Snowblower won't start ? Fix it quickly and easily

[@usfredfam]

Made my night man, thank you!! Went to start up the snowblower for the year because of our first storm coming tomorrow. Wouldn't start after many pulls. I had already checked for spark but wasn't sure what to do from there. Using your info, I remove the bowl, drained out some nasty looking stuff in there, and let fresh gas flow down through the float for a bit before reassembling. Put it all back together and started on one pull! It's weird because I always shut the snowblower off by shutting off the gas line and letting it stall out. Not sure what that junk was in there but glad to get it working. Thanks again for the good info!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad you go it going. If you are using fuel with any ethanol(e10 is nationwide standard) you can't even leave it in you tank anymore. It literally pulls humidity out of the air and settles it to the bottom of the gas tank. Once you turn the fuel on it rushes directly into the carb.

[@thedreadpirate98823]

I wanted to say thank you! I moved into a new house and the previous owner left their snow blower. This winter has been brutal where I live and I had looked forward to not shoveling my way out every time it snowed. No dice. The snow blower wouldn't start. Looked up help on youtube and your video. Very helpful. Got me running in no time.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Daniel Roberts Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@stephencavey]

I owe you for this one. I followed your tutorial and got my snowblower up and running in about 10 minutes. I thought it was a-goner. Haha. Huge weight off my mind (and saved my a good chunk of change as well). Thank you so much for filming this video!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Great. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@danplatcow3456]

Thank you 65ford. Tested Spark plug, saw the park. Pulled the bowl off and dry it out completely. Put the bowl back oin, preimed iot and it started right up.So easy and you saved me $100.

[@noahlacy1847]

Thank you very much for this video. I've been fighting with my snowblower for days (would only run with choke full on and would quit with very little snow load applied). I followed the steps that were shown in this video and it's now running strong, full throttle, no choke, and no money invested! Thanks again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Great. I'm glad the video was a help.

[@sethfoulk6990]

You are the first person to mention that the cover over the carb actually serves a purpose!(not just for decoration I thought at first) Its to use the heat from the exhaust to keep the carb warm and keep the gas liquefied with the freezing temperatures outside the carb! Thank you! That DOES make sense!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks Man, I'm glad you liked it.

[@ronhammar1154]

There are a couple other reasons for no spark that you forgot to mention. I find on a lot of machines the magnets on the flywheel have come off and you have to determine where they were ( usually obvious) and them glue them back on with a good adhesive making sure the contour on the magnets are correct. If you are out an eighth of an inch it will still work. Another reason is the coil. I have done hundreds of machines and its only been a defective coil a few times. Sometimes when a machine has been sitting for years the coil will discharge and has to be energized and I have a secret way to do that. I have also had a bad coil on a Toro lawnmower and a new coil was $240 ( Canada prices). I took the coil and put it in the oven at 275 degrees farenheit for 20 minutes ( you could make a batch of cookies at the same time if you want LOL ). That removed moisture inside the coil that was screwing up the circuit. I cleaned it and put the coil back on and it worked so then I took it off again and coated the coil on the plastic cover and any place that moisture could get in with 5 minute expoxy. That was 3 years ago and it is still working perfect.I have done that with a lot of Outboard coils as well. I enjoy your videos. It seems to me that you and Donnyboy 73 are the only ones on here that actually know what they are doing. Keep up the good work.

[@alisonhunt1168]

Thank you so much for making this! Because of your video I could fix my snowblower after getting about 8 inches of snow the last 48 hours. I appreciate you making this video and showing others.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@timthetoolman4575]

Great video. I have worked on dozens of these with similar problems. Never thought of using the heat gun to warm the old fuel line to make it easier to remove. GREAT IDEA! Thanks for the tip

[@hansenrj586]

Great video I'm a bookkeeper but after watching your video, now I'm a snowblower expert!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@pepper_cheeto2765]

Thanks for the video. Mr. Allthumbs here just fixed the carburetor on a stalled snow blower. Video was informational as well as inspiring.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@feldmanjared]

Thanks man! Just picked up an old 2-stage Craftsman off the road. Owner posted it online and said only thing wrong was the starter cord was broke. I replaced the cord and still wouldn't start. Emptied out the gas and put in fresh, started first pull.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome. Nicely done.

[@wyattoneable]

That's pretty cool. Your a natural at fixing just about anything. I've enjoyed your videos over the last years and I appreciate that we get to tag along.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+wyattoneable Thanks Man. I always enjoy your comments.

