970).  It is brand new (not used) and I wanted to spray it with a product to prevent or retard rust.  Perhaps something I can spray over the whole unit including the painted suurfaces.  Any ideas?  Thanks, George

Answer
Hello George:

I have Tried Several Different Ways over the Years to Prevent Rust and Paint from Peeling Off Equipment. The Best is to Strip the Unit of All Paint and Repaint the Unit with an Epoxy Base Paint. This is a 2 Part Paint and Actually Burns Into the Metal to Hold Better. I Located a Paint that Binds to the Metal so Good, that it takes a Sand Blaster to Remove it from the Metal. The Cost was Ridiculous. I Usually just Wash the Equipment Off with a Water Hose and then Spray the Unit Good with Compressed Air to Blow Away the Water and Any Residue Dirt the Water May have Missed. Then Spray the Whole Unit with a Spray Lubricant (I use Champion Spray Lube from Dollar General for $1.50us @ Can) to Protect it Until the Unit's Use is Required again. If the Unit is Used Seasonally, then I Try to Spray it Off with Compressed Air Once a Month and then Lightly Coat it with Spray Lubrication again. Do Not Use a Combination Penetrating and Lubricating Spray to Coat the Unit. The Penetrating Chemical in the Spray Usually Eats Away the Paint over Time. If I do See a Place where Rust is Forming Under the Paint or a Place where the Paint has Become Chipped, then I Use the Hand Held Sand Blaster and Clean the Chipped/Rusted Place at Least 1/2" Further Out than the Problem Area. Wipe the Sand Blasted Area with Alcohol, using a Lint Free Rag. Allow to Dry for 15 Minutes. Primer and Allow the Primer to Dry for At Least 1 Hour @ 78 Degrees Air Temperature. Then Paint the Area. Allow the Paint to Dry for at Least 24 Hour. Now Use Waxing Compound and Dress up the Painted Area. The Area to Use the Waxing Compound on is Determined by the Over Spray. The Waxing Compound is Slightly Abrasive. Not Enough to Damage the Paint, but Enough to Remove the Over Spray and Help Blend the Newly Painted Area to the Old Area if Possible. Doing this as Soon as you Notice the Damage to the Paint/Metal, the Longer the Unit will Last and the Better it will Serve you During the Years. A Few Hours a Month (Usually 2 Hours is the Maximum) and a Little Cash (Usually Less than $4.00us per Unit with a $30.00us - $40.00us Initial Cost for Supplies, Oils, Lubes, ect) to Maintain Equipment is Worth it in the Long Haul. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John