Locked Snowblower Pullcord Diagnosis and Fix

Pullcord on snowblower is locked or frozen. This snowblower has sat for 2-3 years and I need to figure out why the pullcord system isn't working. I look at several causes and make the necessary repairs and tips to unfreeze the system. If this video helped you, please help me by Liking and Subscribing. Thanks!

[@DavidLibby-y1d]

Bam! This video was spot on. Had a locked issue and now my snow blower started for the first time in three years!! I removed the pull cord and rotated the fly wheel as you suggested. . This is after I already cleaned the carburetor, and spark was ok. Changed the fuel and oil change then had the lock issue. Thinking the worse and just tried your procedure this am and it cranked up and working. Thank you!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! Glad this helped you and thanks for leaving a comment 👍👍👍

[@free-manlife3644]

So….. I checked your video on pull string locked up. I did all the service to include spark plug, carb clean out and the string was kicking my ass on my salvage tiller. After your video I torqued down until that wheel would spin. And spin it finally did. Thank you for the successful tip. Now I gotta fix the tiller belt. Sad face.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Ha! Always something else to fix! Glad this helped you get it going 👍

[@brucerudolph8252]

Thank you ! Mine was froze just like yours'. A little nudge with the socket wrench solved the problem. And, saved me money by not having to take it in for service.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! Glad to hear that 👍👍👍

[@davidhartson4314]

Great video! Very to the point. It took a half dozen less helpful videos to get me here, but this helps! I have a "locked" log splitter and I'm going to remove the pull cord and try spinning the engine manually! Wish me luck... Update: Heck yeah! I took the pull cord off, turned it manually, put it together and it started just like your video! I'm overjoyed! Thank you thank you!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Fantastic! Glad this solved your issue. Too bad the algorithm didn’t put this video first! I appreciate your comment 👍

[@SinCityBill]

so grateful for this video.. i just got my 1st gen from someone who had bought it but never used it. and it was froze couldnt pull cord or use the key start. i tried everything the manufacture told me to and nothing worked... couple of turn on the main crank and i was in luck... thnx again for this video. earned a like and sub

[@FastFixYouTube]

Great to hear! Always nice hearing these stories! Appreciate your comment 👍👍👍

[@SinCityBill]

@FastFixKZbin yeah you saved me money. Because I was about to take to get fixed and I'm pretty sure they would of charged me for a new engine. Thnx again. Your vid was the only one I saw anyone suggest Turing the crank or what ever its called lol.

[@RonRivet]

Hey Jason, just letting you know your advice helped tremendously! I thought my 42 yr old Ariens was done for this time. The motor was seized so I did what you said. I was able to turn the motor with a ratchet so I changed the oil, greased it all up, put it back together and it started with one pull like it usually does and works mint! Thanks so much! The 8 hp Ariens lives on! We have a newer 30 yr old 10 hp as back up just in case. Haha...

[@FastFixYouTube]

That’s fantastic! I love reading comments like this. Thank you for sharing and nice job 👍

[@mattginn8630]

Following this video saved me time and most importantly money. I took the pull starter piece off just as suggested and tried to turn the engine with a wrench and still could not. I found a mouse nest obstructing the starter so I pulled out the mouse house and all was good. Thanks for this informative video.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! You’re the second person who’s had a mouse be the reason the engine won’t spin. I appreciate the comment 🐭👍

[@philm6120]

this video did the trick, fixed my snowblower, saved $$ in shop fees, thanks!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome!

[@patrickyorke3028]

Hi Jason , used your advice on a siesed Rotovator pull cord issue. Turned the crank on removal , looks like you've helped me save this beast with new oil and sparkplugs tomorrow. Thanks for your simple advice, all the way from a Brit in Southern Italy.

[@FastFixYouTube]

That’s great! Glad I could be of help to someone so far away. Cheers from Nebraska, America 👍

[@EldenAdrian]

Thank you so much for this video i had the same problem went out there and sure enough ice was built up in the engine. did exactly what it said to do in the video. had it up and running in no time . two thumbs up!!!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Awesome! Glad this helped 👍👍

[@paulhoek7290]

The fix to my snowblower was exactly what is shown in this video. Thanks so much for walking through these steps!!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You are very welcome! Glad this helped and thanks for the comment 👍

[@1smokeye]

Thanks for the info, got the snowblower unlocked and working.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Nice job!

