Craftsman Snowblower Won't Start Small Engine Repair

[@ibirlem]

I’m in Colorado looking at 40” of snow over the next 2 days. My snowblower wasn’t working and someone said to clean the carburetor. Man, I generally don’t do mechanical stuff, I’d rather be snowboarding. But it feels so good to fix this and your perfect videos the only reason I could. Thanks for the help and for helping me feel a bit more capable!😊

[@small_engine_repair]

That storm did bring some snow

[@StevenMcKenzie1]

Almost two years after you posted this, and it's still helping people! My snowblower wouldn't start last season after a big snowfall. I didn't want to deal with fixing it when it was brutal cold, but I looked online and found your video and bookmarked it for a later time. Now almost a season later, it's starting to get cold again, and I realized I was quickly losing my window of opportunity to fix it while it wasn't crazy cold again outside. With a clear, concise step-by-step process, I was able to follow along and tear down, clean, and fix my gummed up carburetor as well on my Craftsman. After putting it all back together, it fired right up on the second pull! Thanks for the detailed video walkthrough!

[@small_engine_repair]

You are welcome.

[@AaronBregg]

Needed to stop by and say that it is late November 2024 and your video helped this complete small engine newbie get his snowblower working. I guess this means that small engines are easier to fix that computers. MANY thanks again for reminding us not to be intimidated. Keeping all of the parts in the same layout was very helpful. Have a good holiday!

[@small_engine_repair]

You're welcome! Glad it helped.

[@TorenRules]

Thank you!!!! The snow never stood a chance now!!!! Just in time for the snow tomorrow!!!

[@small_engine_repair]

Good

[@zpear1]

This video saved my marriage. My wife doubted I’d get it running and kept saying “don’t get mad when it doesn’t start” 1 hr later it’s running fine and I don’t have to file for divorce.

[@small_engine_repair]

Best comment ever!! Glad you got it running

[@shaecomstock8198]

Best comment of 2024 has been awarded!!!

[@blankblank4130]

File anyway

[@mpt708]

Thank you! I really didn’t have confidence I could do this, but I did and it worked.

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad you got it fixed!

[@matthewruggiero2791]

Thank you sir for your clear directions, saved us a service call. We got ours up and running thanks to your video!

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad to help

[@lorna3597]

Thank you for this video. Very easy walk through, you really calmed me down when you said not to be intimidated. Your approach made me feel as if my dad was walking me through this. Saving this video for future use if needed!!

[@small_engine_repair]

Your welcome

[@madirishman1333]

So glad I found this video today. Helped me get things apart without breaking anything. Thanks!

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad it helped!

[@streetcertified615]

You’re a life saver!! Literally bought mine used last week and it’ll start and then die after 2 seconds. Previous owner bought it and used that same year and let it sat for little bit over a year with full tank of gas. After replacing new gas, it’ll still start but die after 2 second. Watched your video and cleaned carburetor and BOOM! 🎉🎉She fires right up.

[@small_engine_repair]

Welcome

[@ibirlem]

Thanks!

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad I could help. Appreciate the $$

[@windyrotorblast]

I just cleaned my carb with a guitar string and it runs like a champ. Thank you.

[@small_engine_repair]

Awesome!!

[@thegoodstuff7619]

Awesome video and very informative. I have a 26" Craftsnan snow blower I bought back in March 2021 and moved from Colorado to Indiana in June 2021. Well, I used the blower here in Indiana for the 2021-2022 season but didn't use it in 2022-23 season, but I went to start it this fall and would not start. Watch your video, and now it starts as I did exactly what you showed in your video, so I'm ready for the 2024-25 snow season. Let snow in Indiana now. Thanks for helping me fix my craftsman snow blower.

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad I could help!

[@baldeagle242]

Just found your channel. Great video, you have a new sub. 🦅

[@small_engine_repair]

Thank you.

[@terrancemeekins1745]

Thanks, I was able to follow along and fix my snowblower.

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad it helped.

[@dontpokethebear3893]

This was literally me with my craftsman a month ago. Thank you.

