Snowblower engine won't start: troubleshooting tips video

Tools and parts needed

• Hand tools

• Fresh gasoline

• Fuel stabilizer

• Fuel filter

• Fuel line

• Spark plug

• Spark plug tester

• Stop switch

• Compression gauge

• Multimeter

• Work gloves

Check the snowblower gas, fuel filter and fuel line

Hi, this is Wayne with Sears PartsDirect. Today, we're going to talk about troubleshooting a snowblower that won't start. If your snowblower isn’t starting, there are a few things you can do to get it back into good working order.

For an engine to start, you need fresh, clean fuel, a spark and the right amount of compression in the engine.

First, let’s talk about fuel. Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Work in a well-ventilated area free of open flames or sparks.

Fresh, clean fuel is a must. Old gas absorbs moisture when it sits for a long time in your gas tank or your gas can. Drain the fuel tank and fill it back up with fresh fuel if the gas is more than 6 months old. You can also use a fuel stabilizer to help keep your gas fresh.

Dirty gas can clog the fuel filter in your tank, so you’ll also want to take a look and replace it if it’s old or clogged. Most owners' manuals recommend changing the fuel filter at the start of every season. Here’s a video that will show you how to change your fuel filter.

While you're replacing the fuel filter, it's a good idea to disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and the fuel filter and inspect it for damage. Take a look at the fuel line and make sure there are no cracks and that it's still flexible and soft. Replace the fuel line if it's cracked or broken. Here's a video showing you how. 

Test the spark plug and ignition system

Next, we'll talk about engine spark. The spark plug is the ignition source for the fuel in the engine. Spark plugs should also be replaced once a season.

If you know your spark plug is from last year, you probably want to replace it. Here’s a video to show you how to replace and set the gap on a spark plug.

If you know your spark plug is good, and your engine still won’t start, then you need to check the ignition system. Pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug and connect it to a spark plug tester. Connect the spark plug tester wire to the spark plug. With the start key in the switch, pull the starter rope and check for a spark in the spark plug tester.

If the ignition system produces a spark through the tester then you can move on to checking compression.

Check the stop switch

If you don't see a spark though the tester, then a defective stop switch in the ignition system could be preventing your plug from sparking. Let’s check the stop switch using a multimeter.

Remove the tester, but leave the spark plug wire disconnected. Remove the belt cover. Then remove the two bolts securing the gearbox bracket and move it aside to access the muffler cover bolts. Remove all six bolts and pull the cover off. Then remove the wires from the stop switch. Set your meter to measure continuity and place the meter probes on the stop switch leads.

You should measure "no continuity" though the stop switch with the start key inserted. On this meter, that’s a 1 in the far left corner.

If you measure continuity through the stop switch with the key inserted, replace the stop switch. This video will show you how.

If the stop switch is okay, you’re going to want to have a service technician check the position of the ignition coil and adjust the air gap if necessary. The ignition coil may need to be replaced if the air gap is correct.

Check cylinder compression

Now let’s move on to checking engine compression. After you get everything put back together, remove the spark plug from the cylinder. Pull the starter rope several times to purge any fuel or oil from the cylinder.

Make sure the compression meter reads 0 and if it doesn’t, release the pressure inside the meter. Install a compression gauge in the spark plug hole. Pull the starter rope repeatedly, until the needle on the gauge stops rising.

You should measure between 40 and 60 psi of compression. If your pressure is out of that range, you may need to adjust the valve lash. This video will show you how.

If the valve lash adjustment doesn’t solve your problem, you could have a stuck valve, or several other engine issues. Have a service technician check that out.

Hey thanks for watching. Check out the other videos here on the Sears PartsDirect YouTube channel, and don't forget to subscribe.