Otis Singleton
If your snowblower won't start, there could be a number of issues with the electric starter. Firstly, check that the starter is receiving sufficient power by inspecting the power cord for any fraying or breaks. If the cord is intact, the issue could be with the starter switch or motor itself. If the starter switch is not working, it may need to be replaced. Another potential issue could be with the connection between the starter gear and flywheel gear, which may need to be adjusted or realigned. If the snowblower is making a whirring noise, the cogs on the starter may be jammed against the flywheel, and penetrating oil can be used to loosen it. Other possible causes include a clogged carburetor, a clogged or broken fuel line, a dirty spark plug, or a bad rewind starter.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fixing an Electric Start on a Snowblower
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| No response when the starter switch is engaged | Check if the switch or motor is broken; check the power cord to ensure sufficient power is being received |
| Starter switch and motor work, but the engine is not engaged | Likely an issue with the connection between the starter gear and flywheel gear; check for damage to the starter gear and replace if necessary |
| Snowblower makes a whirring noise but won't start | The starter gear may not be engaging the flywheel, or the engine may be locked; try using a pull cord to turn it over |
| Main causes of electric start problems | Stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged/broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, etc. |
| Replacing the electric starter | Ensure the engine spins normally by pulling the recoil starter rope; if the engine is locked, the electric starter won't spin the engine; replace with a manufacturer-approved part |
| Reinstalling the starter motor | Reinstall the switch screws and reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug |
| Stuck starting solenoid | Tap the solenoid with a screwdriver handle to break it loose |
| Cogs on the starter jammed against the flywheel | Remove and inspect; use penetrating oil to loosen if stuck due to dirt; install a new or used one if necessary |
| Testing the starter switch | Use a multimeter; replace if not working properly |
| Clogged carburetor | Spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake to reduce carbon buildup; check inside the carburetor and use tools to avoid damaging parts when taking it apart |
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What You'll Learn
Check the power cord and starter switch
If your snow blower's electric starter does not respond when the starter switch is engaged, the switch or motor may be broken. Before jumping to any conclusions, it is important to check the power cord that connects to the starter to ensure that the starter is receiving sufficient power.
Firstly, check if the power cord is plugged in. If it is not, simply plug it in and try engaging the starter switch again. If the cord is plugged in, check for any signs of fraying or breakage. If the cord is frayed or broken, this could be preventing the starter from receiving enough power. In this case, you will need to replace the power cord.
If the power cord appears to be in good condition and plugged in securely, 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 off the cover of the motor and inspect it for any signs of damage.
Look out for any signs of burning or melting wires, as this would indicate that 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 the issue. Starter motors can overheat and become burnt out if the switch is held for too long when the engine will not turn over, forcing the motor to run continuously for an extended period.
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Inspect the starter gear and flywheel gear
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 the flywheel gear. The starter gear, located on the side of the starter motor, connects the electric starter motor to the flywheel gear with teeth that force it to rotate the flywheel when the starter is engaged.
Check the starter gear for signs of damage. 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. If the teeth on the starter or flywheel gear are worn or broken, the damaged gear will need to be replaced. If the teeth on each gear look intact, they are likely just loose and need to be adjusted or realigned to make a strong connection.
If the engine is locked up, the electric starter won't spin the engine. If the starter won't spin to start the engine when activated and is plugged into a working wall outlet, replace the electric starter using the manufacturer-approved snowblower part.
To access the electric starter, remove the gas tank and check the bolts that hold it on. They are most likely loose. The starter should be mounted solid to the engine.
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Look for fuel leaks
If your snowblower is leaking fuel, it is likely happening somewhere between the fuel leaving the gas tank and when it is drawn into the engine cylinder. Before you begin any repairs, make sure to unplug the spark plug and empty the fuel tank for safety.
Firstly, check the gas tank for any holes or cracks. If the tank is intact, the next step is to identify the source of the leak. The eight most likely causes are:
- Worn carburetor bowl gasket: If the leak appears to be coming from the carburetor, it is likely that the carburetor bowl gasket is worn out or missing. You should install a new gasket to provide a proper seal for the bowl.
