How to Diagnose Snow Blower Problems

No labor is quite as back breaking during the winter months as shoveling the walkway or the driveway of the home. The snow blower makes light work of this task by scraping snow up from the ground with its blades and firing it off to the side of the surface that you're clearing. But snow blowers are not flawless machines. Eventually, you'll run into problems with the engine or the firing mechanism of the machine. Knowing the correct troubleshooting techniques will keep your machine out of the repair shop.

Fuel

Instructions

Engine Won't Start
- 1
  Press the choke all the way to the "on" position before starting. Feel the handle for looseness and tighten if necessary.
- 2
  Check the wire leading to the spark plug on the machine. Press on the plug to ensure it is properly attached.
- 3
  Check the gas in the fuel tank. Fill it up if empty. Drain the gas tank if the fuel is over a month old or has water in it.
- 4
  Prime the engine according to the instructions for your specific snow blower. Let the engine rest for a few minutes if it is flooded.
Erratic Performance
- 5
  Check the position of the choke handle and move it to the "run" position.
- 6
  Drain the fuel tank if there is water or dirt in the fuel, and fill it with new fuel.
- 7
  Adjust the carburetor according to the instruction manual for your machine.
- 8
  Check the drive cables if the unit will not propel forward.
- 9
  Inspect the discharge chute for clogs, and remove any debris.

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Instructions

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