[@indexfundsrock]

thankyou so much my pressure washer was locked and this worked your the best

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome!

[@kutenno3763]

Omg, thank you so much. My snowblower was just compression locked!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet! Glad this helped. I appreciate the comment!

[@dmr2949]

Thanks for the excellent video. It worked great on my snowblower. The flywheel had seized. 😊

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome!

[@disqualifiedimmunity6896]

Bro this worked like a charm on my snowblower thanks man!!!!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Awesome! Love to hear it. Thanks for the comment 👍👍🤣

[@RADone65]

Awesome!!!! The spark plug deal worked for me. THANK YOU DUDE! Saved and subscribed.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Thanks for the sub!

[@wilbertnieves5077]

Hello I'm WILBERT FROM PUERTO RICO 🇵🇷 AND I SAW ABOUT 6 VIDEOS TILL I I GOT TO YOURS 👍😁YES!!! THANKS.TAKE CARE.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello and welcome to the snow! Glad the video helped you. take care 👍

[@Lemonades1321]

Weeeepaaaa.

[@Lemonades1321]

Question behind that metal wheel is a black piece. What is that called mine is cracked. There is only a small black piece behind that part. Could that be why is stuck. I will do what you did in this video as soon. as I get home. Thank you

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. I’m sorry, I’m not sure what piece you’re talking about. If it appears to be broken and binding things up, yes that could be your issue. Best of luck!

[@travisbickel13]

Very helpful thank you so much!!!!! It’s crazy but wen your having trouble and someone like you takes the time to shoot a video, Man does it save your ass sometimes.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Precisely! That’s why I started the channel. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@tedpacheco171]

Great video. My Ariens snowblower was just compression locked. I followed your steps, and it ran great. Let it idle for awhile, took it up and down the driveway ... let it idle more, as I was trying to run out all of last year's gas ... worked great ... then, just to give it another try to make sure it was still working, I tried to start it again, after it sat for some 10 minutes or so ,,, the pull rope was locked up again! Any suggestions?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. If it’s compression locked you’ve got bigger problems. There’s a valve relief system on some engines that works off the camshaft. If that becomes damaged, a cam change is the only thing to fix it.

[@adriantomlin2902]

Hey awesome vid bro. My little 2 cycle MTD was pulling pretty freely then all of a sudden it started pulling hard and now I can hardly pull it. I'm going to try your little trick here and see if it will work. Thanks!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Best of luck! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 👍👍👍

[@jerbear1601]

I really liked this video and tried to spin my engine with the pulley off. It spins to the right and stops and spins to the left and stops but doesn't rotate fully. What could be my problem? Please help when you can. Thanks my good man.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. It sounds like you’ve got a stuck valve or something else interfering with rotation. Check the flywheel for obstructions. Check belts, etc…. Do this before opening up the valve cover or getting into the engine.

[@jerbear1601]

@@FastFixKZbin Belts are fine. I do smell fuel or Sea Foam in the oil though. Looks like hydrolock to me. I sent it in to a real man to fix for me!😉

[@LessThanHandy]

Right from the get go, my money was on "locked engine".... good thing you found a quick and costs free remedy...👍

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yep, you nailed it. I’m glad a little torque on the flywheel is all it took!

[@YungSeal22]

Helpful video. I wished I knew the bit sizes you used

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. If you have a socket set, you should have a size that works 👍

[@michael78033]

I was so hopeful that turning that nut would free up my engine (Troy Bilt Storm 2410) but it didn't work. My snowblower ran fine last winter, then I ran it dry to 'summerize' it, now the pull cord assembly covered in your video won't move past the hard stop it had and the end of the pull. You mentioned to someone else to disassemble and rebuild the engine. Have you ever heard of using a penetrating oil in the spark plug hole to try to break free the engine? Any tips would be really appreciated! Thanks.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hell and thanks for the question. If the engine ran fine last year, likely it’s okay this year. By running it dry I assume you’re referring to gas and not oil, correct? Maybe that’s a stupid question, but people do stupid things sometimes…anyway. Yes, spraying penetrating oil won’t hurt and could offer some help. If you choose to do that, definitely drain and replace the oil after. As far as a complete rebuild, no that shouldn’t be necessary unless the motor is completely seized and the piston rings are toast. This would only happen if you ran it dry from oil. When you try and spin the nut, use constant force not just quick momentary force to spin the engine. Using constant force for several seconds eases the engine into turning. Using high force quickly sometimes doesn’t get the job done. Also, a large breaker bar will help you accomplish this. Also, make sure the spark plug is out when you’re doing this. Please let me know if you have further questions. Also, let the thread know how it turned out. Thanks!