[@cgrscott]

Thanks for the tip. Removing the carburetor bowl and letting the carburetor drain for a while is what cured it for me. My strategy normally is to only run fuel with a stabilizer additive, run the carburetor dry at the end of the season, and then let the machine sit out side on a warm dry May afternoon with the cap on the empty fuel tank removed and the carburetor bowl removed and then lat the machine dry out for about four hours. This past year, I did nothing to get the fuel out of the system before storage. I only kept fuel stabilizer in the fuel and I started the engine every two months, letting it run for five minutes. Even though I ran the machine a little back in November, it would not start today for snow removal until I tried your carburetor trick. This coming year, I'm going back to the old methods for preparing my machine for warm season storage, which includes over-kill for getting the fuel out of the system. Thanks again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I highly recommend you seek out a local gas station with Ethanol Free gasoline. You'll have virtually no troubles, even if you completely neglected the machine.

[@cgrscott]

Thanks for the tip. I was driving through the back country of northern Georgia, one time, and I saw a station that sold Ethanol Free Gas. Pretty nice. I wish we had a station like that around Northern Kentucky.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Looks like there are close to 100 stations in Kentucky that have e-free pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=KY

[@cgrscott]

Thanks.

[@crazymaze22]

Videos like this are what KZbin is for! It’s all fun and games until it snows a ton and you can’t start your blower

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@dm-wp1dz]

Woke up to 14" of snow today. Tried to start a hand-me-down Ariens for the first time and it didn't even cough. Watched this video, turned fuel shut off to off, unscrewed carb easily and drained about 2 tsp of brown water and 4 tsp of gas into a cup. Dried it with a paper towel and re-attached and it fired on the second pull. Nice machine and saved my back 2 hours of hard labor. My tip is that my model had a spring-loaded sump on the carb. I may have been able to drain the water without unscrewing and pulling the carb bowl off. You might tell if there's water mixed with the gas if you use a clear plastic cup (I used a 20oz clear plastic coke bottle cut in half) because the water sinks to the bottom and looks like a bubble. Happy viewer #287,543.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome, glad you got her going. Switch to ethanol free gas and your water problems will be a thing of the past.

[@bradsawlor2015]

Thank you very much for this u-tube video.. I tried to start my blower today but no-go despite it working 3-4 weeks ago when I tested it.. I was in my garage for 30+ minutes trying to get it going before I looked you up on u-tube.. I followed your lead-check spark plug, took the carburator cover off, flushed the gas line, sprayed with wd-40 and presto , it worked...not sure what it was or what I did but it worked fine...now I have the rest of the day to relax.. !!! Brad Nov.17th,2019

[@buhlakayg6844]

Thank you thank you thank you. Watched a dozen of these from other people and got nowhere. First time watching this and 15 minutes later, she's running.

[@riteshjaglall1092]

Man you are the best my snowblower will not start after I turn it off the previous day I followed all your steps and I followed the steps in the carb cleaning video. And the thing started right away. Thanks a lot....

[@sixtyfiveford]

Great to hear!

[@mikepintell2267]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I have an old snow blower that wont start, I had no idea how to approach fixing it- now I do.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@BourneAccident]

The one guy who disliked this video is the guy who put that snowblower on the sidewalk in the first place.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Bourne Accident Haha. Probably.

[@ummagowa]

Maybe he just took a break from snow blowing, went inside for lunch? Inadvertent thief? lol

[@matthewemery4205]

good one

[@advancedtv1110]

Lol very funny 😆 😆

[@mythmy1769]

That guy definitely moved south where there would be no snow at all.

[@remodelassets6523]

Nice neat work! Great explaination. You are a true backyard mechanic! Most people won't touch those old machines because they dont have the practical knowledge. Kuddos to you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Wow, thanks!

[@charger19691]

Those older Tecumseh engines last forever with a little care. I know many people that don't like them, but the ones I've owned were always great. Those older Toro snowblowers are excellent machines as well!

[@sixtyfiveford]

+D. J. Tanner A properly tuned Tecumseh is the easiest starting winter engine ever made. Brands like Toro built they're great name around them. I have always been a fan.

[@ontilt76]

I went through your steps and mine is running better than ever. it was old fuel and oil in the carb. thank you so much for the video. it saved me some $$$ for sure

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@Remorcos]

Great video! Helped an old man get through the winter.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@Rebel9668]

My snowblower was made in 1965 and has a slide choke lever at the top side of the heat box. Old Ariens 10M4, too old to have a primer bulb. My fuel tank has a cut off on the underside screwed into the bottom of the tank, so no worries about all the fuel running out, just what's in the line itself. First thing I'll try is just a shot of ether. If that doesn't work, then I'll check for spark, etc. That engine will turn 60 years old this winter and is getting a little tired. Been thinking about swapping it out for a Predator 212 as the rest of the machine is built like a Sherman tank and will never wear out, lol. I only run ethanol free gas in the thing I get at the local Co-Op.

[@59chevt]

Just because you are self taught does not mean you are not an expert. Moe really enjoyed the vid. thanks for sharing.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+59chevt Thanks Man.

[@TRX450RVlogger]

Not sure why but your videos are always fun to watch even when it's something I already Know I still learn allot of stuff from you like I didn't know Snow Blowers use the Exhaust to heat the Fuel. Pretty cool!

