Cant get snowthrower to run?

[dhud64]

I recently was given a MTD brand snowthrower. The thing is in good shape but wont run. As with most throwers, it has a Tecumseh engine and carb, (junk IMO). In the past, on other throwers, I’ve been able to get them running with starting fluid and then they will usually run on their own. In those cases, I’ll just replace the carb (they are cheap), and all is good.<br /><br />But, with this thrower, I get it running on starting fluid but it wont continue to run on it’s own, ever. I can keep it going with a shot of fluid every few seconds, but I know I'ts not good to do that a lot. Sometimes when doing this I get a small backfire. Could there be something other than the carb wrong, or should I just replace the carb and go on with it? <br />BTW- I am getting fuel to the carb, and have added fresh gas. I’m not sure the gas is getting past the carb??? Any ideas?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

I’m not sure the gas is getting past the carb???

I'd say It's Not..........

 

[one more cast]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

It could possibly have a burnt or carboned up valve, stuck rings, broken ring, scratched cylinder wall,.....but......Sounds like a fuel delivery problem to me. I would clean or replace the carb.

 

[DJ]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Most Tecumseh snowblower engines have a primer button/bulb. Does it run while pumping it?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

I would check the fuel sysytem first then the keyway on the shaft. When those keyways start to shear (common in snowthrowers and tillers) they only go partway at first throwing the timing off.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Take off the fuel line to the tank - and clean or blow out, maybe the screen is clogged.<br /><br />also blow some air into the carb from a compressor to clean anything out<br /><br />It is not not getting fuel<br /><br />Try running with the choke on as well<br /><br />You can mist in gasoline instead of ether - just put some gas in a small 5oz spray bottle and mist it into the carb<br /><br />One other test is to remove the spark plug and squirt some gas right into the head - then try and start - if it does but quickly dies then it is a fuel problem..<br /><br />tomatolord

 

[Trent]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Sounds like the main jet is stopped up?? Check this. Remove the bolt/screw on the bottom of the fuel bowl. This is the main jet on most. Clean the holes out in the jet with carb cleaner and replace and see if she runs. This happens alot to this brand of engine. The "dirty" fuel we buy at gas stations settles in the bottom of the fuel bowl and stops up the main jet in these machines.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

I'm a fan of Tecumseh engines,and most snow blowers seem to be using their Snow-King engine of some HP or another.My ARIENS is an 8 HP.5 years old,and starts well,without the ether.<br />I think you need to clean the tank,lines and carb.Most shops use this as S.O.P.<br /><br />It's a good start.<br /><br />DHP

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

If you buy a new carb for it take it to a tecumseh dealer. There are many different carbs availible depending on if it is post or pre era. Most tecumseh carbs have an intermediate valve that is totally inaccesible. This valve gets clogged up and no gas will get to the idle circuit. If you take apart and clean this carb and it has a mixture adjustment (pre epa carb) make sure if you turn the screw in to lightly seated that you do it facing up right instead of upside down. If it is done upside down you can damage the intermediete valve.<br /><br />I agree with these carbs are crap however they are only about 50 to 70 dollars to replace. Tecumseh has a history of hunting problems with the motor and that backfire you are hearing is a lean condition causing the the fuel to explode instead of burn. If you want real professional help go to this web site<br /> Small engine repair You will need to post your techumseh model number and the ID number that follows the model number

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Drop the fuel bowl, clean the crap that I am sure is in there. Clean the main jet, clean the float needle. That is what is always wrong with these things, and is what always fixes it.

 

[capedave]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Will it fire on carb cleaner??? Does it have spark???? how does the compresion feel???

 

[KRS]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Originally posted by dhud64:<br /> The thing is in good shape but wont run.

Love It !!!! I can't stop laughing. It's great... it just doesn't run.<br /><br />I'm with the majority here, not getting fuel.

 

[KRS]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Had same problem on a generator, would run if I shot thrust into carb every few seconds, otherwise it died.<br /><br />I pulled the bowl, cleaned the filthy chunky crud out of it, pulled the fuel lines, and flushed the tank and lines. Buttoned it all back up, and it started on 3rd pull, and has started on 1st pull each time since.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Most Tecumseh snowblower engines have a primer button/bulb. Does it run while pumping it?

Sorry for delayed response. No it will not run when pumping the bulb. I do however see a very small spray of fuel coming out a small hole on side of carb after several pumps.<br /><br />Also, I have cleaned the fuel tank and the carb bowl. I had to leave town for a funeral so I'll tinker more with it this weekend. Thanks again for all replies!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

can you post the model number or at least the HP of the snowblower. I downloaded a full factory service manual for free that might be of help to you. It is from 3HP to 11HP tecumesh motors. Let me know if you are interested in a copy.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Okay here's what I found: The snowblower model is 31A-140-000. <br />The engine model is HSK 600. There are more numbers on that line, not sure if they belong. They are, 1627T (H)<br /><br />It does feel like it's got decent compression, (but that's my finger over the hole guage).<br /><br />I'll check out the web site too! Thanks for the info...

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

These engines have compression release valves so they are hard to test for true compression. Email me at ralgoetz@comcast.net if you want the manual. I cant find the link to the web site I downloaded it from. On that other web site is a guy named tecumsehman. He will take care of you. good luck

 

[dhud64]

Re: Cant get snowthrower to run?

Originally posted by eurolarva:<br /> These engines have compression release valves so they are hard to test for true compression. Email me at ralgoetz@comcast.net if you want the manual. I cant find the link to the web site I downloaded it from. On that other web site is a guy named tecumsehman. He will take care of you. good luck

Thanks, I took a quick look and did see Tecumsehman there! Looks like a great site.