Abby's Guide to Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more)
Username Password
Discussions Reviews More Guides
Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds

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

Search For:
timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Original Message   Dec 6, 2005 8:39 pm
Hi,

I picked up a MTD snow blower that has a 5HP Tecumseh engine (HSSK50).   I bought the snow blower second hand about 3 months ago.  It seemed to run ok then.

About 2 weeks I gave it a test run and noticed that the engine didn't run for more than a couple of seconds.  It would fire up, then run for a few seconds and then slowly die.  It sounded like it was starved for fuel and only running off the fuel from the priming.

After doing some research online I figured that the carb was gummed with the old fuel that it had been in there for months.  I replaced the carb with a new 640084A one, changed the oil and drained the old fuel.  Tonight I just tried it again and I have exactly the same problem.

Any suggestions what to try next?

Thanks,

Tim.

Replies: 2 - 11 of 16Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
Majorxlr8n


Location: Freehold NJ
Joined: Aug 6, 2003
Points: 1092

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #2   Dec 6, 2005 8:44 pm
Another thing - loosen the gas cap too & see if that helps. If it does, replace the cap.

Marty

timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #3   Dec 6, 2005 8:52 pm
I should mention that there is plenty of fuel in the bowl of the carburettor.  If I press the button at the bottom, fuel comes out.
timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #4   Dec 6, 2005 8:54 pm
Thanks - I forgot to mention that I had put a new champion spark plug at the same time as the other maintenance.
BBgarage


Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 98

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #5   Dec 6, 2005 11:20 pm
It's not impossible you got a faulty carb even though its new. Sounds like a clogged carb(had the same problem with a scooter).

What about the fuel filter?
timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #6   Dec 7, 2005 4:53 pm
I wasn't able to see the fuel filter.  I have a Tecumseh 5HP HSSK50.  If the fuel filter exists it must be inline on the fuel line between the fuel tank and the carburettor.  I am going to try opening tank lid as another contributor suggested.  I am also going to try playing with the mixture.

Thanks.

timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #7   Dec 10, 2005 8:17 am
My new carb doesn't have a mixture control, so nothing I can do there. I tried starting it with the lid - and same problem.

I am really at a loss here...

any further ideas?

Majorxlr8n


Location: Freehold NJ
Joined: Aug 6, 2003
Points: 1092

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #8   Dec 10, 2005 9:02 am
Something is up with that new carb. It may need to be cleaned. Your problem is definitely fuel related (lack of fuel).

Marty

snowballdgs


Joined: Nov 15, 2005
Points: 10

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #9   Dec 10, 2005 11:45 am
Next time it dies on you check spark right away. You maybe having a coil problem here or at least a spark related problem.
timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #10   Dec 20, 2005 10:15 am
There is plenty of spark, but the plug is dry.
timadler


Location: Medford, MA
Joined: Dec 6, 2005
Points: 16

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #11   Dec 20, 2005 10:18 am
Thanks Marty.

I opened up the bowl of that new carb and it looked pretty clean. There were a few bits of black stuff in the bowl which looked like residue from the fuel line.  To be sure, I clean the jet holes in the brass nut at the bottom of the hole.  Still the same problem.

I rang a local repair shop and they suggested it could possibly be a stuck valve?  Would this explain the symptoms I see?

Replies: 2 - 11 of 16Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Guide   •   Discussions  Reviews  
AbbysGuide.com   About Us   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us
Copyright 1998-2024 AbbysGuide.com. All rights reserved.
Site by Take 42