[@bacons4life252]

TRX VLOGGER mmmkkkj b

[@PainterD54]

The problem is most people don't know when the last time they will need to use their snowblower so they don't get around to treating the gas with fuel stabilizer. I use Seafoam in all my small engine fuel already mixed in the can. That way no matter when I shut my machine down, it can sit all summer and start right back up the next snow season. And Seafoam also is a good carb cleaners so your carb won't be all plugged up from gas varnish.

[@rubbahduhq]

I'm looking to score a snowblower to rebuild this fall...thanks for the repair advice! Nice teaching style too!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.

[@jonathanbecker8935]

Great video! You rock the house! Bought a brand new Airens 24 classic base model and electric start turns over but it won't catch like there's no spark. I wiggled the plug and it ran immediately.. After two minutes it quit and after that I couldn't get it to catch like there was no spark. This machine was bought by church trustees for clearing pastor's driveway and sidewalks. I'll check the kill wire again and try starting it. That's such a good tip. I'm pretty frustrated that this brand new machine won't run properly and if I mess with anything the warranty will be void. So maybe I need to just return the thing to the box store they bought it at and get an exchange. Shouldn't be this hard! It's snowing heavily right now too. SMH

[@DizzzyKipper]

Another good one to pass along.I send a lot of your how to's to my Nieces, so they can be more self sufficient. Thank you.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+DizzzyKipper Thanks.

[@bctruck]

So my trouble shooting steps are right!!! Im self taught working on these small engines and thats the procedure I do to trouble shoot. I love when they are that easy. I buy returns at a local store here and its like 90% fuels related.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+BCtruck, rebuild, repair,repurpose Maybe we're both doing it wrong as I'm self taught as well.

[@bctruck]

well now we need an "expert" to come tell us we are doing it all wrong,and this thread will be complete.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+BCtruck, rebuild, repair,repurpose KZbin is full of experts. They'll be here in no time.

[@Fireship1]

Ha. I found my murray with the snow king engine for nothing as well. Needed a carb rebuild and two belts. Been running good ever since. That was ten years ago. I live to junk hunt! Good vid Moe. All the things to check. All in one good video.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Fireship1 That's awesome. The Murrays are good machines.

[@jasonm4695]

Dude - thank you. I was given my first blower recently, a big, 2 year-old troy-bilt 3090 xp which I thought would just fire right up, But no! It had no park. It type gap was way off. I changed the gas, drained the little fuel bowl, and found the priming tube was broken through at both ends - east fix. Fired up on the first pull!!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked the video.

[@JrFreak300]

Thanks! My older Toro 724 started fine this fall but wouldn't start after our 7" we got last week. I removed the heat cover and found the prime hose was off the carb. Reconnected it and drained the carb and it started right up.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's great.

[@tctubeyou]

Great video. I am inept with fixing stuff, but I was able get my old Snow King snowblower to start after following the steps for reattaching the fuel line and cleaning the carb. Thanks so much!

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's great. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@carlmiller1034]

Great video on "what" and "where" to look when trying to get a snowblower back up and running. I liked the tips too on using a heat gun to remove an old, brittle fuel hose from the carb, as well as placing some lubricant on the governor set screw-area that is attached to the throttle linkage. Again, great video! Thanks!!! -James

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks James... -Moe

[@DynamitePromos]

You are the Snowblower Whisperer! Nice work!

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Josh Dalton HAHA!

[@Thechessmaster08]

Just fixed a hand-me-down snowblower! This video really helped. Thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's great. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@agoodfellarad]

Thanks for the video man really helped me out and saved an hour of watching KZbin. Strait to the point in less than 13 minutes, versus parts 1-4 20 minutes a piece, thanks again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@mikeatv]

good find.... people throw good stuff away all the time.....my neighbor put a gas mower at the curb for trash pickup and an hour later i was mowing my lawn with it.....

[@sixtyfiveford]

+mikeatc33 Nicely done.

[@BansheeFifteen]

Awesome. If I have the spark plug out, I always clean and gap it. My nickname here in this house is "one pull start Tom". I do a maintenance on my two snow blowers every November. If I can start them with one pull, I know the g/f will be able to start it.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+BansheeFifteen Can't beat a one pull start.

[@MrWymie]

I always do what he said in the video But think its great people like this make these videos to help other people . Great video

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks Man.

[@imateapot51]

Everything looks easy on youtube. I went walking a month ago and someone put out an Ariens Snow Thrower. I rolled it a half mile to my house. I tried to start it and nothing. I took the spark plug out tested for spark. No spark. I looked at videos on cleaning points and all that and thought way over my head. I left it in my basement and the other day I tried to check for spark again after playing around with all the switches. I was getting spark. I poured some gas into the spark plug hole and it started and quickly stalled. I figured it was a carb issue by using stale gas. I took off the shroud and then realized the carb was on the other side. I took the carb off and cleaned it as best I could and put everything back on, i think. I go to pull the chord and it was not catching at all. Yes everything is so easy on youtube.