[@small_engine_repair]

Your welcome

[@dontpokethebear3893]

@@small_engine_repair Right now I'm trying to get mine to start before the storm hits Monday. It's turning over with the electric starter just like you're showing. Mine is a model SB470 so it's a little different but generally this is the same. Mine is not leaking fuel, thankfully lol... I've literally only had it one year and it won't start. Worked great all last winter.

[@UniqueTechnique29]

Fantastic Video. I'm preparing to do this fix myself! It's amazing to me how easily the carbs on small engines become clogged.

[@small_engine_repair]

Gas we buy today is the cause.

[@gregatkinson7276]

You did not show installing the broken gasket on the bowl but I am sure you replaced it with a new one that again was not shown. Another key point you missed was you need to remove the pressed in L shaped gas feed fitting from the carb. because it conceals a fuel filter screen in the carb you will see when you remove the elbow. Learned that from Donnyboy!

[@small_engine_repair]

Thanks for pointing that out.

[@Ogrebaron]

Thank you! This video saved my butt!

[@small_engine_repair]

You are very welcome!

[@aaronhaase1235]

Followed your video, got the snowblower running again! Thanks

[@small_engine_repair]

Awesome!

[@moabwheeling1305]

I really enjoy your videos and I also do small engine repairs. I actually earned a degree in small engine repairs back in 1977 and really enjoy doing different repairs. I never worked for a shop, although I had many opportunities to do so. They just didn't want to pay me enough. So, I just enjoy just working on small engines and equipment for myself or friends, neighbors etc. I'm in the process of rebuilding my Poulan P 3314 chainsaw as its been sitting for many years and needs a lot of work such as new piston and ring, jug, carburetor rebuild etc. . They only reason I am investing money into it is because of sentimental reasons. If it wasn't for that I would just junk it. Anyway, I just subscribed to your channel. Keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@small_engine_repair]

Right on. Let me know how the rebuild goes. Thanks for the subscribe.

[@timvu3095]

I had similar problem with my 2 years old Craftman 24" snowblower that was used perhaps 3-4 times in one season, the next season, it sat in the garage. In the third season, it won't start, same old problem like this one here. I did the repair a bit differently, I just ordered a new carburetor and replaced it and took my time to open up the old one to clean it and store it for future use. This way, I don't have to fix the damn thing when it is 30F outside. To remove the choke knob, you should use two flat head screwdrivers instead of one so you don't break it. The video is a bit blurry like it was covered in fog, probably from the dirty lens on the web cam. To clear the gunk from the small parts, you could just let it sit in the cleaning fluid if you don't have all the small wires. Otherwise, this video is well done, get all the points across so someone can actually follow and do it.

[@small_engine_repair]

Yeah sometimes just replacing the carburetor is the easiest thing to do.

[@bluemoose9740]

What carburetor did you order? I am thinking I would rather just order a new one.

[@Cyprusdoctor]

Excellent presentation .Peter Kariolis.

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad you liked it!

[@martyvictor363]

The O ring was squeezed out when the factory over tightened the bowl. For what it's worth, those of us who don/t want to break down the carb and reassemble it, Get the model number off the unit. Mine was that exact model (they all vary) and punch it into an online shopping site. A new carb costs 16 to 25 bucks and is all set to go. A $3.00 fuel cutoff installed at the factory would eliminate all of that work and the BS all 208cc owners have to deal with. Your video is still great instruction for getting it off and on - THANKS !

[@small_engine_repair]

Welcome

[@jackmcbain3525]

Hey Marty, I just found out the other evening that these blowers are made both in the United States and China... not sure how to tell one from another. China has no trade restrictions so they can copy and make anything they want. It would interesting if we could track which models keep having issues.... e.g the ones made in the U.S. vs ones made in China.

[@johnborden6492]

Awesome tutorial! Got my craftsman up and running!

[@small_engine_repair]

Awesome!!!

[@alfredosayon]

Met this guy in person and he is so good at his craft

[@small_engine_repair]

Alfredo how have you been?

