Sno-Tek 24 Arien's Snowblower - Won't Start - Carburetor

[@bassojc1]

Thanks Tim. After attempting some initial troubleshooting this video provided the solution to my problem. Snow blower running great now. Didn't realize this video was over 9 years old!! Now to replace the choke lever I snapped off.....Thanks again.

[@rosemansolutionsllc9028]

This video was a lifesaver. My Sno-tek won't start after one season idle, and tried fix it with draining the carburetor and it started right up. Thank you!!!

[@armindom8606]

I was so frustrated my snow blower would not start. Figured I would try a web search and came across your video. Cleared out the fuel and it started right up without a problem. Thanks sooooo much!

[@malik6]

I was just about to give up. I left a message with the service department today about drop off service for my 1 year old cub cadet 527 snow thrower. Snow storm coming this Friday and I found your post. Per your instructions, it started right up. Thank you so much!!!

[@chundomcfay6505]

My 2 year old Sno-Tek wouldn't start today. I suspected bad gas after watching this video. I siphoned out the old gas out of tank, drained carb and then filled tank with fresh gas. It started right up on first pull! Thank you!!!

[@coconut24322544]

Just found this video. Was excited and could not wait to try it out. I am HAPPY to report that it fixed the problem. With 8-10 inches on the way... you saved my back and a large repair bill. Thanks for sharing. Now I will donate the money I saved to help others this holiday season. Cheers

[@gmanchung]

A severe snow storm was reported to hit the North East later tonight. So I tried to start my snowblower about an hour ago and it won't start. I knew it should be old gas stuck in the carburtor but didn't know how to clear it. I googled it in youtube and found your video. I followed your instruction and it indeed fixed the problem. I had to use a paperclip to stick it into the hole to let all the old gas drips. After that I have to use electric start first and then pulling also work. Thanks so much for this video. You get my thumbs up!

[@rorymckenzie8598]

Tim, like the others who have posted here, the time you took to post this VERY HELPFUL video saved me time frustration and money. We got hit with three feet of snow at one time last week. The Sno-Tek just wouldn't start. Came in the house, put in a quick search on KZbin and your video came up. It solved my problem immediately. This experience is an example of ways in which the internet can be used to really help others, Thanks again!

[@wylapache5362]

I just wanted to extend my thanks to you. I have an Ariens 22" compact that had a hard time starting. Your instructions helped a lot, as soon as I drained the carb, I primed it "3" time and it turned right over. I used the same gas that was in their with stabilizer I didn't drain any gas at all. I just needed to drain the carb. Thanks once again.

[@bryanmunch4010]

Felt obligated to post on here as well after your video saved me right before the Snowmageddon hits the MidWest. I bought this same model Sno-Tek 2 years ago, then let it sit during last season since it was such a mild winter. Tried to start it and got nothing last week - even with the electric start. I followed your instructions - just loosened the one bolt for the carburetor drain, let all the gas drain out (including the old stuff in the tank). Then I filled up the tank with fresh gas, primed it 3x, and pulled ONCE. And it starts right up. Awesome, just awesome.

[@garyj8532]

We are getting 36 plus inches of snow and blower died. This video saved me from shoveling by hand this weekend! It started right up after draining carb! Thank you

[@moondoggz1]

Shoveling by hand sucks! Glad to see it helped out.

[@TheHarlow12]

My snowblower wouldn't start for the life of me and the electric start was broke. I just did this, and it started up on the 6th pull. U sir, are my hero! Thank you!

[@moondoggz1]

+TheHarlow12 Thank you.

[@lindsaycrimmins]

Thank you so much for this video. After trying to start our snowblower after a summer and it wouldnt start, I showed this to my husband. He drained the gas following your directions and also changed the oil. It started on the first pull! I appreciate your help Internet stranger!

[@peterweise1849]

We're in the midst of a big snow storm here in NJ. today and my 2 year old 20" Snotek wouldn't start. I did everything I knew how, but it just wouldn't start. Then I saw your video, did what you suggested and it started right up. God bless you, Sir!!! If you're ever at the Jersey shore, I'll buy you a beer!! Thank you so much again.