[@michael78033]

@@FastFixKZbin Thanks! Yeah I meant the gas not oil! That pull cord nut - so I unspun it a few turns, reinstalled my pull cord and it gave what felt like a full pull, but while the pull cord itself recoiled, the nut part on the machine side stayed all the way to the right, so I only got one pull. Any idea why that would be? I just bought PB blaster to try to free up the internal parts, and will update once I give that a try.

[@michael78033]

Update: Sprayed some PB blaster into the cylinder via the spark plug hole, waited 5 minutes and then was able to get the nut to spin! The first time the cylinder head came to the top it burped out a bunch of seeds. A mouse must have crawled in through the exhaust. Anyway, got her running! Bring on the snow!

[@FastFixYouTube]

@@michael78033 oh wow…. I was not expecting mice! Geesh, something new everyday. Glad you got it spinning!

[@johnsn10]

What is the part called that your spinning with the wrench? I have the same snowblower and the part spins freely like no compression / it’s not turning the motor over

[@FastFixYouTube]

It’s the flywheel bolt. Odd problem… it’s directly connected to the crank shaft, so…you may have larger problems.

[@Minibikemando]

Thank you man this worked for me🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent, I’m glad to hear that! Thanks for commenting 👍👍👍

[@ravyton5624]

Good job my man ! Thank you for your help

[@FastFixYouTube]

Any time!

[@leif2335]

Good stuff. I would have like to see you fire it up after that. Thanks for the video

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yes, I just didn’t have time to do everything it needed and wanted to get this video out. I fired it today actually. Changed plug, oil, gas, and cleaned up the carb jets. Started on the 10th pull! Haha. Runs good. The old oil was like water.

[@shyamp80]

Hey man! This video is great! I have a single stage troy bilt snow blower. I changed the oil and now the cord is locked up. I added a little too much oil so i drained it to get the level between the low and high marks on the dip stick. The cord pulls out when the spark plug is removed but soon as I put the spark plug back in....the cord locks up. I am confused as to whats wrong. I cleaned the spark plug, no cracks or damage on it and the gap seems about right. What would you recommend I do? I dont really want to take it in to get it repaired if it's something super simple.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Does it have a Briggs and Stratton engine? If so, there’s a notorious problem with those engines. The camshaft has a compression relief mechanism that slightly bumps the exhaust valve in order to relieve pressure in the cylinder which allows the engine to crank over. The mechanism will frequently break which causes the engine to freeze up due to unrelieved cylinder pressure. In order to trouble shoot this problem and with the spark plug installed, try pulling the cord and keep constant pulling force on the cord. The pressure should bleed off and you should be able to slowly turn the engine. If the engine slowly rotates, it’s likely the camshaft needs to be replaced because of the mechanism failing. Hopefully that’s not the problem, but it’s what’s coming to my mind. Feel free to update this thread. Best of luck

[@ataboytube]

same here!!! Brigss 1350 on a Craftsman… Bought new and never been a great tool.

[@Rebi.G]

My Poulon Pro snowblower is doing this but the cover is riveted on the pulley. How am I supposed to get it off and then back on again?

[@FastFixYouTube]

If it’s riveted, you can’t without drilling out the rivets. I’d ask a small engine guy about that.

[@anthonyfernicola1532]

Hi, I did what you said and the it turned a little each way then was stuck. Any suggestions?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hmm… try lubricating the cylinder with oil. Remove the spark plug before rotating again. If that works, don’t stand near the spark plug hole. You will get sprayed! If that doesn’t work, you probably have other issues that will require the tear down of the engine. Provided nothing external is stopping the rotation from occurring. Make sure you’re applying plenty of torque. Best of luck!

[@flyingcamera3672]

Thank u very much. You just saved me hundreds 😊

[@FastFixYouTube]

Glad to hear that and you’re welcome!

