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Posted by Boatman on December 20, 2006, 8:20 pm
I've got a 15 year old Craftsman 5 HP snow blower that until recently was in
great shape. Last season I didn't drain the gas for the summer, I just added
gas stabilizer. Now that Denver is in the midst of a big snow storm, I can't
start the engine. Spark plug was replaced last year. Any suggestions? An
online reference with engine diagrams might be helpful for me because I am
handy, but unfamiliar with these engines. I think if I can at least get it
running somehow, if there are any gas issues they will clear themselves up.
Thanks!
Boatman
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Posted by Eric in North TX on December 20, 2006, 9:14 pm
The quick and dirty method to diagnose a small engine no start is to
give it some fuel down the air intake of the carb. If it then starts
but dies after the added fuel burns up, it is a carburetor problem. I
like to use an unlit propane torch stuck in the air intake for this
test, less messy. Due care should always be used with all combustibles
(disclaimer). If it does run with added fuel, assuming it is a float
type carb, the likely culprit is a clogged pin hole in the bottom of
the carb inside the float bowl that feeds the main jet. If you just
clean it out (I like torch tip cleaners, but a wire from a bag twist
tie will do) all should be good. Diaphragm carbs have screens on the
pick-up tubes that get clogged.
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Posted by Abe M. on December 20, 2006, 9:15 pm
Boatman wrote:
> I've got a 15 year old Craftsman 5 HP snow blower that until recently was in
> great shape. Last season I didn't drain the gas for the summer, I just added
> gas stabilizer. Now that Denver is in the midst of a big snow storm, I can't
> start the engine. Spark plug was replaced last year. Any suggestions? An
> online reference with engine diagrams might be helpful for me because I am
> handy, but unfamiliar with these engines. I think if I can at least get it
> running somehow, if there are any gas issues they will clear themselves up.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Boatman
If you can obtain some Techron or STP fuel cleaner, try that in the gas
tank. See if your primer is pulling gas into the piston chamber. By
attempting to start the engine a few times, you will see if the gas is
getting to the spark plug (the tip will be wet). If not, then you
either have a rusted shutoff valve, or you might have to dismantle a
portion of the carb, checking your float bowl and some needles. If you
have a Briggs and Stratton engine, search online for a carb repair kit
manual with diagrams. I can dig your situation. One winter I also had
to do these repairs and it was not easy. Plus, you may be stuck inside
your home, which means you will need to get a friend to drive you to a
snow blower place. Good luck.
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Posted by on December 21, 2006, 10:52 am
Boatman wrote:
> I've got a 15 year old Craftsman 5 HP snow blower that until recently was in
> great shape. Last season I didn't drain the gas for the summer, I just added
> gas stabilizer. Now that Denver is in the midst of a big snow storm, I can't
> start the engine. Spark plug was replaced last year. Any suggestions? An
> online reference with engine diagrams might be helpful for me because I am
> handy, but unfamiliar with these engines. I think if I can at least get it
> running somehow, if there are any gas issues they will clear themselves up.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Boatman
Also, float bowl may be full of pretty stale (un-volatile) fuel. Many
small one-lunger engines have a "push-to-pee" valve on bottom of float
bowl to release fuel within. Make sure you have some sort of means of
collecting it below, of course. Another means of draining: unscrew
fitting below bowl that holds main-mixture screw; gently smack bowl
from side to release; drain. Again, caution about collecting fuel.
Stale fuel can make starting _much_ harder than with fresh.
J
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Posted by avid_hiker on December 21, 2006, 11:14 am
Take the air filter off.
Choke could be stuck.
Drain out the old gas then add new gas.
Would this have an electric start? I am thinking not ...for being 15
years old.
Does it even try to kick in....then die?
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