Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Fueked up my machine and decided I better fire it up just to be on the safe side earlier today. Wouldn't start with rope pull or electric start.

Normally for a starting problem I would spray some instant start (ether or whatever it is) into the carb but of course no air cleaner on a snowblower. So, very, very carefully I heated up the carb with an electric blower. Sure enough, started right up!

My question is this, other than heating my garage, what can do to keep this from happening in the future? One thing I did was add some dry gas after this happened. Hopefully that will help

My snowblower was a little sluggish starting this AM, but my HONDA geneator was almost impossible. Had to be a touch of ice or somthing. I added extra stabilizer, and ran it till it was all warmed up. It restarted easier this afternoon, and its 5 degrees right now. Check to make sure the choke is working allright. Sounds like a fuel delivery problem.

My Ariens is under the Deck, somewhat exposed, but this eliminates the 100' walk to the shed in deep snow.

I had a heck of a time today getting my machines prepped for tomorrow. Overnight low was minus 6. Daytime was about 10 degrees. I had too charge the tractor battery, but then it started right up. The blower was another story. I don't have an electric start on the old JD 726, but I think I'm gonna check E-bay later for one, after today. Pulled and pulled. It would just sputter a few times at best. I was back and forth with it in between doing other things. I was about ready to pack it in, then I thought I'd put a fresh spark plug in. Fired up on the 3 rd pull. What do I know.  LOL. Hopefully it starts good tomorrow. My wife said she will take some pics of me in action, so I should have them on here tomorrow.

                                                                                                                                  Kevin

These engines should be made to start easier when cold/cold...

Good solution with the heat application Smitty !

Maybe adding an electric "heat pad" to the engine made for cars' oilpans would work...
Maybe too big...

Think there are heated oil dipsticks too... but just for cars/trucks...

How about an electric heating pad... have to keep it dry though !

Or a light bulb near the engine (under cover)...

Gotta be careful though !  No fires !

Think I'll invent a heated snowblower igloo !  

Any potential buyers ?  


Dave...

In my experience, any engine, no matter what brand and model, has trouble starting in 0 degree or less weather. All engines need to be heated in order to start properly. To overcome this problem, please put your snowblower in an environment where its heated around 50 degrees at least. Trust me, that blower will start then. And I agree , good job properly heating the carberator!

Smitty, if you just fueled up your machine, that might be your problem. You should always store it at least half full. You might have water in the gas, and a frozen fuel line. I get fresh gas before each winter season and add Stabil to it. Also, don't use reformulated gas if possible. Your Ariens should start fine in cold weather. Good luck!

Dave

My snowblower always starts easily...

Even when left outside !


I send to to Florida for the Winter..!   


Dave,,,

Dave, Send ME to Florida and I'll send my sons over to shovel you out!

Hey, Dave__in__CT, I'll buy one of those.  How much will it subtract me? 

AJace wrote:


I dunno'...  still in the feasibility stage !  



Dave...