[@moondoggz1]

+Peter Weise Glad it worked well for you!

[@moondoggz1]

+Sabrina Adams Cheers.

[@randyfriedberg1287]

Thanks Tim, I had the same problem with my 24" Sno-Tek. I used it several times last year without any problems. We have had a very light snow year this year, and when I got my blower out, it would not start. After watching your video and draining the carb as you refer to, it started right up. Your video saved me several hundred dollars in repairs from a service center. Thanks again, great job!

[@frankenkj]

Thank you! I've had this snowblower for 5 years and have never had an issue. Went to start tonight and hit a wall trying to get it to turn over. Never even thought about leftover fuel in the carb. Drained the old gas and it started right up. Thanks!

[@moondoggz1]

Awesome, glad to hear it!

[@ytjbet]

After one season, mine wouldn't run. Sounded like no gas was making it. Even with electric cord start. Like you suggested, I drained the carburetor. A feat in itself, not being mechanically inclined. Amazing, it worked. THANK YOU!

[@kirstenbyrd5631]

You saved me. This worked like a charm. Almost the exact same situation - new last year, used once, stored according to recommendations... did everything you did up to checking spark plug, no joy. Then I tried this and BOOM, fired right up. You are my hero.

[@moondoggz1]

+Kirsten Byrd No worries, im glad it helped you.

[@andyg3261]

Thank you for this, prepping for this blizzard my snow-tek wouldn't start. After following this guide it started right up, you saved my back.

[@debutarch1]

I have the same model and had same problem. I watched your video and draining the carburetor fixed my problem. Thank you sir, you saved my back!!

[@moondoggz1]

+Ben Diaz Cheers, glad it helped.

[@ANON12348]

Great video. I was having difficulty getting my Sno-Tek 28 Arien's Snowblower started this season. I thought I would need to syphon all the old gas out and start fresh. Using the tips in this video; I simply drained the gas from the carburetor. Started right up. Agree with other posters that this video is great for non mechanical people.

[@corkerydan]

Thanks. I know this is an older post but it was exactly what I needed. I had left the same model with gas over the summer and it wouldn't start. As suggested, I syphoned the old gas, drained the carburator, filled with new gas & stabilizer. It started immediately. Well done and thanks for the post.

[@swannyrivers]

Beautiful. I was thinking mine wouldn't start because of old gas in the carburetor and your video proved it. thanks for sharing!

[@davel6637]

It worked for me too. I tried everything, I probably pulled the rope 100 times over a 30 minute period with all the settings set correctly. Then I watched the video. I "only" used that screw under the carb to drain all the gas, refilled it, and it started on the very first pull. Thank you, thank you!!!!

[@moondoggz1]

+Dave L Glad it all worked out ok for you.

[@1nascarfan12]

You, Sir, are a genius. I have the same machine, wouldn't start, and your video worked PERFECTLY!. Thanks for saving me from having to hire someone to do this for me!

[@moondoggz1]

+Allan White Cheers.

[@jpablop]

Thank you sir. I tried everything and your video helped me fix it in no time.

[@ToriKamal]

Draining the carburetor totally did it for me. Thank you so much!

[@bnj07719]

Thanks for posting. I had the same problem with my two year old Ariens Sno-Tek. I drained the carburetor as indicated. The gas was dark colored. I actually opened the gas shut-off valve briefly to flush new gas from the tank into the carburetor. After that, it started right up. Thanks again for saving me $$$.

[@junzengz]

Thanks Tim. I got the same problem of not starting after storage and tried as you showed. When I attempted to lose the long screw it wouldn't lose but instead the carburetor turned and got loosen and gas dripping down a bit. I then tighten it and tried starting. It worked! I was thinking to send for repairing but your video really helped. Much appreciated! Junzeng

[@moondoggz1]

Great, glad it helped you!

[@starker1971]

My 24 inch Sno-Tek is the most perplexing thing I have failed to start. Thanks for the info.

