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

I have a four year old Sears Craftsman 9.5 HP 27" Two-Stage Power-Propelled Snow Thrower Model 944.524590. It was part of the Sears recall with the Briggs & Stratton OHV engine issues with the primer. I got the usual fix like everyone else. We have just come through a bitterly cold spell and I decided to use the electric start instead of the conventional recoil starter handle.

It finally engaged and started the Snow Thrower. The first few presses on the button did nothing.

I used it a couple of more times and finally the electric start seized up. The recoil starter handle works just fine. When I plug in the cord and press the starter button, nothing is happening. No response, noise or anything.

Where do you begin to look and is the electric start toast?

I'd pull the starter off first to see if anything was binding. I would then try a quick test off the machine to see if electric motor worked off of the blower.

I pulled the sealed module off where the electric start plug in is located. After I wiggled it around and plugged it back in - presto it started. Unfortunately it didn't remain like that and the starting using the power cord was very intermittent.

I am not sure what is exactly inside this sealed power module that is wired into the starter. Either it has a faulty connector or will need to be replaced.

Has any one ever opened up these "sealed" modules where the cord plugs into?