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

A summer project here...    it ran rough when last used and has gas in it.   It's been sitting as shown for two years.

Question One:  Is this typical diehard Ariens model?

Question Two:   Where to begin?

Question Three:   Can a new motor be mounted, and if so, which model is recommended?

What I would do first: see why the motor don't run, or run right. I wouldn't change motor unless that one is total loss. snowblowers don't really get used as much for say as mowers. a good tune-up and real good carb clean and adjustment may take care of motor. of course location warrents more use in some areas. I think a good rule is original power is best if possible. ( listen to me..I am still thinking of putting a 1 cylinder snowmobile engine on a old blower that is built heavy enough.)  after motor is running good, I would go over the drive system to make sure everything is ok and lubed. then go onto checking bearings/bushings for wear, also belts.  this is kinda the pattern I go thru on new  old blowers I acuire.  This is not from a pro so others opinion would be better considering.        good luck     Geno

Yup that is a tough old machine.

I agree with Geno, don't write that motor off yet.

If you do end up having to go that route there have been rave reviews on the Briggs replacement engines.

C

Newtonian,

Geno covered it VERY well (sounded like a PRO to me)!!

That's a nice older Ariens you have, and it is a stout one. Since you said this was running, was it burning any oil (blue smoke)? If not, your chances of reviving the engine are very good & also not too expensive! Does the engine have good, healthy, purple/blue spark at the plug? This engine has points & a condensor - replacing them will probably get your spark good and strong if its weak. Otherwise, a good carb cleaning will probably be in order. One thing to watch out for on these older units is rust in the metal fuel tank. They get quite rusty if water gets in there, and then the rust flakes can cause headaches by clogging up the fuel line & carb - this is something you should definitely check out as it's a common problem.

Good luck - we'll get you thru this & will assist in getting that old baby honkin' again...

Marty

I agree with all that is written here...First thing: DONT TRY TO START IT!!!  Asses your fuel situation first, by that i mean drain and dry it of all fuel, and check the carb bowl for signs of varnishing, and the tank for rust.  i highly doubt it was stored with stabalized fuel :)  Get yer fuel system clean first then go from there.  Don't see any reason the ole bear can't be put back into service...

I agree with all the above posts. The motor gets first priority, and as mentioned, after verifying it has compression, start with cleaning and servicing the fuel system, then a tune up, fresh oil, new air filter, new spark plug, then you can start accessing the auger drive for need of bearings, paint, etc.

Just to add after you disco the fuel-line from the carb to drain and clean the fuel system.  Take the spark plug out and squirt some oil down in there. 

(actually I would do that first as with the plug out and pulling the rope slow you will not be trying to draw any fuel thry the system)

Then pull rope slowly and then a little more etc.  (a wd40 will work as maybe you will be able to get more of a mist around the cylinder wall, cause sometimes the s-plug hole is over by the valves on the l-head, thus you won't get a direct squirt into the cylinder itself.  Then use some heavier oil.

Ben07

I should have added it's being given to me because the fellow that owned it couldn't start it this year.  I tried (without much hope) and it didn't even sputter.

I don't have a garage or anything like that (yet) and the wife won't let me take this apart in the kitchen, so it's a springtime project.

all very good advice so far but i will add my own 2 cents...

the fuel system is among the first thing to repair,that metal tank can be real bad it will foul the carb and lines but will also do some damage to valves and rings...that fine rst is very abrasive and will be just like a sandblaster.

points and condensor are a sure replacement...

next would be the impeller bearing...this is crutial to belt life and snowblowing ability.the ariens units have a good quality bearing there but with this ones age i would inspect it carefully.

if not replaced in time the impeller shaft will spin inside the bearing causing damage.

sometimes the shaft actually breaks just inside the gearbox.we dont usually see this problem with ariens machines but it is possible.

from there we go to belts and bushings and then maybe a friction disc.

it can add up to quite a few dollars but if you can do most of it yourself then we can help you through it.miss snowsnowshoveler can even help with part numbers if you like.

and when your done you will have a heavy duty machine that your kids will be fighting over.

later chris