[@jasonmyjak5117]

Awesome video!! Question which bolt on carburetor do i loosen if l want drain gas out of carb? Thank you

[@small_engine_repair]

There is just one bolt holding on the carburetor. Loosen it a few turns and the gas will drain.

[@DavidMcdivitt27]

Thanks for the video. This really helped.

[@small_engine_repair]

You're welcome!

[@nickdesantis7747]

Perfect call ....same year and the same problem it took less than 10 mins to clean and start !!

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad it helped

[@ejw8454]

Wow, it worked!!! Thank you!

[@small_engine_repair]

Welcome

[@bradenscothern7280]

Thank you for this video!

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-jw1ld8tn2l]

Most helpful video. Thank you sir

[@small_engine_repair]

Welcome

[@chuckdahne6836]

s.e.r. thank u! craftsman sb470 up and running again

[@small_engine_repair]

Great to hear!

[@jackmcbain3525]

hey bud, why did you skip over how to replace the broken rubber gasket.? I think it would have been helpful for others in case theirs breaks as well. Did you use any type of compound to help seal that gap where the gasket broke.? I really appreciate this video. It is EXACTLY what I needed to reassemble the carb.

[@small_engine_repair]

I had to watch the video again. Yeah I could of just mentioned that I was installing a new seal. For the sake of recording that video I used the same seal. I did pull the carb off again and installed a new seal.

[@JohnJames-ti5xy]

Good job, very nice

[@small_engine_repair]

Thank you very much!

[@throughoureyes5160]

Is there a fuel valve that needs to be manually controlled on your machine?

[@small_engine_repair]

It has been a while since I worked on that machine and I do not remember if it had a fuel on off valve or not. Some models have it, others don't.

[@joetrumblak3522]

Cleaned carb jets. Works great.

[@small_engine_repair]

Awesome!!

[@JayDeSart]

I had to do this again after doing it successfully last fall. It runs but sputters a bit instead of running smoothly now. Is that an idle screw adjustment?

[@small_engine_repair]

Does the idle sound right? If it is still something carburetor related, turning the idle up is not going to fix it.

[@JayDeSart]

@small_engine_repair It kind of pulsates. It runs normal for a second, slows for a second, and then continues on that cycle.

[@small_engine_repair]

@@JayDeSart have you tried turning the idle up? If so, does it do the same thing? To me it definitely seems like a carburation issue.

[@neilmartin3508]

I have a Sears snow blower ( 20 yrs old or more) , what are the recommended oil for the engine and the gear box the tines are connected to. I have googled everywhere with no success. Thanks for your help.

[@small_engine_repair]

5w30 for the engine. The gear box takes "00" grease.

[@neilmartin3508]

@@small_engine_repair thankyou for the info

[@bikebum2006]

How did you fix the seal? Or did you replace it? Also, where would you suggest I go to purchase parts? Thanks! I'm in Golden, CO

[@small_engine_repair]

I replaced it. I primarily get my parts from either Amazon or eBay. If I cant find them on those sites then Jacks Small Engine or wherever I end up finding them after an exhaustive Google search.

[@bikebum2006]

@@small_engine_repair I was unable to poke a hole in the un named black piece (7:25), maybe my wire was too thick. I did find a clogged jet. After reinstalling, the blower was surging, took it apart again, worked on the un-named black piece again, and damaged the rubber o-ring on the un-named black piece. New $15 carburetor is on its way from Amazon.

[@JimmyKay1976]

I have the same snowblower. Does it come will a tank fuel filter?

[@small_engine_repair]

There should be one at the tank outlet.

[@jackmcbain3525]

Also, what type of fuel stabilizer do you recommend to neutralize the ethanol.? I have been using Stay-bil. seems to make a big difference as all small engines were never designed to burn ethanol... and,... there seem to be two schools of thought on how to store equipment like this during winter. I have heard keep the gas tank FULL so no moisture can get it.. OR, keep it empty and lid loose so any existing moisture can escape. The blower I am working on hasn't been used in over two years. Old gas has sat in the carb bowl the entire time. Check out GUNK -parts cleaner WITH acetone. that stuff ate through about 1/4 inch of junk buildup inside the bowl. I let it soak in the cleaner overnight. A stiff brass brush cleaned it right up. Again, great video, THANKS!!!