[@harryflores4471]

Thank you front Canada 🇨🇦 3 years never use my snow blower..today 48.inches snow..we cleaned by showel. Very tired....not idea how to fix it..thank you for the video ....

[@waynebrown5428]

I had that same model that I found on the side of the road. It was a good machine for 4 years.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+wayne brown They are very well built

[@emerickscott]

you are awesome! I think my carb was flooded and also the sealing ring wasn't on well and tight. I got my snowblower to start just before the big storm. thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@rufus2894]

I like your speed... I usually have to change the playback speed because people talk too slowly. Kudos!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@Peppermint1]

Try this first kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKm9d4WPeMZ4etU Otherwise, just run your snowblower for 1 minute every month, summer, winter. No big deal and it will start for sure when it will snow.

[@luwdmke]

I use my blower to cut the grass in the summer which it's good because it blows all the grass cuttings in the summer and snow in the winter onto my neighbors property.

[@mrsir5784]

@@luwdmke haha

[@Aweedproductions]

Wow this is the most simple solution I've ever seen. Thanks

[@LGB120]

True

[@Andy-im3kj]

Thinking outside of the box here with the simplest solution ever! Who thought that the solution was in our face the whole time.

[@retrorestore]

Never really seen a snow blower as we don't really use them here in the UK. Nice vid though well explained. Cheers

[@sixtyfiveford]

+retrorestore Thanks Man. You would like them as they are a specialty machine and bring a lot more money than a mower from the same amount of work.

[@tubular26]

I’m looking at my neighbours Murray. Gas is leaking around the top of the bowl and comes back up the primer tube when primed. The choke is also soaked in gas. What the heck is happening? Some kind of blockage? At first it started, ran for 5 seconds then shut off. Now it just continually cranks but doesn’t start.

[@juniorisclean]

All good info but you forgot to mention the adjustment screw in the bottom of the carburetor cap, if that screw is too tight or tighten all the way it will never start, if someone is having an issue with it not starting after this process shown here try loosen up the adjustment screw in the bottom and BANG!!! Good vid bud.

[@davidoickle1778]

Osvaldo Cintron he dud make mention of that near the end of the video. I was also wondering about that.

[@Pailloran.]

Thank you for posting this. It came in very handy getting my machine running again.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Cool to watch someone who knows what they’re doing!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad you liked it.

[@kurtwm2010]

Had a similar issue with my Craftsman snowblower. After a year in storage it would not start. Spark was good. Drained all the old fuel and the carburetor bowl. Filled with fresh gasoline and added a touch of start fluid into the cylinder and it started right up.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That ethanol laced fuel starts to go bad in a month and pulls water from the air right in.

[@monkkeylover123]

I like how you get right to the point. Hands on, how it's done. I like it. Thanks.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad it was helpful.

[@nhubui5452]

Have the same problem . . I ,ll try to clean out the caburator . One more question . You think gas leaner like ( seaform ) help to keep little things caburator through the dry season. ? Thanks for the good video.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I think Seafoam is snake oil. Find some ethanol free gasoline or run it completely out of fuel and you'll never have issues in the off season.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Make your snowblower throw 2x further and never clog with my video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e36kmJVphrN4e5o

[@MegaMissy123456]

sixtyfivefo.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

You were lucky to be able to save and reuse the carburetor. I have had two recently that I removed, disassembled and cleaned them very very well multiple times with carb cleaner. Neither one worked and being that time is money decided to junk them and move on. For $30 -$40 for a brand new one it wasn't worth the time and effort to continue to screw with them. They fired right off and ran great with the new carbs. What you are describing is pre Ethanol gasoline days. In modern times the culprit is usually the carb and it is ate up and destroyed with the new blended gas. There isn't any "fixing" that and they are meant to be disposable.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm able to fix 99% of all the carbs that come in. Even with a heavily corroded body it's just about the jets being clear.

[@supersoup5509]

Good,video. I replaced the carburetor and won’t start. New plug as well. Wants to start and sounds like it’s going to start but just tries and tries with the electric start button. Ideas?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Two things common with snowblowers is a sticking valve and a sheared flywheel key. The flywheel key when sheared will throw the timing off but it has one huge giveaway and this is it'll rip the rope out of you fingers when you attempt to start it. It'll hurt. The sticking valve can be a bugger to diagnose, but there are several ways. You can visually see the edge of the valves on a lot of flat head engines through the spark plug hole. You can also see the valve stems though the exhaust(muffler removed) and through the intake(carb removed). You can watch them and see if one stays open and or slowly closes while you pull the rope. If you have an overhead valve engine, checking the valve lash is a good idea.