[@MJ-wx7em]

Hello, I have a toro ccr 2450, to be straight to the point I cleaned the carburetor then it started. Few hours later tried to start didnt work. So I cleaned the carburetor again and cleaned the fuel jet with carburetor cleaner. Tried to start it with the electric option. I dont know if it did something to the motor . I did see power in my room get dim idk because of the amperage the snowblower drew or because something else. Now the engine won't turn only turns with the spark plug removed. So it is a compression lock as you demostrated in the video. What do I do now? Do I turn it more with the spark plug out? Or do I turn it with the spark plug 🔌 in? If you can help I would gladly appreciate it. Thanks

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Unfortunately, it sounds like a case of compression lock. I’d say cleaning of the carburetor and the motor starting was purely coincidental unless you manipulated the motor to just after TDC then tried to start it. So, if compression lock is what’s going on, the only true way to fix it is to replace the camshaft. The cam has a compression release mechanism that fails and the only way to fix it is to put in a new cam. A work around (what I do) is to spin the engine just past TDC on the compression stroke, remove the air filter, stuff a rag into the intake, then try to start it. This method always works for me, although sometimes it take one or two attempts. Obviously you’d pull the rag out as the engine is starting otherwise you’ll choke it out. Let me know if this works for you or if you have questions. Best of luck!

[@MJ-wx7em]

@@FastFixKZbin Thanks for getting back to me. How do I spin the engine past the TDC? Do I need to take off the pull rope and turn the nut like you did in the video? Clockwise or Counterclockwise? Is this all happening when the spark plug is in or when the spark plug is out? Also just to be clear stuff a rag into the airtake means put a rag inside the muffler or take the muffler off and put the rag? Sorry for the excessive questions but I don't want to be confused on anything. Is the "camshift" worth replacing? Or sending it to place to fix it worth the money? Thanks man I really appreciate your feedback, gonna send this to all my buddies who are having similar issues.

[@FastFixYouTube]

@@MJ-wx7em Hey there. No problem with the response! I made the video, so I should reply to the comments. Yes, you'll likely need to remove the rope pull starter in order to spin the motor. Clockwise is fine. The spark plug can be in or out. It will be harder to spin the engine if it's in. No, don't remove the muffler. The air intake is just before the carburetor. It will have an air filer. Remove the air filter and cap the intake opening with a rag or similar. Don't shove it all the way in there. You just don't want much air getting into the engine prior to start up or you'll run into compression lock again. The cam is worth replacing if you don't want to mess with spinning the engine and using a rag each time you want to run it. It's probably not a cheap repair however. Hope this helps!

[@CSPilates]

What would be the diagnosis if the the pull cord was freed when you took out the spark plug?

[@FastFixYouTube]

In that senario, the problem would’ve been solved.

[@BenReadtv]

My mower is having this same issue, I know nothing about engine work. Did this same thing and got it running for a few minutes, but then it shut off and is now locked up. Has oil in it. Any ideas?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. It's really hard to say what the problem is not knowing all the dynamics of your situation. However, if the motor was seized up a little before you started it, it's possible it seized all the way up after you ran it. Now, I don't think that's what happened. These small engines are often hard to destroy baring catastrophic failure of a major component. If the motor had the correct amount of oil in it, it's not likely to have seized. Although if the oil was very old and worn down, it's possible. See what I mean with knowing your dynamics? From my perspective, try the fix you used to get it started and try to run it again. If it's still locked up, I'd check your pull start cord apparatus and make sure that hasn't failed. Also, make sure to remove the spark plug and try and rotate the engine. If it won't rotate with the spark plug out, it's probably seized and you'll need to buy a new mower. I hope this helped. Best of luck.

[@ADemonSherpa]

? Does that fix one with electric starter? Sadly I can't take off the spark plug I don't got a long enough socket but mine is locked up hard even on the electric starter and I already checked the belts they look good and such so from the video just removing back spark plug (if it's bad) will allow it to be pulled if the plug needs to be replaced right (I know nothing of engines)edit BTW you happen to have a video on how to drain and change oil on a snow blower your intrusion is very easy to follow

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hey there. Pulling the plug out isn’t 100% required. It’s just makes rotating the engine easier. Try turning the flywheel (the circular piece that spins and usually has a mesh cover) by hand. If you’re unable to do that, you’ll need to remove parts to get to a bolt that you can put a socket on. Hope this helps.

[@ADemonSherpa]

Took the pull string off and for some reason I have a huge turn bolt I don't a anything big enough to fit the things as round as a size 14 so I'm out of luck

[@ADemonSherpa]

@@FastFixKZbin messed up I had it running like a week before hand

[@ADemonSherpa]

@@FastFixKZbin OK so I used a really long screw driver and it spins to a point and then is totally stuck same thing if I simply turn it the other way any ideas pretty sure its supposed to be able to spin forever right?