- Defective float assembly: Various float assembly components inside the carburetor bowl could be defective. The float needle opens and closes the float valve to allow fuel to enter the bowl. If the float needle or the float itself is damaged, the carburetor may continue to fill with fuel until it overflows. You should be able to stop the leaking by replacing one or more of these components.
- Broken fuel shut-off valve or solenoid: Inspect the fuel shut-off valve or shut-off solenoid for leaks. Also, check the fuel shut-off lines to ensure they fit tightly and are free of cracks or tiny holes.
- Clogged fuel filter: The fuel exits the snowblower’s gas tank through a fuel filter. If this becomes clogged, it can cause fuel leaks.
- Damaged O-ring: The O-ring seals off fluids from leaking. Check the O-ring on the bowl located on the carburetor. If it is leaking or damp, it needs to be replaced.
- Needle valve leak: To check for a needle valve leak, inspect the oil on the dipstick. If it is too high, looks thinner than usual, and smells like gas, it is likely a needle valve leak.
- Incorrect fuel type: Snowblower engines are designed to use gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol. Gasoline with higher levels of ethanol can be corrosive and attract water, causing the engine to have starting or running problems, and potentially damaging the fuel system.
- Fuel storage: If you are storing fuel for longer than three months, consider adding a fuel stabilizer when you fill the container.
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Test the starter switch with a multimeter
If your snow blower's electric starter does not respond when the starter switch is engaged, the switch or motor may be broken. Before testing the starter switch with a multimeter, you should first check the power cord that connects to the starter to ensure it is receiving sufficient power. If the cord is plugged in and not frayed or broken, there is likely a problem with the starter switch or motor itself.
To test the starter switch with a multimeter, you will need to set the meter to measure ohms (Ω). Disconnect the wires from the brushes for this test. You should then measure between the white and black wires, and you should see a reading that is at the high limit of your meter. When the starter button is pushed, the value should drop to almost 0 if the connection/switch is good.
If the multimeter shows that the switch is not working, you can buy a replacement switch. You can also buy a new starter, which may be a better option if the motor is burnt out. If the multimeter shows that the switch is working, the problem may lie elsewhere, such as with the starter gear or flywheel gear.
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Remove and inspect the carburetor
If your snowblower won't start, a clogged carburetor may be the cause. The carburetor is the part of the motor where air and fuel combine at the correct ratio for combustion. When a carburetor becomes clogged with sticky fuel residue, it can prevent the engine from receiving the proper air-fuel mixture, making it difficult or impossible to start.
Before you begin, ensure you have a carburetor cleaner for a snowblower and a carburetor kit available. Turn off the snowblower engine and leave it to cool. Remove the carburetor bowl, float bowl, and flathead. Spray and clean the dirty carburetor with a carburetor cleaner, removing debris with a cloth. Let it sit to remove impurities. If you are unable to clean it sufficiently, remove the snowblower carburetor to fully submerge it in liquid carburetor cleaner. Clean the bowl, nuts, and holes, removing any rust with sandpaper. Use compressed air to blow away any additional debris.
If you did remove the carburetor to give it a more thorough clean, reattach the carburetor using a carburetor kit, which should include any replacement parts you may need. Ensure everything is as it was before you began. Check the snowblower air filter before you start the engine. A dirty air filter can cause issues with the carburetor, so it is important to ensure it is clean.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check the power cord to ensure the starter is receiving power. If the cord is intact and plugged in, the problem could be with the starter switch or motor. You can remove and inspect the motor for any signs of damage.
If the motor is intact, the issue is likely with the starter switch. The starter motor may have overheated and burnt out.
Check if the starter gear is engaging the flywheel. If not, try wrapping a rope around the recoil starter and turning it by hand.
Other potential issues include a clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, stale gas, damaged auger blades, or a clogged chute.
Try using some penetrating oil to loosen the mechanism. If that doesn't work, you can replace the starter with a new or used one.
