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

I have a one year old Simplicity 1524 pro snowblower. Briggs& Stratton engine that does not seem to be getting gas. I started with new premium gas and when it wouldn't start I drained it and put new gas but still nop go. If I squirt carb cleaner into carb it will run until it's gone then did. The plug looks fine,gas is turned on:-)) but no go. If I prime it I don't get that gas smell like it's flooded.

Any thoughts?

Thanks Ivan

Did you remember to turn the fuel valve on, assuming it has one?

If not that sounds like the carb is clogged.  I only have experience with Tecumseh's so maybe someone else can help you out more with that.

Yes I made sure the fuel valve was on. I have made that mistake in the past so I know better. I did spray the carb with cleaner but no real difference.

Did you try it with an electric start? My old MTD did not start too well but it started OK with an electric start.

I did BUT a one year old $1750.00 snowblower should not need an electric start. My 28 year old 824 Airens started better than this.

Sounds like the float bowl might be stuck in the closed position.  If the machine was put away with the float bowl full and the fuel evaporated, the float needle might be glued to the float seat with varnish.  Try tapping the float bow with the handle of a screw driver.  If that doesn't get the fuel moving, pull the float bowl and gently move the float up and down to dislodge the float needle. 

Drain your fuel tank and run the carb dry at the end of the season.  That will go a long way to eliminate stuck float needles.

+1 on what Borat said,

Did you store the machine with fuel in it?  Did you drain the fuel bowl before you put it away last year?

I ran it dry before putting it away. I let it run out of gas. I am not sure about the fuel bowl. Does that run it dry?

I would suspect that if you ran it dry most of the fuel from the bowl should have been used.  It does sound like the float is stuck.  As Borat said tap on the bowl and see if it helps.  You may also want to remove the fuel line from the carb to make sure fuel if flowing to the carb.  If those things fail take the bowl off the carb and work it up and down gently as it may be stuck. 

Good luck.

Couldn't agree more with Borat and CarlB. I can't understand why Briggs doesn't put a bowl drain on their engines like Honda does. Even the old Tecumsehs came equipped with that spring loaded drain pin. If the engine has no drain pin all you need do shut the gas valve and loosen the bolt that holds the bowl on while holding the bowl in place and let the gas drain Into a rag. Saves a lot of aggravation. Marc

i have the same machine and earlier this year shut the fuel off and ran it dry. could NOT start it one week later no matter what i did, until i pulled the spark plug, used a turkey baster to squirt a little fuel into the cylinder. i should add - had to remove plastic engine covers to get at the plug, and had to pull the red "key" out to do that. please remember to replace key before you try to start.. i was totally befuddled until i realized key was out...