[@small_engine_repair]

Stay-bil works good. I find it best to drain the gas at the end of the season and run the equipment until no gas is left in the system. I have had a few customers tell me that the manual now states to do this. Otherwise I would agree to put stay-bil in the gas, run the equipment so the stay-bil gas mix makes it to the carburetor and leave the tank full. Here in Colorado Springs we have Maverick gas stations and they have an ethanol free pump. Other option is to buy ethanol free in the can at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

[@jackmcbain3525]

@@small_engine_repair thanks bud... very helpful

[@garyelder6799]

Thanks for the detailed cleaning on the carb. 👍👍 You skipped over the root cause fix of the leaking fuel though. 😯. I’m assuming the the bowl rubber gasket got pinched and started leaking a bit. The owner probably cranked the float bowl nut on with a 3/4” ratchet to try to stop the leak and cut the rubber gasket? Did you replace the gasket with a new one or were you able to somehow reuse the cut one? I hope you and your family had a great Christmas. Happy new year and all the best in 2022! Cheers from Canada, eh? 😁

[@small_engine_repair]

Yeah the gasket was the problem. I did not have a new one at the time so I just put a dab of gasket maker to fill the gap and got it running. I ordered a new gasket and installed it before delivering to the customer. We did have a great Christmas. It was low key and we did not travel. Hope you had a great Christmas as well,

[@antoniobohanon6370]

Is there a special way to take the pin out that hold the float? I’m trying to remove it but it’s very snug and won’t move. I used my needle nose to try to remove it and accidentally broke a portion of one end of the pin. Still won’t budge..any advise? T.I.A

[@small_engine_repair]

It usually just falls out on its own or I just use pliers. I would try some PB blaster. How does the carburetor look otherwise?

[@antoniobohanon6370]

I used some WD-40 and was able to get it out after a couple tries. Left it alone for a couple days now the main jet I’m having the same issue so I’m just sprayed wd40 down there too and hopefully I can get it out

[@angeloreese9299]

I enjoy watching video and would like to ask a question . I inherited a 2410, 2014 Troy Bilt snowblower. After a inspection I notice no oil was in engine because O ring under oil dip tube was not seated but look good. Second was that engine was seized and hard to pull pull cord. I took out spark plug and engine pulls easy with pull cord. Also turned engine over with socket on bolt. Third thing was to spray PV blaster in spark plug cylinder. It’s still hard to pull with cord but not as bad as first a first try, would like you opinion on this matter, thank you.

[@small_engine_repair]

Angelo, I replied to your comment on the other video.

[@JohnWall-dy1wq]

What is the torque value for the flywheel, cooling fan nut on a craftsman 208cc engine

[@small_engine_repair]

John, you know I have never looked that up. I usually just give it one or two uga dugas with my little impact and that works.

[@monicafriesen4052]

Hi, I was using the machine for half of my driveway and I turned it off arrange it differently and I couldn’t started again, it’s the same issue with the carburetor ? From being in use to a not start ? I added more gasoline too ! Thanks.

[@small_engine_repair]

Hi Monica, if it was running and then would not start again, I do not think it is carburetor issue. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then try starting it again. Look forward to your response.

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

lolz

[@davidgray347]

I bought 1 of these last season and was used 1 time. I did run it dry of before storing it. Put fresh new fuel last weekend and this happened to me.

[@small_engine_repair]

Hope you got it fixed. It is a never ending battle.

[@davidgray347]

@Small Engine Repair yeah i got it going and it is running tip-top.

[@JimmyKay1976]

Doesn't the idle screw need to be turned a certain number of times?

[@small_engine_repair]

I never count the turns.

[@JimmyKay1976]

@@small_engine_repair Yea, seems unneeded. I'll be making this exact same repair in a few days. Your video was super helpful. Any idea about the size of the little fuel line clamps?

[@small_engine_repair]

@@JimmyKay1976 I am guessing 1/4 inch

[@NelsonBiglar]

You didn't show what you did with the broken rubber washer? Salvaged or replaced??