[@moondoggz1]

No worries. Did you get it started ok? I just empty all teh gas before I put it away for summer now, and it starts no issues when winter comes.

[@maureenk490]

Bill K. Thank's Tim you saved me a lot of time. I followed your instruction and it solved the starting problem.

[@jaylawrence3500]

Your video was what I needed to get my flooded Ariens snowblower started. I didn't know there was a carb drain. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@moondoggz1]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped you out!

[@simoncao1]

Thank you Tim. Just followed your instruction and drained the carburetor, and mine starts now :)

[@moondoggz1]

+Simon Cao Cheers.

[@greaserpnk]

Thanks! I spent the last two days shovelling my drive way because my blower wouldn't start. I followed your directions and it worked perfectly.

[@readmead1]

Just took your advice and drained the carburetor and put in new fuel. It started right up. You are my new hero.

[@philbarnes1578]

I stored my Ariens 24 inch 2 stage last year using Stabil....wouldn't start this year. Had spark, plug was wet. I tried drying the plug and cylinder....no help. I drained the carb bowl as suggest here....let it drain for a few minutes to get all the fuel out of the line. I had put fresh fuel in (along with the fuel in the tank from last year) primed twice using the red primer.....voila It started! Fuel looked and smelled good, but I will be draining the float bowl every season now. Thank you!!

[@cynthiabeattie2318]

You just saved me a ninety dollar service call!!!! Thanks so much, we followed your instructions and the snowblower started right up!!!

[@PaniacThrilla]

Tim M, you are an awesome, awesome human being! I have been trying forever to get the Sno-Tek I bought last year to work this season. After watching your video I drained the carburetor, primed it twice, pulled the rope once and it fired right up. Beautiful!

[@fchristian44]

Fantastic. Started up second time after emptying the old gas from the carb. Thank you for saving me the money!

[@moondoggz1]

Frank R Christian Glad to see it helped out.

[@cdmackay]

Thanks for your video- I was able to start my snowblower after following your instructions. Otherwise I would have had to shovel today! I found that the priming hose was cracked in numerous places ( only 2 year old blower) but when I drained some gas from the carb and it started up.

[@MikeFutter]

Thank you so much! I got my Sno-Tek started with your guidance. Cannot believe how much bad gas was in the carb. WAY more than a few ounces.

[@andygwynn6598]

Thank you for this video. These things are fussy and I thought I had run the gas out of the carb but I think my fuel shut off switch may have gone bad. This was quick & easy, and exactly what I needed. Up and running in under 10 minutes is great seeing as we are expecting significant snowfall tomorrow. One Pull Start!!! Thanks again from SE MN!!

[@brianfayz7521]

Thanks for the video that was short and to the point. I ran the blower until the gas ran out but there must have been just enough in the carb to keep it from starting the next season. This worked perfect for me. Thanks!

[@moondoggz1]

+Brian Fayz Glad it worked for you.

[@mikeandmartamatheny3011]

Tim, you're a total life saver. Blizzard warning today and ran in to your exact problem (bought last year, used once, stored properly) and your fixed worked perfectly.

[@moondoggz1]

+Mike Matheny Thanks for the comments.

[@mistahtibbs6423]

Tim! Thanks for the video and tips! Have the 28 and she'd start and run rough for 10-30 seconds then stall...over and over. Using your advice I drained the tank and carb, put carb cleaner and fresh fuel and, BOOM, she started up and ran smooth. Thanks again!

[@moondoggz1]

+Mistah Tibbs Glad i helped you out!

[@ChrisMetro]

thanks for posting! After I changed the spark plug and tried new gas the machine would still not start. Then I found this video and it worked exactly as you described.

[@moondoggz1]

Glad it helped you out....

[@BlackNGoldTMS]

Thans you Tim M ... had same issue today. Followed your instructions on draining the carb. After I did that and primed it started right up!!!

[@aimelynn13]

Thank you so much for posting this. I was having the exact same problem with the same machine and I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to engines or carburetors. I was so pissed when it wouldn't start but I was able to figure it out and drain the carburetor with the help of your video. thanks.