[@janicetarson1037]

I have a Craftsman snowblower with electric start that has not been used for 3-4 years. I tried starting it manually, but the pull cord would only come out about 6-8" or so. Just like yours did in this video. Removed the spark plug...no change. My situation is exactly the same as yours until the 2:00 mark. When you are able to use the wrench and socket to spin your engine (is that the flywheel?) around and around, mine only spins maybe one turn and then stops and is stuck again. I also tried my electric starter. You can hear the starter trying to work, but nothing spins then either. Checked oil and gas. Both are good. Any ideas?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. I think I have one potential explanation of your issue. First, yes in the video I’m spinning the flywheel. If yours spins even half way, the motor should be okay. However, if it’s unable to continue to spin at some point in rotation, that’s a problem. If it’s been sitting for 3-4 years, it’s likely things are a bit on the stuck side. Most likely is a valve that’s stuck open. This will prohibit the piston from moving upward at a certain point and disallow the engine to make a full rotation. To check for this you’ll need to pop the valve cover off and visually inspect the valves. Unfortunately, you’ll likely need to remove the rocker arms as well then see if you’re able to depress the springs and test the valve operation. I have no idea how mechanically inclined you are, but if this is reading a bit heavy, it might be best to take it to a shop. Another potential cause is a rodent nest. I know it sounds unlikely, but some on this thread have commented that a mouse nest was causing the issues of a non-spinning engine. Little buggers get everywhere. Sorry if this wasn’t much help, but it’s likely that a proper diagnosis will require a bit of disassembly and inspection.

[@janicetarson1037]

@@FastFixKZbin Thank you so much for your reply. Do you think draining the oil, removing the sparkplug, squirting PB Blaster in the sparkplug hole and letting it sit overnight might help? Even if it is a stuck valve?

[@FastFixYouTube]

@@janicetarson1037 Hey there. No problem with the reply 👍. No, I dont think that will help you considering you’re able to spin the motor about half way. There’s something interfering with the rotating assembly prohibiting it from making a full rotation. If it was a matter of new oil and PB blaster (which would indicate the motor being frozen due to non-use), you wouldn’t be able to spin it at all. There’s something like a stuck valve or foreign object causing the issue. Of course, my diagnosis is only as good as we can communicate across KZbin, which sometimes doesn’t translate. You can certainly try your idea…it won’t hurt anything and you’ll need to change the oil anyway considering it’s age. Feel free to keep this thread updated. I usually see the replys and try to reply as well. But at this point I’m still thinking stuck valve or mouse nest 🐭

[@ShadowSamurai192000]

Great video thanks for the help.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet! 👍👍👍

[@ourugby9221]

Like your video. I will try your recommendations. Thanks

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! Best of luck and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 👍

[@fabianwendygino6920]

She's absolutely right gentlemen.....

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yes, they always are

[@JonTopping]

So I have this issue, but I also have an electric start in addition to the pull cable. I've used it every year I've owned it, and bought it new, and I start it up a few times in summer to help it along. I got it started just now, and it ran fine, but then it all of a sudden stopped, and now I can't pull the cable, and the electric start doesn't work either (instead of the normal sound, it sounds way off, like it's not turning at all). What could be the problem? Thanks!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. So it was running and then suddenly stopped running? Just want to be clear on that point. If so, that doesn’t sound good. Especially if you can no longer manually pull the cord to spin the motor. In what way did it stop? Was it like it stops because you kill power (normal) or was it a sudden and abrupt stop? In either case, First step would be to check the engine for oil. Hopefully there’s oil. Should be between the low and high marks on the dip stick. Can you tell me what brand the engine is? That will help me a little. Thanks.

[@JonTopping]

@@FastFixKZbin yeah it was running and stopped, but it was more like it just turned off, it wasn't super abrupt. It's the first time I've run it this year, and it's a little finicky, so I just thought it was turning off like it does sometimes. But yeah then I tried to pull the cord and it wouldn't move. The snow blower is a yard machine. The engine says powermore premium OHV engines, 208cc ohv/set

[@FastFixYouTube]

Okay. Check the oil and make sure that’s all good. It doesn’t sound like it seized, but it’s possible. Also, make sure there are no obstructions preventing the cord from turning. Unsure how the blade and drive wheels are engaged, but make sure those are disengaged prior to starting. Those are simple fixes, but the best place to start.

