Snow Blowers

It is always a good idea to keep your snowblower tuned up and ready to go for the winter, but sometimes they just will not start and you need to know what to do before calling for expensive repairs. There are 4 or 5 steps to take with Snowblower Starter Problems before you raise the flag so to speak and call in someone to help. Of course, if you are handy then you can take it a lot further. But for now, we will settle for these simple steps to get your snowblower started.

• Check the Choke and Throttle
• Make sure there is Gasoline in the Tank
• Clean Your Spark Plugs
• Clean the Carburetor
• Change or Clean the Air and Fuel filters
• Call a Mechanic or a Good Friend

Trouble Shooting Snowblower Starter Problems

Check the Choke and Throttle

Most older snowblowers require the throttle to be on full and the choke also on, if you are starting the engine from a cold start. If the engine is already warm, you may not need the choke on at all.  If you are having trouble starting your snowblower always check these items first. Newer snow blowers may have an automatic choke and all you need to do is pull the starter cord or press the starter if you have an electric starter.  Follow the instructions for starting in various conditions if you are having trouble starting. Make sure you have gas in the gas tank and that the switch is actually turned on.

Make sure there is Gasoline in the Tank

You would be surprised at how many people forget to make sure that there is gasoline in the tank. If you are still having problems getting it started make sure there is fuel in the gas tank and that the valve under the tank is open to allow fuel to flow to the engine.

When you finish the winter season, all of the gasoline should be drained out of the fuel tank, and then the engine run until the gasoline in the system is burned off. This prevents the additives in the fuel from gumming up the choke and the carburetor. Many people do not do this and end up with carburetor problems. Always put clean fuel in your tank.

Clean Your Spark Plugs

As the engine gets older, the spark plugs will get dirty and corroded. This sometimes prevents the spark from occurring which means your engine is not going to start. Check the spark plug, clean off the plug, and re gap the plug.

Clean the Carburetor

If you have left old gas in the fuel tank you may end up having to clean the carburetor. This is relatively easy. However if you are unfamiliar with this step or do not have adequate instructions in your manual you may want to move to the next step first, just in case.  Carburetor rebuild kits are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. Follow the instructions in your manual for proper adjustment.

Change or Clean the Air and Fuel filters

The last step is to make sure that the air cleaner is clean. That lots of air is getting into the carburetor of the engine on your snowblower. The fuel filter if your snowblower has one, should also be clean. It should not be blocking the fuel from getting to the carburetor.

Call a Mechanic or a Good Friend

If none of these steps work, then you have to call a good friend who is handy with engines or you need to take your snow blower to a mechanic for a tune-up. Waiting until the fall to do this is going to mean that you have to get in line with everyone else who has the same problems. Summertime snowblower tuneups are a great time to get this little task done. And don’t forget to have the oil changed every year as well to ensure that your engine runs smooth and clean.

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