What To Do When Your Snowblower Won't Start
So your Snow Blower Won't Start? We've all been there, really....the most frustrating thing in the world is having to go out in a blizzard to start your snow blower, only for it not to run.
It's happened to everyone at one point or another and it can be especially stressful when you've got kids waiting on their school bus.
Fear no more. Here are some tips on how you can get your gas-powered snowblower started so you can head out to work/school/home!
(By the way, to AVOID this happening in the future, please read up on our Snow Blower Maintenance Tips for a Quick and Easy Winter)
#1 Check Your Spark Plug
The first thing to check is your spark plugs. Most snow blowers will have a compartment that allows you to access the spark plugs easily by pressing down on a button or lifting up a latch.
- If it's dirty, use an old toothbrush to clean off any dirt and debris. Make sure you don't accidentally touch the metal part of the spark plug with anything metal because this can cause a short circuit and ruin the ignition coil.
- Next, pull out your spark plug and put it back in after giving it a few twists counterclockwise. This ensures that the threads are lined up properly so you get maximum contact between the electrodes and it also prevents gas from leaking out when you fill-up the gas tank.
- Then, tighten the spark plug back in by twisting it clockwise until you feel some resistance. Don't use excessive force or use pliers because this will damage the threads and make your snow blower unable to start.
#2 Check Your Carburetor
If that didn't work then it's time to check your carburetor (also called a "choke").
- To do this, first, make sure there aren't any objects obstructing where air flows in to the engine (this is also good practice if you've been using your machine for several years without checking).
- After removing anything you see blocking airflow, pull out your throttle wire or rope so you can access your choke easily.
- Turn on the snow blower and remove the choke cover off of your carburetor. Make sure the knobs on the side are turned to full throttle and then pull out your choke halfway.
- Now try starting it.
If it starts, great! That means you just need to adjust the levers on the carburetor so that when you start it cold, your machine is in a proper position for ignition to occur without too much trouble.
If it runs roughly, you can try adding some carburetor cleaner (just one or two sprays should do it).
If you still can't get it started, though, don't worry. Keep reading because there are more things you can try…
#3 Check Your Fuel
If all else fails after checking both items mentioned above, check your fuel line & tank.
- First, make sure that your fuel tank isn't empty by using a fuel gauge or looking inside for fuel the tank (and don't just assume that you've got enough fuel by how much is in the container). If it's empty, then your machine won't run. My neighbor had this EXACT problem, and was rather embarrassed when I pointed it out! Don't be that guy who assumes it's full because of how much is in the container.
- Next, check to make sure there are no obstructions.
- Next, unscrew the cap of the gas tank and pull out any debris or dirt that might be blocking airflow into the engine.
Older fuel can form gummy deposits in your fuel filter and fuel line, so be sure to examine it for damage.
Using a fuel stabilizer can help with this, so after you clean everything up - add some fuel stabilizer along with fresh fuel.
Keep some fuel stabilizer around for the next season as well, just in case you need it again.
#4 Replace Your Air Filter
If you go out to start your snowblower in the morning and it won't start, or if there's no problem getting it started but it seems like the engine is laboring - make sure to check if your air filter needs replacing.
This is something that winter can cause to happen, especially in particularly dry climates.
The easiest way to test this is to take off the air filter cover (most of them are at the bottom), then simply feel inside with your fingers for any particles in their that shouldn't be there. If you find some, replace the filter - most replacement filters cost around $20 and will usually last an entire season.
#5 Read Your Owner's Manual (RTFM)
If it still wont' work after checking your spark plug, carburetor, and fuel supply, and even your ignition system, take a closer look at your owner's manual because it might have instructions for this exact situation.
Many manuals will recommend what to do if stalled when trying to start up your machine - They're usually very helpful!
The best thing about owning a snow bl is that they're easy to use so they don't require much maintenance outside of basic cleaning and checking up on things like your spark plug, carburetor, and fuel supply.
#6 Contact Your Manufacturer's Customer Service Department
Your manufacturer is the only place that can help you fix this problem if everything else fails.
They can be contacted directly by calling them or using their website to fill out an online form.
Once there, just explain what you've already tried doing to get it started by following their owner's manual. If none of these solutions work after trying your best to fix it yourself, then it might be time for a replacement snow blower… unless you know how to repair one!
#7 Attempt To Fix It Yourself
If you're adventurous enough to try fixing it yourself, there are many do-it-yourself tutorials online that walk you step-by-step through the process.
Sometimes the tutorials only involve cleaning your carburetor to remove residue that might have built up over time.
Other times they might require replacing parts of your snow blower if something has broken or malfunctioned after years of use. Either way, this is a last resort because it's quite possible to damage your machine beyond repair if done incorrectly… But, for some people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and try doing things themselves, it could be worth saving hundreds of dollars.
If you're still determined, bring it by a local repair shop and see if they can offer any assistance, STILL cheaper than buying a new snow blower!
#8 Buy A New Snow Blower
Worst Case Scenario, you might need to buy a new snow blower. If this is the case for you, consider checking out our list of the best snow blowers.
Our list contains reviews and comparisons on many different types of machines (both gas-powered and electric) so you can browse to find ones that are well suited to your needs - these reviews might be very helpful when shopping around!
#9 What To Do Next Time
The best way to avoid stalls on startup in the future is by keeping up with your snow blower's maintenance.
Make sure your carburetor is clean and adjust your levers so they aren't pushing against anything when the choke is pulled halfway out - This ensures an easy start next time!
If you have any of these problems with your machine, don't hesitate to try fixing it yourself because repairing this type of machine is very simple!
If you're still stuck, feel free to hit me up in the comments below, and I'll be more than glad to see what advice I can offer! 🙂
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