[@Mapexman442]

This Video was not only very informative, but it worked wonderfully!! Thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@advancedtv1110]

I love people that know wtf they are talking about.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@jasper2771]

This video helped me fix our snowblower before my dad could!!! Thanks

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@JustinGasal]

Very helpful video. Any tips on how to get more power out of one of these? I've got an 1988 Craftsman that will only throw snow about 4 feet.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Justin Gasal Yes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e36kmJVphrN4e5o

[@JustinGasal]

+sixtyfiveford Yes, I'm familiar with that video and planning on doing it soon. I meant anything I can do to give the engine more power. It seems weak.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You can increase the engine rpm to the max. They are rated to handle 3600rpm but generally I see them sitting somewhere around 3200. Increasing this rpm by this amount give it a fair amount of power. I'll assume it's a Tecumseh. On the throttle control lever under the heater box there will be a flathead or torx screw. Screwing this in increases the rpm of the governor.

[@JustinGasal]

+sixtyfiveford I'll try that. Thanks!

[@jimmyjamesl2318]

great video...im working on a husqvarna 926 e ...about 25 year old snowblower...im getting intermittent spark....can't figure out why... kills witch was chopped out and key is missing...looks like it just grounds out with key out. Any ideas about spark issue? Looks like a tecumseh engine.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Generally intermittent spark is the kill wire touching or grounding somewhere. A lot of these snowblowers have the key switch kill and a throttle down past turtle to kill. I have also seen cracked insulator on the spark plug grounding out the plug internally.

[@tomj528]

These old Toros are survivors. I'm still running a mid 80's 521 that I bought new at the True Value Hardware that I worked at in high school. I've got to clear the fuel line too. It starts beautifully but dies after about 45 seconds...classic sign. I'm going to start north of the shut off valve because for some reason I've got a feeling after 30 years it might be clogged.

[@sixtyfiveford]

The Toro's are one of my favorite machines.

[@tomj528]

@@sixtyfiveford You just can't kill 'em. I can't believe how thin the metal is on new snowblowers, If this one ever dies, I'll just buy another used one.

[@tomj528]

Just finished...Started right up, died within 45 seconds again. Pulled the fuel bowl and there was a bit a sediment but very clean otherwise, cleaned it out, primed it and it started right up and ran like a top for a good 15 minutes until I shut it down to change the oil and gas it up with stabilized, 100% gasoline (that's all I ever run). Ran the fuel out of the Toro Lawnmower, changed the oil, fogged it and it's good to go too. Man, I love doing this stuff!

[@johntuffield1457]

I tried to start my snowblower for the first time this year, the snow blower is probably 10 years old and has been stored in the garage. It wouldn't start so I changed the spark plug and it still will not start. I've got good compression on the draw. I checked the carburetor Bowl and the screw was not tightened all the way, and the screw has a little spring on it, I'm not sure if that's supposed to be untightened on purpose or if it should be tight. Please fill me in on that, I also noticed that there's a little button on the carburetor Bowl and when I push that button, fuel drained out of it. I imagine that this is a fuel release button or something like that to test the fuel? I have not taken the carburetor Bowl off yet but I took a cup and pressed that button filling up the bowl emptying the carburetor, and the fuel was clear and did not smell or look like there was water in it. When I press the primer button, fuel leaked out of the carburetor even after I tightened the screw. I do not believe that the fuel is coming out of the fuel hose, I think it's coming out of that fuel release button that I mentioned earlier. Any help would be appreciated. In the meantime I'm going to take the carburetor off and make sure that it's not corroded or bad.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You have a 1990's at the newest Tecumseh engine. The screw/spring you describe is your main jet and should not be screwed all the way in. This meters the amount of fuel.

[@LoveLife-wy8gt]

Awesome Video thank you so much . Yesterday I bought a Toro single stage 621 with electric start . Started fine with the es for the guy I bought it from and now I cant get it started . Im bumming !

[@sixtyfiveford]

I hope the video helps out.

[@Bertminator]

I have a Craftsman snowblower, that works great after 28 + years. It has issue when trying to use the electric start in VERY cold weather (-25 C ~ -13 F) or colder. Electric start works on milder winter days, but when the deep freeze hits, it just spins without contacting. I found that lubricating the drive gear with Penetrating oil helps, but not for long. Any ideas? My instincts say it's brushes, after all these years. Starter is a Tecumseh #33329C.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Generally the starter bendix just needs lube. It's hard to access them with your starter type without removing the starter. Also too much lube on this style can cause slippage.

[@peterhamm8821]

Doing my lawn mower do I have to put gas additive in it so it doesn't mess up my Ariens snowblower

[@sixtyfiveford]

Find ethanol free gas locally and only use that. Gas additives will help as little with ethanol free. Gas additives will do little to nothing on ethanol laced gasoline. Pure-gas.org will show all your local e-free stations

[@zx8401ztv]

Im supprised its in that good a shape after sitting that long. I didnt know about the forced air prime, im just used to the old lawnmower prime bulb. Smashing video :-D

[@sixtyfiveford]

+zx8401ztv It's always nice when people store stuff indoors.

