It’s frustrating when your snowblower wont start at the time you need it the most. However, this is common. All motorized equipment needs routine maintenance to keep functioning correctly. If your gas blower won’t start but worked great last season, the issue might be minor.
Since your gas snowblower has been in storage for the better part of the year, it may need a little boost starting. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help your fire up the engine of your gas snowblower.
Table of Contents
Check if All the Valves and Switches Are in Their Correct Position
The current snow blowers have several buttons, valves, and switches. All of them must be in their correct position to make the machine start. The manual will state that the throttle should put in the “High” part. The fuel shut-off valve should be in the “Open” spot.
The “Full” position is for the choke, while “On” is for the run switch. You will see some snow bowers using images rather than words. You have to make sure everything is in its position as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Failure to follow the manual as it is will mean the machine won’t start.
Asses the Tank Fuel
Check if whether the fuel tank is empty. The equipment cannot work if the tank is empty. Check the oil as well. Another thing you have to check out is whether the glass is dirty. A dirty gas will cause your snowblower to fail to start.
If the fuel tank is empty, ensure you refill it and ensure to use the right fuel. The fuel you use will depend on the type of motor your machine has. There are two-cycle motors and four-cycle motors. If you use the 4-cyle engine, it’s only the straight gas that will enter the tank. You will have to mix the gas with oil if you have a 2-cyle motor. The mix ratio should be accurate.
The ratio is mainly written near the engine housing or close to the gas cap. Refer to the manufacturer’s manure if you can’t locate it. It’s good to be sure. Never try guesswork if you want your machine to be in perfect working condition.
Remember that the fuel should be fresh. Stale fuel is one of the most causes of a hard-starting snowblower engine. It’s a new winter and the last time you filled the tank was last season. Check the fuel condition first before you start it.
If there is excess gas and a third or below of the tank, fill it up with fresh fuel. Don’t forget to add the fuel stabilizer as it will help to condition the mix.
Starter Fluid
Sometimes there can be fresh fuel in the tank, even at maximum capacity, and the motor resists starting. If that’s your case, try to consider using starter fluid and see any positive change. However, you must be keen on the starter fluid. Most of them contain an ether base, and they can be highly flammable.
The starter fluid can also alt the 2-cyle motor, and it strips available primary oil off cranks. It also affects the cylinder walls. It’s advisable to look for a non-Teflon spray can, petroleum-based lubricant for the starter fluid. Accessing the carburetor intake should be the first thing to do if you want to use it.
You will find the carburetor behind the air sifter. Apply several shots of squirts to the carburetor’s throat. Try to start the engine and see if it’s working.
Change or Clean the Spark Plugs
A spark that ignites the fuel, an appropriate amount of firmness in the engine, and fresh fuel are the three critical things for a snowblower. They enable the machine to work accordingly. The spark plugs of the lawnmower must be in the proper working order. Replace the spark plugs or clean them if your machine doesn’t start.
A spur plug socket and a socket wrench are best in removing the plugs. Clear all the cumulated carbon deposits in the electrodes. Look for the electrodes are found on the spark plugs’ threaded end. Use a wire brush and carburetor cleaner to remove the carbon deposits. After that, dry the plugs, then insert them again.
If the machine continues to resist starting, then the sparks plugs may have a problem that’s beyond repair. Check to see whether the porcelain sleeves have cracks. Change the spark plug and use a new one if there is any crack.
Clean the Carburetor
A snow blower has various parts that you need to clean, and a carburetor is one of them. It would be best if you dissolved residue and gunk. The only way to do it is by cleaning the carburetor without jokes. The role of the carburetor is to combine fuel and air in a correct ratio. The ratio enhances efficient combustion. It will be difficult it’s congested with residue.
Check the manual if you can’t locate the carburetor. There are directions on how to access it. It is usually located under the air filter. It is a metal case containing a cylindrical opening. Look for the best carburetor turn-up conditioner.
Flooding
The engine can contain extra fuel. Most of the time, this happens when you try to trigger the motor. If that is the case, pull the starter multiple times using the flicker plug put. The process will remove all the extra fuel vapors from the cylinder, and the parts will dry after doing that. The ignition switch should be off when doing this. Switching it off avoids igniting the escaping vapors.
Assess the Starter
The starter can be a problem if your snowblower is not starting. If you have tried several options and yet not changes, check the starter. Some of these machines have electric-start engines. These electric starters can break at any time. The best option is to replace them.
Check the Air Filter
During the process of locating the carburetor, remember to inspect the air filter. Since you have to take off the air filter, it’s easy to check it. The air filter can be dirty, which may hinder the machine from starting. A vacuum and compressed air are perfect for cleaning.
Replace the filter if it’s in bad condition. Check the model and serial on the body or motor of the machine. It’s good to look for them if you don’t want to buy an irrelevant air filter.
Inspect the Fuel Line
The fuel line connects the gas tank with the carburetor, and the fuel line should be pliable and flexible. The fuel line can harden over time. A brittle line can cause the fuel to leak. The leaking occurs either around the joints of the carburetor and the gas tank.
The leaking prevents fuel from running to the carburetor, which makes the snowblower not start. If the line is hard or cracked, the suitable option will be removing and replacing it.
Consult a Technician
The possibility of successful troubleshooting depends on the machine’s condition. Sometimes you have to disassemble all parts of the snowblower to check the problem. If the engine doesn’t start after trying all these methods, it’s time to call a technician. Taking it to a repair shop is another idea.
Most of the shops that sell these machines offer repair services, and they can even give a discount if you bought from them. Be vigilant when looking for a service technician for your snowblower. Some may even make it worse. Though people look for affordable services, they don’t comprise quality with price.
If the warranty of the snowblower is still running, things can be a bit positive. You may not spend a lot or may even not spend on the repair. However, it will depend on the warranty terms and conditions and the cause of the machine failure.
The condition may be worse beyond repair. The idea here will be to purchase a new one. Buying a new one means you have tried your level best to make the snow blower start but in vain.
Snow is not bad, but we need to clear it for some activities, primarily if it blocks walkways and driveways. Blowing the snow is the only way and fast way of removing it. If you have been having a problem with your snowblower not starting, use the above tips to solve it. It doesn’t mean you apply one method, and then if it fails, you give up. Try all of them until you succeed.
Though they don’t guarantee 100% perfection, they are the best tips to help you. Now, you know what to do when your snowblower doesn’t start. Make your machine work without even being an expert, and your day will be regular again. Take every step with care.
