Otis Singleton
There are many reasons why an electric snow blower might not start. If the starter switch is unresponsive, the switch or motor may be broken. If the cord is intact and plugged in, the problem may lie with the starter switch or motor. If the motor is burnt out, it will need to be replaced. If the motor is intact, the starter switch is likely failing. If the engine is healthy, the snow blower should start with a pull cord. If the snow blower is not engaging when the starter switch is hit, there may be an issue with the connection between the starter gear and the flywheel gear. If the starter gear teeth are worn or broken, the gear will need to be replaced. If the teeth are intact, they may just need to be adjusted or realigned.
Why won't my electric snow blower start?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starter switch | Check if the starter switch is broken. |
| Power cord | Check if the power cord is plugged in and not frayed or broken. |
| Motor | Inspect the motor for signs of burning or melting wires. |
| Fuel | Ensure that the fuel is not stale and can be ignited to start the engine. |
| Carburetor | Clean or replace the carburetor if it is clogged or defective. |
| Spark plug | Check and replace the spark plug if necessary. |
| Starter gear and flywheel gear | Inspect the starter gear for damage and adjust or replace the gear teeth if necessary. |
| Safety switch | Ensure that the safety switch is engaged before use. |
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What You'll Learn
The power cord is damaged or broken
If your electric snow blower won't start, one of the first things you should do is check the power cord. If the cord is damaged or broken, this could be the source of the problem. A broken power cord can manifest in a few different ways. For example, the electrical prong, or ground prong, might be broken off. Alternatively, you might discover a broken wire just outside of the strain relief.
If the power cord is damaged or broken, it is important to address the issue promptly. A broken power cord can pose safety hazards and affect the performance of your snow blower. In some cases, you may be able to repair the cord by salvaging the old strain relief or using a replacement cord. However, if the damage is extensive, it may be more advisable to replace the cord entirely.
When working with electrical components, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Before attempting any repairs or replacements, make sure the power source is disconnected to avoid any accidents. Additionally, consider consulting a professional or a reputable repair service if you are unsure about the repair process or the extent of the damage.
To repair a damaged power cord, you can try salvaging the old strain relief by carefully slitting it down the mold parting line and peeling it away from the power cord. If the old strain relief is beyond repair, you might need to purchase a new one or opt for a replacement cord. When sourcing replacement parts, ensure that they are compatible with your specific snow blower model.
In some cases, you may need to get creative with your repair solutions. For instance, you could consider using an extension cord by securely fastening one end to the snow blower and adding a hook to wrap around the extension cord. This approach ensures that there is no pressure on the wiring at the snow blower end. Remember to consult reliable sources and, if necessary, seek expert advice to ensure that your repairs are safe and effective.
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The starter switch is broken
If your snow blower's starter switch is broken, it will not respond when the switch is engaged. If nothing happens when you press the starter switch, you should check the power cord connecting the starter to ensure it is receiving power. If the cord is plugged in and not damaged, there is likely a problem with the starter switch or motor.
You can remove the switch and motor by unscrewing them from their attachments. Once removed, take off the cover of the motor and inspect it for any signs of damage. If there are 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 broken. 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 over 60 seconds.
If the starter motor and switch work, but the engine is not 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 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. If the starter or flywheel gear teeth 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 your snow blower still won't start after checking the above, you may need to take it to a professional servicing dealer or buy a new snow blower.
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The motor is burnt out
If your snow blower's electric starter does not respond when the starter switch is engaged, the switch or motor may be broken. First, check the power cord that connects to the starter to ensure that the starter 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.
If you suspect the motor is the issue, 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.
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 over 60 seconds. If the motor seems to be in good condition, the starter switch is likely failing.
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$86.99
The fuel is stale and won't ignite
If your snow blower has stale fuel, it may not start. Stale gas is one of the most common causes of starting issues in snow blowers. To check if your fuel is stale, drain a sample from your machine's fuel tank into a clear glass container. If the gas is dark in colour, it has likely gone bad. In this case, drain the gas from your equipment and replace it with fresh fuel. Remember to dispose of the old fuel properly.
If fuel has been stored in the unit for a long period, areas such as fuel lines and the metering needle may have become gummed up from the old fuel mixture. As gas ages, hydrocarbons in the fuel mixture evaporate, and the remaining fuel becomes tacky or varnish-like. This can cause deposits and blockages in your equipment’s fuel system. Therefore, it is recommended to drain the fuel tank at the end of the season or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from deteriorating.
If you are unable to drain the fuel, you can try to run the snow blower to burn off the old gas. This may be difficult, and the engine may balk at first, but if it starts, let it run for a while at idle and then at a higher speed. The gas in the carburetor may be gummed up, but once the engine runs for a bit, it should be okay. While this is not recommended, it should not damage your engine.
To prevent stale fuel, it is important to use fresh fuel at the beginning of the season and to avoid gasoline with more than 10% ethanol, as higher ethanol levels can cause starting issues and engine damage. Additionally, consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your snow blower will sit unused for a few weeks, as gas can begin to break down after approximately 30 days.
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The starter gear is damaged
If your electric snow blower won't start, it could be due to a damaged starter gear. The starter gear is responsible for connecting the electric starter motor to the flywheel gear, which forces the flywheel to rotate when the starter is engaged. If the starter gear is damaged, it can cause the snow blower to become inoperable.
To diagnose a faulty starter gear, you should first check if the starter motor and switch are operational. If they appear to be functioning correctly, but the engine is not engaged when you hit the starter switch, the issue is likely related to the connection between the starter gear and the flywheel gear.
To inspect the starter gear, locate it on the side of the starter motor. Look for any signs of damage, such as worn or broken teeth on the gear. If the teeth are damaged, the gear will need to be replaced. However, if the teeth appear intact, the issue may be due to a loose connection. In this case, you can try adjusting or realigning the gear to ensure a strong connection.
If you need to replace the starter gear, you can purchase a new one from reputable online stores or local businesses specialising in small engine parts. It is important to use manufacturer-approved replacement parts to ensure compatibility and maintain the snow blower's performance and safety.
Additionally, when working on the starter gear, it is crucial to follow proper safety procedures and refer to the owner's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any aspects of the repair process.
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