April 20, 2023

Gas Snowblower: Why does my snowblower engine run rough?

If your engine is running rough, a problem with the carburetor is a likely cause. Rebuild or replace the carburetor to fix a fuel delivery problem.

A clogged fuel filter will also prevent the engine from getting fuel, causing the engine to sputter or run rough. Check the fuel filter and replace it if clogged.

A dirty spark plug won't ignite the fuel consistently, causing the engine to miss and sputter. Check the spark plug and replace it if necessary.

Incorrect valve lash could cause the engine to run rough so check and adjust the valve lash.

Check the engine sump gasket because a leaking gasket can cause low compression and a rough running engine.

A thorough snowblower tune-up can also help the engine run smoothly.

gas snowblower

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS SNOWBLOWER PROBLEM

JC-SNOW-Do-a-snowblower-tune-up

Do a snowblower tune-up

A tune-up restores the snowblower to its peak operating condition. A tune-up includes changing the oil, cleaning the engine, replacing the air filter, checking the ignition system, inspecting the carburetor, testing the battery, adjusting the throttle and choke controls, and adjusting and lubricating all moving parts.

Do a snowblower tune-up

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RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Spark-Plug-Intro-Image
December 07, 2022

How to replace a snowblower spark plug

If your snowblower won't start, the spark plug could be fouled or damaged. This DIY repair guide shows how to set the gap and replace the snowblower spark plug in 3 quick steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Clean-and-rebuild-the-snowblower-carburetor

Clean and rebuild the snowblower carburetor

Rebuild kits are available for most carburetors. The kit contains the essential components such as jets, pins, seals and gaskets to overhaul the carburetor. You can sometimes fix a fuel supply problem by disassembling and cleaning a carburetor. Use the rebuild kit to rebuild the carburetor after cleaning it.

Clean and rebuild the snowblower carburetor

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RG-SNOW-Rebuild-a-Snowblower-Carburetor-Intro-Image
December 01, 2015

How to rebuild a snowblower carburetor

The snowblower carburetor mixes air and fuel going to the engine. You might need to rebuild the carburetor if the snowblower won't start or dies soon after starting.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Adjust-the-snowblower-valve-lash

Adjust the snowblower valve lash

The snowblower valve lash is the amount of clearance between the top of the valve stem and the rocker arm. Incorrect valve lash prevents the snowblower valve from opening or closing properly. valve lash is incorrect, the snowblower engine is hard to start, runs poorly and loses power. Premature valve failure also results from improper valve lash. Check valve lash after the first 25 hours of use and then every 100 hours. Adjust the valve lash if the snowblower engine won't start or runs poorly.

Adjust the snowblower valve lash

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RG-SNOW-Adjust-a-Snowblower-Valve-Lash-Intro-Image
November 20, 2022

How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

When a snowblower's engine loses power or is hard to start, it could mean the valve lash needs adjusting. This snowblower repair guide and DIY YouTube video show how to adjust the valve lash in 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-fuel-filter

Replace the snowblower fuel filter

The snowblower fuel filter screens particles from the gasoline as fuel moves from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Fuel won't flow if the snowblower fuel filter clogs. Replace the fuel filter if it's clogged or damaged.

Snowblower fuel filter

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RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Fuel-Filter-Intro-Image
November 20, 2022

How to replace a snowblower fuel filter

When a snowblower won't start, it could be a clogged fuel filter isn't letting gas into the carburetor. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace a snowblower fuel filter in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-spark-plug

Replace the snowblower spark plug

The snowblower spark plug creates the spark that ignites the fuel, creating a controlled explosion in the cylinder to move the piston that drives the engine. The spark plug won't create spark if deposits build up on the spark plug electrode or if the ceramic insulation cracks. Replace the snowblower spark plug if it's fouled or damaged.

Snowblower spark plug

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Spark-Plug-Intro-Image
December 07, 2022

How to replace a snowblower spark plug

If your snowblower won't start, the spark plug could be fouled or damaged. This DIY repair guide shows how to set the gap and replace the snowblower spark plug in 3 quick steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-carburetor

Replace the snowblower carburetor

Over time, varnish from stale gasoline builds up in the carburetor, decreasing the amount of air/fuel mixture reaching the engine. Replace the carburetor if it's severely clogged with varnish or if the orifices are clogged with debris and can't be cleared using carburetor cleaner and compressed air.

Snowblower carburetor

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JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-engine-sump-gasket

Replace the snowblower engine sump gasket

The sump at the bottom of the engine houses the oil pump and collects engine lubricant. A leak in the sump gasket decreases engine compression, making it difficult to start the engine. If physical examination of the sump gasket reveals a leak, replaced the gasket.

Snowblower engine sump gasket

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Symptoms for gas snowblowers

Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.

Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the b…

Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…

Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets…

Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect…

Main causes: loose drive clutch cable, damaged drive clutch cable, worn friction disc, scraper blade scraping the ground…

Main causes: snow build-up in chute, chute drive mechanism failure, bad chute control assembly…

Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, …

Repair guides for gas snowblowers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your snowblower.

How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

Adjust the engine valve lash on your snowblower to keep the engine starting and running smoothly.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

To prevent snowblower auger and shave plate damage, adjust the skid shoes regularly to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower shave plate

How to replace a snowblower shave plate

Follow the 7 easy steps in this repair guide/video to replace a worn out shave plate on your snowblower.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your snowblowers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your snowblower.

How to make your snowblower last longer

How to make your snowblower last longer

Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.…

Introducing new technical repair content that we’re developing for the Sears Technical Institute

Introducing new technical repair content that we’re developing for the Sears Technical Institute

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