[@JonTopping]

@@FastFixKZbin thanks for the help! The oil appears totally fine. Even if the cable were obstructed, the electric start won't start either. You need to pull a lever to engage the blades, and when you start the machine they are not engaged. So it doesn't seem like it could be the blades or the actual pull cord causing the problem.

[@michael78033]

@@JonTopping Have you checked your gas level in addition to oil? Perhaps it just ran dry.

[@bobbechard3987]

this was a huge help, all fixed!!!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! Glad to hear that 👍

[@alexspivey2506]

What if it feels like it’s dragging after you take the pulley off and try to spin that?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hmm, not sure quite what you mean. Can you elaborate?

[@alexspivey2506]

I actually fixed it🙏 Just had to spin it a little bit and it released it! The video is why it got fixed tho so thank you!

[@zaintareen2121]

Buddy this just fixed my snowblower

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! Glad to hear that 👍👍👍

[@duckflynn3849]

Snow blowers don't have air filters and if not stored properly moisture can get in the cylinder through the carburetor cause rusting & rapid corrosion via electrolysis on the cylinder wall, piston, piston rings and valves seizing the engine. This is why you should first pull the sparkplug and spray fogging oil in the cylinder then replace plug then slowly pull the recoil starter until you feel the greatest resistance at this point the engine piston is sitting at TDC (top dead center)on the compression stroke, which leaves the piston at the highest point in the cylinder with both valves closed this will prevent any moister or critters getting in the motor causing damage and seizing. Another thing that will cause the engine to seize and potentially ruin it is using ethanol blended fuels. Ethanol alcohol is both hydrophilic, which means it attracts water and also pulls moisture from the surrounding air and also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water. It can absorb water from its surroundings, like the atmosphere. This water that is in the fuel can be introduced and left behind from residual unburned ethanol fuel that remains in the motor inherently when it is shut off. Let me explain when you initially try to shut the motor down by switching the key or throttle lever off this stops the spark plug (ignition source) from sparking by grounding out the ignition coil. But because the motor will still continue to rotate for several seconds before it comes to a complete stop and a combustion Engine is essentially just a big air pump. It continues to pump raw air/fuel mixture through the motor for those last few seconds of shut down with no ignition some of it will remain unburned this water containing raw fuel mixture can seize the motor. if you encounter this issue never try to forcefully rotate the engine like this dummy did without first pulling the spark plug and spraying some WD-40 or other penetrating type oil into the cylinder. This will help dissolve any rust or corrosion on the piston, cylinder, rings and valves etc. This should successfully free up the motor without potentially causing major engine damage like breaking the piston rings and or scratching the cylinder wall by forcefully rotating the dry rusty stuck rotating assembly. pro tip never run crappy ethanol blended "Hybrid Fuel" a.k.a acid gas in your equipment and it will prevent 99% of all your engine problems. its a inferior and extremely destructive fuel resulting in massive repairs bills, down time and destroyed engines. its also more expensive to run this crap fuel as it 30% less efficient than regular unleaded gasoline. www.forbes.com/sites/michaellynch/2022/06/06/ethanol-is-cheaper-than-gasoline-well-5-of-the-time/?sh=7339867d5f4e

[@FastFixYouTube]

Wow, quite the right up! Other than your insulting comment calling me a “dummy” you’re spot on. I would’ve spent my time doing something more productive if wearing your shoes, however. Although correct, your recommendations better serve an Indy car engine, not the mechanical pit bulls that are small engines. Scratching cylinder walls is what these engines are made for. Search KZbin for how long a 5hp engine can last with the oil drained then tell me why I should put on white gloves to service my lawn tractor. In other words, save it smart ass. If you want accolades in the comment section, write relevant material. Fart.

[@mrbwc]

Thanks for your help

[@FastFixYouTube]

Anytime! Thanks for commenting 👍👍👍

[@geo8841]

Need to change oil after using pb blaster?

[@FastFixYouTube]

If it seeps past the piston rings and goes into the crankcase, I’d say yes, but it’s not a necessity. Just best practice. IMO.

[@ThunderHawk1337]

Thanks for the vid, but that didn't work to fix my problem. Still can't start it

[@FastFixYouTube]

Is the motor frozen? Does it spin at least?

