Umair Gaines
Electric snow blowers are complicated machines with many moving parts, so it's natural to encounter problems from time to time. Common issues include a clogged fuel line, a bad spark plug, or a faulty starter switch or motor. If your snow blower won't start, first check if there's fresh gas in the tank. If you have enough fuel, check the spark plug, safety key switch, throttle, and starter. If your snow blower is running but not ejecting snow, examine the auger and impeller for damage or wear. If you're unsure about any repairs, consult a professional to avoid causing further damage.
Characteristics and Values Table for Electric Snow Blower Troubleshooting
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Snow Blower Won't Start | Check if the tool is plugged in or the battery is charged. If not, plug it in or charge the battery. If it still doesn't work, check if there is fresh gas in the tank. |
| Auger or Discharge Chute Clogged | Turn off the engine or unplug the cord/remove the battery. Use a clearing tool or broom handle to clear the clog. |
| Engine Stalling | Drain old fuel and replace with fresh gas. Clean or adjust the carburetor. Check the air filter. |
| Auger Malfunctions | Check for a broken shear pin and replace it. If the shear pin is intact, check the auger belt for wear or damage. |
| Excessive Vibration | Unusual vibrations can indicate several issues, including a broken shear pin, a clogged air filter, or a gummed-up carburetor. |
| Electric Starter Not Working | Check the power cord and ensure it is not frayed or broken. Inspect the motor for damage. If the motor is burnt out, replace it. If the motor is intact, the starter switch may be failing. |
| Starter Gear Issues | Check the starter gear for signs of damage. If the teeth are worn or broken, replace the gear. If the teeth are intact, adjust or realign the gear to make a strong connection. |
| Circuit Breaker Tripped | If the extension cord is too small or too long, it can cause an increase in amp draw and trip the circuit breaker. Allow the unit to cool down for 15 minutes and reset. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the power cord and starter switch
If your electric snow blower won't start, there could be an issue with the power cord or starter switch. To troubleshoot, first check the power cord to make sure the starter is receiving sufficient power. Ensure that the power cord is plugged in and not frayed or broken. If the cord is intact and plugged in correctly, there is likely a problem with the starter switch or motor itself.
You can remove the switch and motor by unscrewing them from their attachments to the frame. Once they are removed, take the cover off of the motor and inspect it for any signs of damage, such as burnt or melted wires. If there is visible damage, the motor is likely burnt out and will need to be replaced. If the motor seems to be in good condition, the issue is probably a failing starter switch. Starter motors can burn out if the switch is held for too long when the engine will not turn over, forcing the motor to run continuously.
If your snow blower's starter motor and switch seem to be working, but the engine is not engaged when you hit the starter switch, there could be an issue with the connection between the starter gear and flywheel gear. The starter gear connects the electric starter motor to the flywheel gear, and it is possible for the starter motor to come loose and wobble when the gear rotates, causing damage to the teeth of both gears. Check the starter gear for any signs of damage and, if the teeth are worn or broken, the gear will need to be replaced. If the teeth on each gear appear intact, they may just need to be adjusted or realigned to make a strong connection.
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Check the spark plug, safety key switch and throttle
To fix an electric snow blower, you should check the spark plug, safety key switch and throttle.
Spark Plug
The spark plug is typically located on the left side of the snow blower engine, above the valve cover. Before removing the spark plug, ensure that the engine is cool, as the plug and engine can get very hot. Once the engine has cooled, remove the spark plug and check for any deposits or damage to the electrode, and inspect the insulator for cracks. If any issues are found, the spark plug should be replaced. It is important to ensure that the spark plug is properly gapped, and this can be measured using a feeler gauge. If the gap is incorrect, it can be adjusted by bending the side electrode. The part number for the replacement spark plug can usually be found in the owner's manual, along with the torque specification. If the manual is unavailable, the part number can be found on the engine model number sticker or plate.
Safety Key Switch
If your snow blower does not have a key, you can try inserting something plastic or wooden into the key slot to separate the wire from the carb box. Alternatively, you can follow the green wire down and disconnect it. Most snow blowers will have a secondary way to shut off the engine at the throttle control.
Throttle
If your snow blower's engine idles but dies at full throttle, there are a few things you can check. First, ensure that the fuel filter is not clogged, as this can starve the engine of fuel. You can check this by gently twisting the fuel line off both ends and blowing through it. If the filter is clogged, it should be replaced. Next, check the carburetor for any issues. Disconnect the throttle rod return spring and remove the throttle rod from the carburetor. Then, locate the two idle screws on the carburetor, marked 'L' and 'H'. Turn both screws in to shut off the fuel, then loosen them by about two full rotations and try to start the engine. Allow the engine to idle for five minutes, then adjust the screws as needed to set the idle and high idle.