[@zx8401ztv]

+sixtyfiveford I have a 125cc kawasaki motorbike stored in my house, no petrol or tank, the tank is in the shed. Yes im a bit odd lol :-D

[@sixtyfiveford]

Not odd, wise.

[@rpknair4763]

Thanks for the video. I have a question... my troy-bilt 2410 snow blower was sitting idle with gas during summer and now I tried to start it is not working. I emptied gas, cleaned the carburetor (apparently the holes were not blocked) and added new gas. When I turn on using the electric start button, after few tries it starts and runs for few seconds (~ 5 sec). Before I turn the choke to run mode engine stops. Snowblower is just 3 years old. Is there anything I should check like replacing spark plug? or service center is the only option? Any suggestion please?

[@sixtyfiveford]

This is a symptom of the main jet being clogged.

[@timthetoolman4575]

I also like your hydraulic cart/table. I roll mine up to the back of the truck, adjust the height , and roll the machines right onto the cart. Works great. In my older age (I hope I'm getting smarter.....) it's nice to have the machines raised up to waist height so it's not so hard on my back and knees bending or kneeling on the cold garage floor to work on them. I guess I also like having them raised up a little closer to the light so "it's all the better to see you my dear" said the big bad wolf. Ha Ha

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Tim theToolman Thanks, I love me lift table and don't know how I ever lived without it.

[@PlayingCrazy]

Thanks for this video Bro!! Very helpful.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ummagowa]

Hey, great videos, watched a couple you've done. I'm shopping for a snow blower. Used, medium sized. I don't even know what "stages" 2 or 1, means. I have no idea what to look for in the machine. I have an old Ford, 86 4X4 that I have been plowing with for 15 years. So to have a reliable blower would be nice but I have no clue which to select of the many brands you can come across used. thanx for your advice.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You can't go wrong with a Toro. Honda is good as well, just not always worth the extra hefty price tag. Ariens makes some good and some crappy machines, so I generally tell people to be cautious. Simplicity makes great machines, but isn't sold everywhere. John Deere are also great. Pretty much every other brand(Craftsman, MTD, Yard Machines, White, Cub Cadet, and many more) are made by the same company(AYP or MTD) and re-branded for mass distribution. They work but are cheaply made.

[@justin15097]

Rewatching your vid on cleaning the carb. I also checked spark and don't see any. Thought I foulded the plug so I replaced it and still no spark. I know u mention the points I replaced them last year when i cleaned n rebuilt the card. Any suggestions

[@sixtyfiveford]

Points contacts can corrode pretty easily if moisture gets in. More than likely the points need cleaning.

[@standolfo]

Hello, my tecumseh tvm140 engine won't start and I find the spark flooded by gas after few starting tries. But: there is a spark, I have cleaned 'n checked the carburetor, cleaned all small holes, floater ok, needle ok, jets factory resetted (1,5 turn out from zero for main jet, 1 turn for air mix) and everything seems ok plus new fresh oil in the engine cup. I have no clue what else can I check? Can u help? A hint is that it stopped while working, it was running in idle but not supported the effort and turned off and never started again.

[@duramax78]

I have the same motor, can you please tell me if the side screw with the spring and a copper washer is suppose to have a rubber gasket like the bottom spring,? Thank you for your videos been watching for years, chestermere Alberta.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yes, there is supposed to be a small o-ring under the washer for the side idle jet. So against the carb: O-ring, washer, spring, screw head.

[@chefswagger77]

Hey, I have an older Ariens 8525 snowblower, 10 hp. Shes simple but a beast. Ive never had an issue when it comes to starting this machine. My dad bought it used when I was a kid and now I have it. I was dealing w a lost key issue but know its not that cz all I did was stick a piece of plastic in the slot and wham, she started. I just went out to start it, and she wont start. Sorry for my "stupid question(s)" but she aint cooperating w me and I just need it to run. I didnt check the spark, tho I did put a new plug in last year and she goes a long time without one, second she has plenty of compression. I know it has to do w the ignition. Im just curious about one thing. When looking up thru the key port if the metal touches or not will it fire. Seems as tho I rigged it last yr to hold w the 2 sources of metal touching but its been that long that I dont know what my intentons were t the time. So at a 101 level do the 2 pieces need to be together or separated for the rest to flow into a started machine? The lights have not dimmed which is a staple of it getting ready to fire or at least on its way. Where am I falling out here?? Any answer will help with this simple but powerful machine. Sorry for my ignorance but each answer I get and the more I mess w it the more I learn. Have custody of my 2 daughters so time is not on my side. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Wires can't touch. You could simple disconnect the wire going to the key switch.

[@brianu33]

I have 2 craftsman 5hp snowblr fuel seems to be getting to carb but not engine. I don’t know what to do ? The other I replaced carb and it sputters still when I engage whelks and auger it bogs down for second and then goes back to normal running. Any a

[@dawin6710]

Thank you, using your method I discovered a broken chock lever. and was able to start.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@havensjj]

great video. just used it. got my machine to work in less time than it took me t find the correct socket wrench. bad gas in carb. let it drain started up 1st pull.

