Umair Gaines
Changing or adding an electric starter to a snowblower is a job that can be done at home, provided you are mechanically inclined. The first step is to check if your motor is set up to take an electric starter kit. This can be done by checking for a tag on the motor that says this motor is equipped to take an electric starter. The next step is to purchase a starter kit, such as the Tecumseh Electric Starter Kit, which comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and requires no drilling. Once you have the kit, you can follow the instructions provided to install the electric starter. If you are experiencing issues with your snowblower, such as a clogged fuel filter or a faulty electric starter, it may be beneficial to consult a qualified technician for repairs or maintenance.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to change the electric starter | When the snowblower engine won't start when you push the start button |
| What to check before replacing | If the engine is locked up, the electric starter won't spin the engine. Check by pulling the recoil starter rope |
| What to do if the starter won't spin | Replace the electric starter using the manufacturer-approved snowblower part |
| How to replace | Pull the spark plug wire straight up and off the plug. Remove the two screws that secure the switch box to the engine. Pull the switch box away from the engine and let it hang by the power cord going to the starter motor. |
| Where to buy | The Arrowhead STC0015 from Jack's Small Engines or the Tecumseh Electric Starter Kit on Amazon |
| Additional parts | If you have a 120V starter, you will need a push-button box (that mounts on top of the engine) with a diode in it. If you have a 12V starter, you will need to install a battery and connect the charge circuit |
| Mounting | The starter mounts to the block using four supplied shoulder screws. The switch is routed to the top of the engine cover where two perforated dimples accept two self-tapping machine screws |
| Additional info | The starter must be mounted firmly to the engine block. The starter can't be loose, or you may strip the starter gear or ring gear when you use it |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your snowblower is compatible with an electric starter kit
To check if your snowblower is compatible with an electric starter kit, you will need to identify the make and model of your snowblower engine. This is usually stamped into the top of the recoil shroud, just in front of the spark plug.
For example, if your engine is a Tecumseh, the model number will likely start with 143, followed by eight other digits. If your flywheel has teeth on it, usually covered by a small metal plate under the gas tank, the Tecumseh starter part number is 33290, followed by a letter that makes no difference to the fitment.
Alternatively, if your Tecumseh snowblower engine has the number 333290 or 333290A, you can purchase an electric starter kit that is compatible with the following models: HSSK40-HSSK50, HSSK55, HSK30-HSK40, LH195, OH195, OHSK50-OHSK70, H30-H35, HS40-HS50, HXL35, and OHH50-OHH60. This kit includes the starter, starter button, power cord, and hardware.
If you are unsure about your snowblower's OEM part number, you can write down your YEAR/Make/MODEL and Serial # and check with the manufacturer or a snowblower forum to see if your model is compatible with an electric starter kit.
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Purchase a suitable starter kit
When purchasing a suitable starter kit for your snowblower, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, check if your motor is set up to take an electric starter kit. Usually, the motor will have a tag on it stating that it is equipped to take an electric starter. You can also refer to your engine manual for specific instructions.
Next, ensure you get the correct starter kit for your engine, as there are several different sizes available. For example, the Tecumseh starter kit is a popular option for many snowblower models, and it comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and requires no drilling. The Arrowhead STC0015 is another option that fits certain snowblower models.
If you have a 120V starter, you will need a push-button box that mounts on top of the engine with a diode inside. If you have a 12V starter, you will need to install a battery and connect the charge circuit. The starter kit should include all the necessary hardware, such as screws and bolts, to securely mount the starter to the engine block.
The cost of the starter kit can vary, but it typically ranges from USD 125 to 150. You may also need to purchase additional parts, depending on the specific model of your snowblower and the condition of the existing components. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from a qualified technician if you are unsure about the compatibility or installation process.
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Prepare the engine for the installation
To prepare the engine for the installation of an electric starter on a snowblower, follow these steps:
First, check if your motor is set up to take an electric starter kit. Usually, the motor will have a tag that says "this motor is equipped to take an electric starter". If your engine label says "machine has provisions for electric start", it will likely have a ring gear on the engine flywheel.
Next, you will need to remove any existing components that may interfere with the installation of the electric starter. This includes removing the recoil starter rope, if present, and the spark plug wire. Ensure that the engine spins normally by pulling the recoil starter rope before replacing it. If the engine is locked up, the electric starter will not spin the engine.
Now, you will need to remove the switch box. Take out the two screws that secure the switch box to the engine and carefully pull it away from the engine, allowing it to hang by the power cord connected to the starter motor.
