Snowblower won’t start?
The most common reason is fuel that sat in the tank since last March. Gasoline breaks down over months, and old fuel can leave varnish in the carburetor that keeps the engine from firing. Other common causes are a fouled spark plug, a wrong choke or primer setting for a cold start, or a dead battery on electric-start models.
Other common problems
- Starts, then stalls or surges. Often fuel delivery.
- Engine runs, auger or impeller doesn’t. Commonly a sheared pin or a belt.
- Won’t move forward or slips. Drive belt or drive system on self-propelled models.
- Throws snow weakly. Can be belts, a clogged chute, or wear on the auger and impeller.
Safety: never put your hands in the chute or auger housing, even with the engine off. Use a clearing tool, and disconnect the spark plug wire before checking anything.
Pre-winter maintenance
In southeast Michigan, the first measurable snow can arrive any time from November on. A fall check means fresh fuel, the oil checked or changed, a look at the spark plug, shear pins, and belts, and a test run before you need it. Our snowblower prep checklist walks through what to look at yourself.
Storage after the season
How a snowblower is put away in spring decides how it starts in November. Rinse off road salt, deal with the fuel, and store it dry. See off-season storage.
Brands
Brandon has experience working on equipment from brands including Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Honda, Toro, Craftsman, STIHL, Cub Cadet, John Deere.