[@small_engine_repair]

I replaced it.

[@JimmyKay1976]

Where is the throat on that particular carburetor?

[@small_engine_repair]

Behind all the plastic.

[@johnhouli3450]

Thanks. But u didn’t show the gasket on the bowl. I saw it was broken in beginning

[@small_engine_repair]

I did not have another one on hand at the time I was recording this video. I used the broken one to get it back together and to make sure it ran. I replaced the gasket off camera.

[@francislang5075]

well done

[@small_engine_repair]

Thank you

[@sharpthingsinspace9721]

Just bought a new carburetor on Amazon for 16.99. Quick fix on these junk snow blowers, the jet holes are too small and clog up easily. Time is money and looking at the bad reviews it’s obvious that the number one complaint on Craftsman snow blowers is the carburetor after just two years of use.

[@small_engine_repair]

I am guessing it is the material that the carburetor is made of, plus the ethanol in the gas we get. Most of the jobs I have done lately have been cleaning carburetors on Craftsman snow blowers. I recommend to drain the gas at the end of the season and then run the machine until it dies to get all the gas out of the system.

[@jackmcbain3525]

I read the other evening many of these snowblowers are made in China. Odd, since Craftsman has been made in America since time immemorial. China doesn't have any trade restrictions to prevent them from copying and making other companies products. It would be interesting if we could do a study to see which ones are breaking down... the ones built in the U.S. vs the ones made in China.

[@LoneWolfSnowplowing]

@@jackmcbain3525 Craftsman overall hasn't been made in USA since around 2010.

[@blackpine6693]

Gas…gas..gas….old gas , new gas in old metal gas cans…..the water/ alcohol causes corrosion In the storage tank ……don’t know why they don’t have fuel filters… cut offs but probably solve the clogged carb issue with them…..if you have an old metal tank get rid of it ……buy a new one……and use a stabilizer…… Empty out the tank and carb at the end of the season…..

[@small_engine_repair]

Yeah I always recommend draining gas and running it out before storing for summer.

[@love101a3]

Jesus is coming as time getting closer with so much distress Thanks for sharing I fix mind for this winter ❄️ "My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself!" * Psalm 63:3 Great good may be accomplished by the sincere, humble worker who realizes that success does not depend on appearances, but on the One who has given him his commission.... . TDG 26.3 Let no one fold his hands in unbelief because he thinks he can do no mighty work. Cease looking at self. Look at your Leader. In sincerity, meekness, and love, do what you can.... God will certainly bless wholehearted workers. TDG 26.5-TDG 26.6

[@small_engine_repair]

Glad you got it fixed.

[@rameshpersaud7131]

TK U

[@small_engine_repair]

Welcome

[@AmosBHaven]

That "little tube" with all the little holes on top of that main jet is called an "emulsifier" tube. It'll let people know ya know what yer talkin' about. 🧐😁

[@small_engine_repair]

Thanks Amos. I know that but blank it while I am talking, working and recording.

[@MarkTheo-w1z]

It's an $800.00 piece of shit,that's why it drips, wont start,fires & dies & only runs if you keep pumping the primer. They put those nos (powermore) engines on craftsman,yard machine,huskee & troy built. They as I'm informed are basically a half assed Honda in disguise. That shares alot of honda parts ,but does not compare to a honda in dependability. They for got to include a 3 foot handle for pumping the primer as you blow snow in surges. They also forgot to tell you to never shut it off for the summer without performing brain surgery on it & opening your own small engine shop,cause it might never run again. Its ranked right up there in the retard category with poulan, Tecumseh, McCulloch & others that are known for giving people a hard time for no given or justifiable reason. American & foreign made junk as far as I'm concerned. Hey hurry out & get 1, for only $800 you can have all the head aches you never wanted! Same machine,same company,same model,same owner & same operator & an experienced operator at that & 1 is constant problems with the same care & the other is a yard ornament or dust rest in the barn that never did start & run or work without a constant fight. I paid $800 to use it & get things done,if I wanted a hobby I'd go fishing.

[@small_engine_repair]

Ok