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

I have a 1992 8/24 snowblower passed on to me this year.It works excellent;although we`ve only had minimal snow this year.Can anyone tell me how to hookup a light to this machine. I`ve been examining them on new one a stores, but i don`t know where the connections are made ,or if i need any special parts,or even it can be done.Any,all help is welcome thanx.Reid.

hirschallan wrote:

Uh, YEAH! EXCELLENT suggestion Hirsch!

Grab a voltmeter & set it to the "AC" scale. Put the positive (red) meter probe on this mystery connector. Put the negative (black) meter probe to a clean engine metal part (GROUND). Start engine & observe volt reading - if you get 12+ volts, congratulations - you found that you have a working alternator. NOW you can grab a light kit for your machine.

As for the mystery connector, we have an old method of tackling this. Just cut off the connector & splice the wire to your new light's positive lead...

Marty

I tried this, but the light came on for a few seconds and went dim like I blew it. Do you think I might need something like a battery in the series. If this is the case, have you hear of this. The motor is a B&S 9.5 powerbuilt, brand new on a Craftsman blower.

no battery needed,  you have an ac alternator.  which means at idle the light will be on but very dim. at high speed it will shine bright.

mattr wrote:

This unit likely has the 1.5A unregulated DC alternator. From what you describe, it's likely you have a bulb that is a much higher wattage. Try to get a bulb that fits into your headlight housing that uses 18W to 22W or so.

    snowman   the unit would not have a dc alternator on it unless it is a 12 volt  starting system.  dc current charges the battery. 

I'm looking at buying a 4-5 year old Craftsman snowblower. Model # is 536.887990, made 11/2002.

It has electric start, but you have to plug it into a outlet to start it. Could I add a light to this??

Here it is

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/grd/501752638.html

JasonnB wrote:
You'll need to check to see if there is an alternator lead on the engine near the starter. Yellow wire with a bullet connector.

And to clarify, the power lead on the Tecumseh is AC 18W, Briggs is DC 1.5A on the more basic models. Both Briggs and Tecumseh have an available dual circuit with a 5A AC/3A DC on higher end models (handwarmers, etc.). Briggs also has a regulated DC system available.

PK

Edit. Hey Snowman. I just picked it up. It's a Craftsman 536.887990, made 11/2002, with a Tecumseh engine.  I just went out and started it up, and tested that yellow wire with bullet connector with my Volt meter, and put it to AC volts. It read about 5 volts, but it was idling. I then put it to full throttle and it jumped to about 15 volts, hehe. So, it looks like that's the wire to use :)

1) Any recommendations on a light? Would love it nice bright light that doesn't cost a lot of $. :)

2) What's the highest watt I'd want to go with?

3) Also, where would you MOUNT it?

JasonnB wrote:
Although some models are sold with light(s) mounted on the crossbar between the handlebars I found that it's best to mount it somewhere on the engine cowl on the side opposite the chute, this to avoid having your vision hampered by light reflecting from the snow coming out of the chute and from the machine itself. Here is an example:




My previous snowblower had two lights mounted on the crossbar and when I bought this Honda I initially thought the light placement looked odd but this proved far superior, no reflections and it illuminates exactly where it matters: lower front. This is a factory installed light but it's mounted on a U-shaped bracket that should be easy to DIY. The lght can be tilted for adjustment.

Snowman, or anyone else. Where can I get a light for this thing that will be the right one? Do I have enough power for two?