[@john4kc]

At the end of the season last year I drained all the gas as you mentioned here and just today put in fresh gas. Started on the first pull. I'd suggest using no stabilizer, but just draining 100% at the end of the year. I also only use premium gas that has no ethanol in it.

[@316fm7]

Good Video. My 1 year old sno tek would not start even though everything else checked out fine. I simply drained the Carburetor as described starting at 3:46 on the video and WHAMMO! Started right up. Be blessed!

[@moondoggz1]

+Craig Tuin Cheers!

[@the_chancel]

Thanks Tim. That helped. The machine wasnt starting at all. Even though I had used it only last week. The draining the carb trick helped.

[@av8ionUSMC]

Thanks Tim, saved me a huge headache. Exact same problem with the same Snotek that naturally hasn't seen snow since I purchased it a year and a half ago (naturally!). Of course tonight and tomorrow, calling for quite a bit of snow and now my Snotek is up and running!

[@sonofthe80s]

I have a Sno-Tek 24 in season #4, I had to remove the carb this year after about 30 mins of operation despite having run it dry last year AND always using Sea-Foam in the fuel. The motor started surging/hunting out of nowhere, to point where it was unusable. My gas was good. I took all the shrouds etc. off to get to the carb which is a PITA (I have about 6 other small engines, all those are either Hondas or American made and all those carbs are easy to get to). Anyway I bought the rebuild kit, maybe I didn't have to but figured WTF it's apart. Debris/particles in the carb. I also took the tank off and flushed it, and cut in a new piece of Goodyear fuel line. I found the cheap factory Chinese fuel line was deteriorating and tiny pieces of it got in the fuel supply (ethanol and cheap hose is a bad combo). Anyway put it all back together. I also moved the loop in the governor spring up about 1/8", tightening it just a bit. Put it back together and now it runs better than it ever has. Just thought I'd share that. I also did the friction wheel this year, the original one shredded. Oh yeah FYI that center bolt is the bowl retainer that threads into the main jet passage. The carb is held to the manifold by 2 other bolts. Thanks for the post.

[@neilaggen6965]

You can help prevent this from happening by using the fuel shut-off valve to stop the engine instead of the key. This helps prevent varnish from forming on the internal carb parts. Turn the fuel supply off and let the engine/carb run out of fuel. Next time you need to use the Snow Blower, turn the fuel supply on and go from there.

[@bipedalbob]

THAT is an excellent idea, The best of two opposite requirements, a full fuel tank with a empty dry carb

[@rickccorbett]

Thank you for the video. You saved me a lot of time. Same blower, symptoms & circumstances. I only had to do the last step to get her fired up.

[@mdelich]

Thanks for your followup. I'll keep that as an option.....but since starting electrically multiple times and letting it run a bit I was able to start it manually the next day. All's good- thanks again.

[@keithernest8385]

Thanks Tim you save me $$. I was just about to call the dealer as I had no idea how to get my Ariens 24 going after a summer in storage when I came across your video. I followed your tip on draining the carburetor of fuel after which my Ariens 24 inch started no problem.

[@moondoggz1]

Keith Burke Glad to see it helped you out!

[@DrChim_Richels]

This worked like a champ for me. Maybe I missed it in the video, but you need to turn the gas knob off before loosening the nut. I didn't initially, and ended up draining more gas than needed. Great video, much appreciated.

[@sbsiebrecht]

Thank you for the video. I had a hard time even finding the spark plug without it. Mine only sat for 6 weeks between snows and it would not start. To sum it up.... removed spark plug and clean it. I used a wire brush and a cloth. then remove screw from of bottom of carb to drain 1/3 cup of gas. put it back together and it fired up after 6-7 primes. I've had good luck with off season storage by draining as much gas as possible, add stable, start & let run until it quits.

[@diverbob33]

Thanks for the vid, very timely with all the snow hitting the upper midwest and the beginning of snow-blowing season! MTD machines with Techumsah engines have a spring-loaded drain plug on the bottom of the carb. that makes draining very easy.