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Inspect the carburetor, fuel system and fuel tank
If your snow blower won't start, the problem could be with the carburetor, fuel system, or fuel tank.
Inspect the carburetor
If your snow blower is having trouble running for long periods or is not starting at all, the issue could be with the carburetor. To inspect and clean the carburetor, follow these steps:
- Heat up some water.
- Disassemble the carburetor and place the parts into the water for a couple of minutes.
- Use compressed air to dry the carburetor and its components.
- Reassemble the carburetor, placing the emulsion tube and main jet back into the 'neck' and securing them with a screwdriver.
- Clean the float and metering needle with carburetor cleaner, then reassemble.
Inspect the fuel system and fuel tank
If the carburetor is not the issue, the problem could be with the fuel system or fuel tank. If the gas in the tank is more than 30 days old, it may have gone stale and caused moisture to build up in the fuel system. To inspect and resolve this issue:
- Check if the gas has a sour smell or has turned dark in color, indicating that it has gone bad.
- If the gas is bad, use a gas siphon to drain it from the fuel tank.
- Refuel with fresh stabilized gasoline.
- Ensure that you properly dispose of the old fuel.
Additionally, if the fuel was stored for an extended period, the fuel lines and metering needle may have become gummed up. In this case, you may need to clean or rebuild the carburetor.
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Check the auger for clogs, damage or wear
If your snow blower is not ejecting snow effectively, it could be due to a clog, damage, or wear in the auger. To check for this, first turn off the engine of a gas snow blower or unplug an electric model. Then, inspect the auger and impeller for any damage or wear, such as a rock or chunk of ice that might be obstructing moving parts. If you notice any issues, you can use a clearing tool, broom handle, or stick to carefully loosen and remove the debris. It is important to never use your hands or feet for this, even when wearing gloves, as stationary augers and impellers can be dangerous.
The auger may also fail to rotate due to a broken shear pin, which is a safety feature designed to break when the auger hits a hard object. In this case, replacing the shear pin is a simple fix. If the shear pin is intact, check the auger belt for any wear or damage, as a loose or broken belt will not transfer power from the engine to the auger.
If you own a single-stage snow blower, the auger paddles may have worn down due to direct contact with the ground. Most rubber paddles have wear indicator holes, so if they have worn down to the holes, it is time to replace them. You can easily replace single-stage snow blower auger paddles by following the instructions in an auger paddle replacement kit.
To prevent clogs in your snow blower, it is recommended to use a snow blower non-stick spray to protect your machine against dirt, snow, and grass from sticking inside the auger housing and other components. If you do not have access to a specialized spray, you can use cooking spray or WD40 as an alternative.
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Check the starter gear for damage or misalignment
If your snow blower's starter motor and switch work, but the engine is not being engaged when you hit the starter switch, there is likely an issue with the connection between the starter gear and flywheel gear. The starter gear is located on the side of the starter motor and connects the electric starter motor to the flywheel gear with teeth that force it to rotate the flywheel when the starter is engaged.
It is possible for the starter motor to come loose and wobble when the gear rotates, causing damage to the teeth on both the starter and flywheel gear. Check the starter gear for signs of damage or misalignment. If the teeth on the starter gear or flywheel gear are worn, broken, or misaligned, the gear will need to be replaced or adjusted. If the teeth on each gear appear to be intact, they are likely just loose and need to be adjusted or re-aligned to make a strong connection.
If the cord is plugged in and not frayed or broken, but the starter switch is still not responding, there is likely a problem with the starter switch or motor itself. You can remove the switch and motor by unscrewing them from their attachments to the frame. Once removed, take the cover off of the motor and inspect it for damage. If there are any signs of burning or melting wires, the motor is burnt out and will need to be replaced. If the motor seems to be in good condition, the starter switch is likely failing.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be a number of reasons why your snow blower won't start. First, check that it's plugged into an outlet or that the battery is fully charged. If it is, then check the power cord for any breaks or cracks. If the cord is fine, then there could be a problem with the starter assembly. Check your owner's manual for guidance on how to fix this.
If the starter switch is not responding, it could be broken. You can test this using a multimeter. If the starter switch is faulty, you will need to replace it.
There are a few other common reasons why your snow blower won't start. It could be due to a clogged fuel line, a bad spark plug, or a clogged carburetor. Check your owner's manual for guidance on how to fix these issues.
Over time, the cables that send power to the wheels may need to be adjusted to apply the proper tension to the belt. Unclip the cable from the handle and adjust the line at the base of the machine. Reconnect the cable and test the handling. Adjust again until the lurching stops.
