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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.

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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?

timadler


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

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #12   Dec 29, 2005 1:52 pm
I took the snowblower to a repairman yesterday - he is going to look into it more thoroughly but his initial diagnosis was lack of compression. Hopefully the valves just need cleaning, and that the rings are not shot.
MuskyHunter


Joined: Nov 28, 2005
Points: 4

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #13   Jan 3, 2006 11:31 am
I bought a 724 Ariens a few weeks ago.  Last week I received a call from the dealer about the Tecumseh engine.  He wanted me to read the build date and other numbers off a decal on the engine.  Apparently they had a recall recently.
erice


Joined: Jan 2, 2006
Points: 2

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #14   Jan 5, 2006 5:36 am
could it be a blocked vent in the gas cap.  try again with cap loose or off.    fitting clear fuel line helps checking fuel related problems too.  eric e. still looking for 1988 craftsman  5/28 snowthrower, sears, part number  
timadler


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

Re: Snow blower tecumseh engine doesn't run for more than 5 seconds
Reply #15   Jan 10, 2006 12:57 pm
Thanks - I have tried it with the cap off.

I gave up and took it to a repair main.  He told me that I have a compression problem that is not easily fixed (he wasn't able to give me the exact cause of the problem, other than the valves look fine).  He recommended that I replace the engine for $330.    Any suggestions where I can track down a reconditioned engine?

Thanks, Tim.

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