[@GDada777]

Mine had same issue today. I actually just did the drain part and it worked after adding new gas. Your post helped a lot. Thanks!!!

[@moondoggz1]

+GDada777 Glad it worked for you!

[@MAGICFLY02]

Thanks. Gonna try this this weekend. Having the same problems with mine. This helps a lot. I hope this works for mine.

[@tonynewport7726]

Worked like a charm for me.... removed cover....disconnected wires...removed primer fuel line and drained...removed fuel line from carburetor and drained fuel tank.....also blew air through fuel tank to completely empty tank and line.....drained the carburetor.......removed spark plug......cleaned with 220 emery cloth......reassembled all.....new gas and a stabilizer....primed once.....one pull and she was running like she came off the factory floor...thanks

[@moondoggz1]

Glad to see it helped out.

[@jenniferstephens5779]

Thanks.... mine didn't start and when I ensured the tube going from primer to carb was clear and allowing the prime to work properly.. .it started right up....thank you for the video... It is in my saved files for each year now when I start it up...

[@moondoggz1]

Glad to see this video is still helping people!

[@grantmcnair7454]

II have the same model and had the same issue - wouldn't start at the beginning of the season. I know nothing about engines.. I skipped the other steps and just tired draining the carburetor, and my snowblower started first pull! Thank you for posting this!

[@duanechin4418]

I followed the recommendations of this video and my blower started with one pull. I have a 28" SnoTek which went unused for a year+. I drained all the fuel by removing the guard plate and then the screw to the carburetor. With the fuel line in the open position, the old gas drained completely after about half hour. I bought a $4 socket from Canadian Tire (thanks for the tip), changed the plug and pulled the cord. Until today, I've always used the electric starter. One pull. Great video.

[@winstonb3456]

Thanks, man! Worked like a charm. I can now call off my plan to throw my snowblower into the river. You got me just in time for a big snow storm tomorrow too.

[@moondoggz1]

+Winston B No worries!

[@nrsnrs5028]

Thanks, this is very helpful. I drained the carburator then changed the spark plug. I figured the problem is either the spark plug or the clogged carburator or both. Now I'm ready for the next snowstorm.

[@Dra6nheart]

Worked GREAT! Thx. I drained the little gas out and screwed it back in and it started really quick.

[@KNNcleveland]

Tim, thanks for the video. Had a Snotek 21 with the same problem. After I drained the old gas from the carburator, it started right up. Would have never known this!

[@ShaneJennings5]

Only thing that worked / made sense. Been looking for 2 hours! THANK YOU for taking the time to post this.

[@kathrynhackman2187]

Bless you sir! This saved me yesterday after we got 11" dumped on us here in N. Illinois --- (husband written.)

[@jarrodburgess5353]

Thanks for the video! I haven't a clue about engines, followed your instructions, and voila....started right up. All I did was drain the carburetor btw, took literally a minute.

[@djpicass01]

i have the exact same blower as you and had the same prob.. I just did what you said and it started right up.. YOUR a life saver.. It took me less then 30 min THANKS AGAIN

[@williamwest5827]

Had the starting problem this year after a year of not running. My spark plug was also wet, but that usually indicates it’s getting gas but the spark may not be sufficient. Problem turned out to be the spark plug wire got semi loose. It was making only partial contact. However, it’s not easily seen as it’s covered by the metal shroud. Once snapped back on properly it started right up. Great tip on draining the carb as it removes small debris.

[@citigram]

Big, big thanks. Been trying to start this thing all night, and after draining the carb, it fired right up. Great video.

[@spamatdan]

Thank you so much for this! I was having trouble getting mine up and running after leaving some gas in having used it in April of this year. I ran it a few times during the summer just to keep things moving, but no dice when I wanted to run it to change the oil. I think draining the fuel through that release valve will be much better when I pack it away next spring.

[@Jester75y]

My snotek wouldn't start. I just drained the carb of the old gas and then it started right up! Thanks man!

