Trystan Casey
Electric snow blowers can lock up due to various reasons. Some common issues include a clogged carburetor, faulty spark plugs, or a build-up of dirt and dust in the contacts. Other potential causes could be loose belts on the drive pulley, obstructions in the blower, or issues with the power outlet or extension cord. It is important to troubleshoot and identify the specific cause to resolve the problem effectively. Safety precautions, such as using the appropriate extension cord and avoiding loose clothing, are also crucial when operating electric snow blowers.
Why do electric snow blowers lock up?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Outlet | Ensure the outlet is functional; if faulty, replace it with the help of a licensed electrician |
| Extension cord | Check for breaks, cracks, and punctures; replace if necessary |
| Machine contacts | Clean the contacts if they are dirty |
| Carburetor | Clean the carburetor if junk has built up |
| Spark plug | Check the spark plug and replace if faulty or wet |
| Fuel | Ensure fuel is not more than 30 days old, as this can cause moisture build-up |
| Obstruction | Check for any obstructions in the blower |
| Belts | Check if the belts are loose on the drive pulley |
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What You'll Learn
Blockages in the blower
If the snow blower is difficult to manoeuvre or lurches forward, the cables that send power to the wheels may need to be adjusted to apply the proper tension to the belt. If the snow blower is jerking forward when the drive handle is squeezed, the cable should be unclipped from the handle, and the line's threaded adjustment tightened at the base of the machine. Lubricant should then be sprayed at the pivot points of any moving parts.
If the machine is leaving too much snow behind, this could be due to a blockage under the machine. This can be cleared with a broom handle or a clearing tool—it is important never to use hands or feet, even when wearing gloves, as the auger and impeller are often under enough belt tension to cause serious harm.
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Faulty or loose belts
If the belts on your electric snow blower are faulty or loose, it can cause the machine to lock up. This is because the belts are responsible for driving the blower, and if they are not functioning properly, the blower will not turn. In some cases, loose belts on the drive pulley can indicate a more serious issue, such as a broken motor.
To check if the belts are the cause of the problem, it is recommended to disconnect them and see if the engine or auger is stuck. If the blower shaft is obstructed, this can cause the belts to become loose and the machine to lock up. In this case, the belts may need to be replaced, and the obstruction cleared.
It is also important to maintain proper belt tension on electric snow blowers, especially on two-stage models. Over time, the cables that send power to the wheels can become loose, causing the snow blower to jerk forward when the drive handle is squeezed. To fix this issue, the cables must be tightened by adjusting the threaded line at the base of the machine.
If your electric snow blower is locking up, it is important to inspect the belts and ensure they are in good condition and properly tensioned. If the belts are faulty or loose, they may need to be replaced or adjusted to resolve the issue.
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Spark plug issues
To check if the spark plug is the issue, remove it and try to manually turn the blower. If the blower turns, leave the spark plug out and try to start the engine. If the engine starts, then the spark plug was the issue.
If the spark plug is wet, this means it is flooded and you will need to leave it out overnight to let the gas evaporate. A new plug should then solve the issue. If the plug is dry, the issue is likely a clogged carburetor, which will need to be cleaned.
If the spark plug appears fine, the problem may be elsewhere, such as an obstruction in the blower. However, it is worth noting that a faulty spark plug may not always be immediately obvious, and it is worth checking and cleaning or replacing the spark plug as part of your troubleshooting process.
If you are unsure about what to do next, it might be best to bring your snow blower to a professional for further inspection.
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Carburetor problems
If your snow blower is having problems running for long periods or is not starting up, the issue could be related to the carburetor. A clogged carburetor is usually the result of leaving fuel in your snow blower for an extended period. Old fuel can evaporate, leaving behind a thick, sticky substance that clogs the carburetor and prevents the engine from starting. If your carburetor is clogged, you should clean it with a carburetor cleaner. However, if this does not work, you may need to rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
To clean your carburetor, first heat up some water. Then, drop the carburetor and its loose parts into the water for a couple of minutes or until the carburetor stops releasing dirt. Next, use compressor air to dry the carburetor and its components. Set the emulsion tube back into the 'neck' of the carburetor and place the main jet back into the carburetor 'neck', securing it with a screwdriver. Spray some carburetor cleaner on a rag and clean the float and metering needle. Then, place the metering needle back onto the float and set the float back into the carburetor, securing it with the hinge pin.
If fuel is leaking from the bottom of the carburetor, the carburetor gasket may be dried out or missing. Try replacing the carburetor gasket and the carburetor bowl gasket. If your carburetor is beyond repair, you can remove it using a socket wrench to remove the bolts and a screwdriver to remove the mounting bolts.
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Power source issues
If your electric snow blower is not turning on, there could be an issue with its power source. Here are some troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve power-related problems:
Outlet Issues
First, check if your snow blower is plugged into an outlet. Ensure that the outlet is functional by testing another device or appliance with it. If the outlet is faulty, have it replaced by a licensed electrician to maintain safety and ensure you are up to code.
Extension Cord Problems
If the outlet seems fine, examine the extension cord for any breaks, cracks, or puncture sites. Seasonal weather exposure and regular use can cause damage to extension cords over time. Try using a different extension cord to see if that resolves the issue.
Power Rating of Extension Cords
Be aware that extension cords are rated for power, and using one with an insufficient power rating may cause issues. Always use a three-pronged extension cord designed for outdoor use when operating an electric snow blower.
Spark Plug Issues
If the outlet and extension cord seem fine, the problem could be related to the spark plug. Check if the tip of the spark plug is wet, which indicates that it is flooded. In this case, leave the spark plug out overnight to let the gas evaporate, and then replace it. If the spark plug is dry, the issue may lie with a clogged carburetor, which will need to be cleaned.
Machine Maintenance
Sometimes, the contacts inside the machine can get dirty, especially if stored in an area with a lot of dust and dirt. Performing simple cleaning maintenance on the contacts can improve the performance of your snow blower.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric snow blower won't start, check that it is plugged in or that the battery is fully charged. If it has an electric starter, you may have overheated the starter by trying to get it started. Leave it to cool down and try again.
If your electric snow blower is locking up, it may be because the auger is clogged. Turn off the engine or unplug the cord, and use a clearing tool or broom handle to clear the clog.
If your snow blower is lurching forward, 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 tighten the line's threaded adjustment at the base of the machine.
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