At this point, you should also check the gas line and shut-off valve. The starter will mount on the right side of the engine, so you may need to adjust or shorten the gas line and shut-off to fit the starter properly.
Finally, inspect the engine shroud. You will need to "knock out" a small section of the shroud on its edge to accommodate the starter. Depending on the kit you have, you may need to remove the starter pull and engine shroud. Some kits provide a "bubble" of sheet metal to cover the end of the starter shaft, while others may require you to replace the shroud with one that has this feature.
By following these steps, you will have prepared the engine for the installation of an electric starter on your snowblower.
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Install the electric starter
Installing an electric starter kit is a good idea for your snowblower, especially if you're finding it hard to pull the rope to start the engine. Firstly, check that your motor is set up to take an electric starter kit. Usually, there is a tag on the motor that says "this motor is equipped to take an electric starter".
The next step is to purchase the correct starter kit for your engine. There are different sizes, so make sure you get the right one. The Arrowhead STC0015 is one option that fits some Tecumseh snowblowers. The Tecumseh starter kit comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and requires no drilling. However, there may be some drilling involved to mount the push-button box, which will require a 3/8 or 5/16" 1/4 drive socket or the mounting bolts will be a Torx head.
Now, you need to remove the two bolts holding a small piece of sheet metal below the gas tank. This will expose the opening for the starter nose cone. You will also need to "knock out" a small section of the engine shroud on its edge. You may or may not have to remove the starter pull and engine shroud to do this. Check if there is a "bubble of sheet metal" to cover the end of the starter shaft, and if not, you may need to replace the shroud with one that has a "bubble".
Finally, mount the starter to the engine block using the supplied shoulder screws. Make sure the starter is mounted firmly and is not loose, or you may strip the starter gear or ring gear when you use it. The starter has to be mounted on the right side of the engine, and you will have to move or shorten the gas line and shut-off to fit the starter. There are some pre-tapped holes in this area, so just check the pattern with the starter mounts.
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Test the new electric starter
Once you've installed the new electric starter on your snowblower, it's important to test it to ensure it's functioning correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide to testing your new electric starter:
- Visual Inspection: Before turning on the snowblower, take a moment to inspect your work. Ensure that the new electric starter is securely mounted to the engine block. Check that all the connections are tight and that no wires are loose or damaged. Look for any signs of wear or damage that could indicate a problem.
- Engine Spin Test: Pull the recoil starter rope to ensure that the engine spins normally. This step is crucial because if the engine is locked up, the electric starter won't be able to spin it. Make sure the engine turns over smoothly and freely.
- Initial Start-Up: Now, it's time to attempt to start the snowblower. Push the electric start button and observe the engine's behaviour. If the engine turns over and starts, that's a good sign. Let it run for a while to ensure it's operating smoothly.
- Functionality Check: With the engine running, take note of any unusual noises, vibrations, or smells. Pay attention to how the engine responds when you adjust the throttle. Also, check that the electric starter engages and disengages smoothly and quickly.
- Multiple Start Attempts: Don't just test it once. Try starting the snowblower multiple times to ensure consistent performance. Turn the engine off and on again using the electric starter several times. This will help you identify any potential issues with the starter's reliability.
- Post-Operation Inspection: After testing, inspect the electric starter and its connections once more. Look for any signs of overheating, melting, or damage. Ensure that all components are still securely fastened and that nothing has come loose during operation.
By following these steps, you can be confident that your new electric starter is functioning as intended. If you encounter any issues or unusual behaviour during testing, it's important to address them promptly and, if necessary, seek advice from a qualified technician.
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Frequently asked questions
If your snowblower engine won't start when you push the start button, the electric starter may be faulty. You can also check by pulling the recoil starter rope; if the engine is locked up, the electric starter won't spin the engine.
First, check if your motor is set up to take an electric starter kit. Usually, the motor will have a tag on it saying "this motor is equipped to take an electric starter". You can also refer to your engine label; if it says "machine has provisions for electric start", it will most likely have a ring gear on the engine flywheel.
You can purchase an electric starter kit, which comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and requires no drilling. Make sure you get the correct starter for your engine as there are several different sizes. The starter has to be mounted firmly to the engine block; otherwise, you may strip the starter gear or ring gear when you use it.
The starter has to mount on the right side of the engine, but you will have to move or shorten the gas line and shut it off to fit the starter. There are some pre-tapped holes in this area, so just check the pattern with the starter mounts. You will also have to knock out a small section of the engine shroud. Routing the short electric cord between the starter button and starter is your choice, but usually, it only fits one way.