[@kriegmeister3000]

I have two snowblowers the 1st one is over 20 yrs old a Simplicity. It has a shut off valve under the gas tank. When I store it I shut off the gas and let the engine die. This has worked very well since it was new. The second snowblower is a new Craftsman with this one I start it every month since there is no shut off valve for the gas. This seems to work fine as well.

[@xnx93uv99]

Thanks, worked for me. I will have to add the step of draining the carburetor this spring for summer storage.

[@moondoggz1]

Nice.

[@PaulsParapraxis]

Thank you for this video. I've had 1 winter with a snow blower and sure enough, it wouldn't start for our first snow. Many Thanks! I just removed gas from carburetor -- I didn't drain as it was all new gas.

[@deputylawdog42]

AND FINALLY!!! A simple but ever useful video on Sno Tek models! I am trying to start my blower as well and installed a new spark plug, new gas and nothing. Then I saw my primer line was cracked and just got a replacement, good to see if that doesn't work there is this option. Good info and great video!

[@moondoggz1]

+Shawn S Thank you sir.

[@CybersecProf]

ITS WORKING! THANKS Tim M. I forgot to wait the 5 minutes as instructed by Steven McCarty. I was in a haste and hence it wasn't working after. I was going to head out to Canadian Tire and buy a new spark plug, sea foam, etc. Something made me check it again and after priming it only twice and three pulls it was working fine. Ran it for 5 minutes just to make sure. Hopefully won't have any issues on Tuesday. Will definitely make sure to do this procedure after the season is over.

[@warrenreels864]

Thanks bud! This help me get my sno-tek running! God bless

[@k115810]

Appreciate you making this video. Had the exact same problem, applied your fix, worked like a dream.

[@lcaldwell517]

Found your video, it was a lifesaver, You were spot on with your advice. Got it started on the second pull after emptying the carburetor.

[@ToddASchuh]

Nice upload. I also had old gas (with Stabil added) and wouldn't start. Drained some of the old dirty gas out, primed a couple times and it started right up.

[@kklsurfer76]

Great video! We had the same exact problem plus gas sputtering out the muffler when we tried to start it. Your video was perfectly executed and perfectly the answer to help is get our snowblower started. Followed your directions and it starters right up! Thank you!!!

[@uniqedeath]

As everyone else that commented thank you for sharing your knowledge I greatly appreciate it

[@moondoggz1]

No worries.

[@reviews4u615]

Thank You for this video. I have the same snowblower won't start. Drain the carburetor and start on the first try.

[@bullettuthtony]

Thx Tim...old gas thanks to your video showing me where the drain plug was on my ariens

[@lauradockery3973]

Excellent video and advice. Mine started right up. It was easy enough to do myself.

[@rebekahlevreau8554]

This was great. Drained the carb and popped right off!

[@avonhokie]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You just saved me a) an hour of annoying shoveling tomorrow morning, b) a month-long wait for the repair guy to actually have a slot open, and c) about $150. You're awesome!

[@jazditup]

Having the same problem with my sno-tek storm force. Thanks for the video. There is a major snow storm coming to Boston tomorrow. I'll drain the gas and empty the carb tonight. Hope it works.

[@richarddokken3267]

Worked like a charm for my snow-tec snowblower, though I did need to check the plug

[@JimNagel1]

Thanks for the tip. After being used a couple times & sitting for a year, engine wouldn't turn over at all, with pull or electric start. Just drained the carb, primed 3 times, choke all the way to start & it finally sputtered. Primed 3 more times, with choke halfway between start & run, and it fired right up.

[@SacredSleeper]

You're awesome bro! I wanted to start my beast and change the oil before the start of winter. I went to pull and nothing. I even tried electronic start and no turning. Saw you video and drain about 6 oz of fuel from carb. Screwed everything up and 1 pull later!!! BOOM!!! turned on! Thanks man! WI winter's here I come!

[@Walswicks]

Dude, thanks. Worked on my machine when I didn't know what to do.

[@paulc3459]

Replaced the spark plug and it didn't work. Drained the carburetor like you said and started working. Thanks!