[@sixtyfiveford]

The simple fixes are always the best.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

I have often experienced the plug fouling and fuel going past the rings diluting the oil which deteriorated the effective compression. So I change the oil and then it runs fine.

[@johnhouli3450]

Sixtyfiveford thanks. I have a Toro myself from yr 2000 it’s been sitting 5 years inside a garage with the fuel on. It was given to me. My problem is no 1st no 2nd gear. I have third gear and reverse how do I fix the other gears. I have tightened the Drive linkage but still no 1 And 2 Thanks John.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You have too flip it up and look at the friction disc. It's really common for the rod that move this from the handle bar to get bent and throw off the handle bar/gear location. But you may just have a worn friction disc. Flip it up on the front housing. Take off the couple bolts holding the belly pan off. Move the lever and engage the handle controls and you will see how everything works/should work.

[@johnhouli3450]

@@sixtyfiveford thanks. I cleaned the friction disc and the plate with gas and adjusted the drive gear threaded rod she is working now. Thanks for your input.

[@IntoTheDirtshop]

Have you done a video about your camera and editing setup yet?

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Into The Dirtshop I haven't as it's not that exciting.

[@IntoTheDirtshop]

sixtyfiveford hahaha yea sometimes they can be boring

[@danboy0481]

I just got a Toro 524. cleaned the carb. I have spark. it's new gas. I prime it about fifteen times, choke it and it may start. but it did almost right away. fuel switch is on. thoughts?

[@danboy0481]

so I no sooner commented than I primed it 25 times and Bam! had to adjust the spring screw on the bottom of the carb. runs like a champ now. thanks for the video. and I know it isn't called a spring screw.

[@sixtyfiveford]

That's great, I'm glad the video was helpful. The screw on the bottom is the main jet. The air hose the connects the primer button to the carb is probably rotted away at the carb connection. It should only require 2-3 primes to start a cold engine.

[@Riverrockphotos]

My snowablower had been sitting for a couple years wont start. Took carb off cleaned it all out now it will start after primering but for only a couple seconds not sure why.

[@michiganfarming1955]

Heat gun gas what could possibly go wrong lol thanks for the tips man!

[@sixtyfiveford]

I was going to show how to do it with a torch.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

+sixtyfiveford No need for a torch, run out the old gas, flip your bic, self warming hose!

[@Wesshaw1996]

+TheChipmunk2008 lol

[@luispatino3180]

Always keep a can of $5 ethanol free gas in the garage for these issues. Perfect to winterize at the end of the season and to help start older engine's. Literally $5 and it stays good for up to 3 years... I also date the can with a sharpie to dump it into my truck gas tank after the 3 or 4 year mark.

[@mainematt1234]

The heat gun trick was great help. Thanks

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Matt Conlon It makes even the oldest fuel lines slide right off. Thanks for watching.

[@rogerfenske8268]

I have a snow champ Aircap 1990 with a 5 hp Tecumseh and I was constantly adjusting the carbueretor and now it finely got so warn that I bought another carb. for it but it does'nt have an ajustment and with the new carbueretor it starts much harder and it take about 10 cranks to finely get it to stay running. Now we had about 6 inches of snow and it dies under load if I don't run it on 1st gear low. What do you know about the governor and why would it be killing under load?

[@sixtyfiveford]

The engine needs more fuel; it's running too lean. The fixed jet carb is not allowing enough fuel through the main jet. This is a common issue with new Chinese carbs, that can only be remedied by drilling out the main jet. They force these to run too lean and it will overheat and destroy your engine. Yours should be around .5-.6mm and I generally bump it one size up with my bits(generally .8mm+-). This isn't an exact science and I just go a little at a time, but virtually never need more than one size up. I have some micro drill bits from Amazon ( amzn.to/2hctATX ) but I also have had some from Harbor Freight that did the job.

[@ILruffian]

Awesome video, thanks for posting. I've got spark, and the carb that was just rebuilt by a pro last year is *spotless* because the machine has only seen ethanol-free gas (Sunoco GTX260). Ran last year, would not start after the summer break. How much gas is supposed to be in the carb? Every time I put the bowl back on and turn the fuel shutoff back the other way, the carb *fills* with fuel.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Is the main butterfly on the carb moving freely? Does the engine feel like it has compression(could have a stuck valve)? There is around 2 Tablespoons of gas in the carb bowl.