[@garykirschner9495]

Excellent tutorial, Thank you

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet! I appreciate the comment 👍

[@Calbenmike]

What size socket to turn the engine?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Try the one that fits 👍

[@TheCoffeeField]

What do you do if the engine didn’t turn?

[@FastFixYouTube]

If I couldn’t get the motor to spin, it’d have to be disassembled and rebuilt. Thanks for the question 👍

[@SpiritKing-pg3hb]

Great work Fast Fix. I have the same issue with this craftsman 26" snowblower someone gave me. Just changed the carburetor and this happened with the stuck pull cord when I tried to start it. Im going to give this a shot and hopefully it works. I just ran outside and loosen the engine the same way you did. It worked!!!! I'll try to start it tomorrow after work. If she perks up, I'll then change the oil and the rest is history. Thank you so much for your video, this really helps. Much appreciated. Subscribed

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! Glad this video helped! I appreciate your comment 👍

[@johnburdan1168]

Can you use the electric start

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. No, the electric start didn’t have enough torque to break it loose.

[@crisz3845]

Vid saved the day! Thanks.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Glad it helped!

[@dls2023pro]

That’s great,but I want to know the causes of a generator no starting or seizing

[@FastFixYouTube]

It happens with small engines. If they sit for too long they can sometimes seize up due to lack of oiling

[@SukhwinderSingh-qq6os]

Thank you so much ❤

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome 😊

[@alexdonix]

If it doesnt spin, what could the problem be?

[@FastFixYouTube]

It’s probably frozen. I’d spray penetrating lube into the spark plug hole and let it sit for a while. Then try and break it loose

[@alexdonix]

@@FastFixKZbin WD-40?

[@corryfitz]

Hey! This is a great video. Saved my butt!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Awesome! I appreciate the comment 🤙

[@shaunmcinnis566]

Thank you.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome!

[@daretowatch7214]

Thanks for the big help

[@FastFixYouTube]

You are welcome 👍

[@jazzy2114]

Thank you will try

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hope it worked for you!

[@yeetyete90]

Mine pulls but only up to half way than if you pull harder it goes all the way up

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hmm, that could be a few different things, but sounds like the cord itself is the issue. Sometimes the springs in those mechanisms wear out and you get intermittent pulling.

[@rogeriosantos321]

Bought this for my small back deck in the Eastern Sierra. kzbin.infoUgkxoHYZbq5g9fkcAtinlTqstNlje-UQkCHN We get A LOT of HEAVY snow so I was a bit skeptical but it was worth it! After the first storm of the year this has exceeded expectations! It throws snow very well, even 10-12” + that said the more it piles up the harder it is to maneuver the machine. It is exceptionally light weight and overall exactly what I was looking for. If you have a large amount of snow and a lot of area to clear, you may consider something with a drive engine to help maneuverability, but for decks, second stories, roofs etc, you can’t beat the light weight to great snow throwing ratio. Side note, the chute rotator is a bit flimsy and it initially didn’t seem to work, after a few uses it seems to have loosened up.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Very nice!

[@joeduvall3891]

Is what it should be

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hmm…more context plz!

[@skillchamp4208]

Myn won’t even turn it’s completely locked 😡

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. When was the last time it was running? If you stored it after it ran, it’s probably fine, just really stuck. With continued attempts, you should be able to break it loose. Check the oil and make sure it didn’t run dry. If there’s no oil, it’s probably seized and require a rebuild. Best of luck 👍

[@skillchamp4208]

@@FastFixKZbin I just bought a new engine any way

[@jdbgeneralconstructionllc5959]

@@FastFixKZbin my Compressor won’t turn even with your solution it’s been sit for 4 years I turn it on again and it turned on but when I tried for the 2 time it got stuck What you recommend?

[@FastFixYouTube]

@@jdbgeneralconstructionllc5959 interesting…. I bet the piston stopped in an awkward position and the oil didn’t get the chance to lube up the bearings enough. I’d recommend manually spinning the motor if you can. This might mean disassembling part of the motor, but might be what you need to do. I’ve heard of people increasing the voltage to boost power, but that’s risky and not something I would attempt. Best of luck.

[@geo8841]

I have same problem

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hope the video helped. Did you get it fixed?

[@geo8841]

@@FastFixKZbin no not yet had pb inside for week now only 10 degrees here but feels tight still certain arrears as I rotate it is looser soon I will try with impact slow .