[@ILruffian]

Thanks so much for your response. If I push the spring drain valve on the bottom of the bowl, it seems like way more than 2 TSP of fuel comes out. Will take a look at carb butterfly ASAP. Yes, compression feels normal. Also has a plug in electric start option and that sounds the same. Ran great last year after new carb installed by reputable shop. Learned my lesson. Even the gas cans I use have never seen ethanol. Big yellow luggage tags on the cans that "GTX 260" and no one else has access to them. Spark plug has *no* carbon on it--it looks brand new (from the rebuild). Did the test you recommended and I have tons of spark. Will check air filter as well. You mention that some gas can spill around the carb with overuse of the primer bulb button. Can that "flood" the engine?

[@ILruffian]

Thanks a ton for the reply and all your help, finally started today. Butterfly was moving as free as can be. I think that the problem may have been that I had the throttle at full, choke all the way on and that I was hesitant to prime it again after cleaning the bowl due to the spilling fuel. I lowered the throttle to half and it attempted to turn over. Spent some more time messing with the throttle and choke and it finally went. *Thanks again!* For the future, where should the throttle be for a start? I know that the choke is supposed to be all the way on for the first attempt a cold start, but that it should be taken to half or off after a few attempts. Not sure about the throttle.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Throttle should be fast and choke on full. Each machine is different as to how many primes they like. I start at around 3 steady primes and it should fire right up. Some like 1 prime, some 5???

[@ILruffian]

Thanks again. If you overprime, it can flood, correct? Does flooding refer to the carb or the cylinder itself? Just wondering how to deal with flooding. Can I just dump the carb bowl, or do I need to take the plug out and use a hairdryer?

[@powers7052]

I just found one and I have replaced the gas and oil. It starts for about a second puts out a big puff of smoke then turns off. Would this fix it or is there another cheap alternative? Spark is good and compression is good. If you could put it in simpler terms that would be helpful taking that this is the first engine I’ve ever worked on and I’m 15. Any help is wanted thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

99% of the time it's just a dirty carburetor.

[@powers7052]

@@sixtyfiveford thanks for the reply. I cleaned it to the best of my ability and cleaned the gas. Any other suggestions?

[@sixtyfiveford]

@@powers7052 You put the engine on choke, push your primer bulb a few times, pull the starter rope, It starts for a few seconds and then just shuts off: this is a dirty carburetor. The main jet which is on the bottom is clogged. If it's a Tecumseh this video will walk you through kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYrNZqJ-ZduBjMk .

[@captainstanly]

Thanks man this was a great help. Do you have any walkthroughs with replacing or patching the fuel line if it broke underneath the gas tank?

[@sixtyfiveford]

These all use 1/4id fuel line and it's pretty straight forward replacing it. Autoparts stores will sell it by the foot and 12inches is generally ample. Heat(heat gun or blow dryer) will help soften harded line and make it easier to remove along with slitting it where is connects onto the barbed fitting.

[@gabrielmoralesvelez]

My problem is that the cable is stuck. Any suggestions to fix it?

[@seanflanagan5674]

Started watching on my tablet early this AM, before getting dressed for Mass (shame on me!) and I "think" I picked up where I paused so: you didn't squirt oil or penetrating oil in the combustion even after more than three years? When would you do so if not now? So thank you for the vid, and I really appreciate all the comments about similarities and commonalities.

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Sean Flanagan I don't mainly because I need to know whether or not it is a smoking machine and I want to make sure it starts under it's own compression. Oil will make it smoke and increase the compression in a worn machine that may not start under it's normal compression.

[@IrishMister]

+sixtyfiveford So I'm extrapolating your rationale is that if it's rusted up, cranking, and particularly running it, won't do any damage more significant than what's already occurred. So that would be a win/tie, I suppose. 8^} Thanks for the clarification!

[@sixtyfiveford]

If you have a rusted cylinder you have some big issues and more than likely have stuck valves. Theoretically if it is rusted the oil wont help and actually do more damage as it will hold the sharp rust particle against the cylinder wall and the piston will continually grind them in where they would be pushed out the cylinder if left dry. The piston rings are razor sharp and will smooth out minor surface rust on the cylinder wall very effortlessly. You can tell the condition of the cylinder easily by pulling it over by hand. Unlike a pressure lubricated system in a car where it might take 5-10 seconds to lubricate everything, these small engines have dippers/oil flingers that will fling oil up onto the lower cylinder wall even while pulling the rope so they get oil instantly.

[@decnijfkris3706]

Briggs motor I think. Good repair video. Also make sure all filters fuel and carb are clean on newer devices. I have a practical new Husqvarna 45 cm chain blade saw and after a couple of hours working with it it stopped while cutting a tree in the yard. Then I opened it and cleaned the carb, I have good spark and I use the right gas and I have normal compression on the engine. So I suppose the electronic ignition went dead and that costs too much. We altered our tools to electric tools for as much as that is doable. So not content about Hsqvarna and if I decide to buy a new chain saw that will be a Still.

[@TommyG5585]

Fixed, spark plug, thank you! ✝️

[@sinner175]

You are a ROCKSTAR! I did what you showed in this video, and it worked. I liked & subscribed. :)

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad it was helpful.