Pull Cord Broken on a Troy-Bilt Snow Blower

Compressed Air

• Sometimes the power cord does not pull out because the snow blower has locked up, which is usually due to a pocket of compressed air in the line. This situation can usually be fixed by removing the spark plug from the snow blower engine and then slowly pulling up on the cord. The air will exit the line, and the cord should move again. Remember to replace the spark plug before attempting to operate the snow blower.

Hydraulic Lock

• When the Troy-Bilt snow blower has a four-cycle engine and is accidentally tipped over or placed on its side, oil can leak out of the engine and into the cylinder, which causes a hydraulic lock. When this occurs, the engine piston does not move and the pull cord will not operate. Take out the spark plug and use an absorbent cloth that you don’t mind staining over the spark plug hole, keeping the cloth clear of any of the movable components. Turn the engine over by trying to start the snow blower and then remove the rag once the oil has been absorbed by the cloth. Continue doing this until there is no more oil exiting the spark plug hole. Then clean the spark plug hole with a clean cloth, and wipe up the spark plug using carburetor cleaner. Replace the spark plug and clean the air filter if the filter is oily as well, then restart the snow blower.

Proper Operation

• According to the Troy-Bilt snow blower user manual, the pull cord should be pulled up slowly until resistance is felt. When this occurs, the pull cord can be yanked up quickly. Pulling the cord up too quickly at first can cause the cord to retract too fast, which can result in personal injury or damage to the power cord.

Service Needed

• If troubleshooting efforts do not get the engine started again or fail to remove the air from the lines, freeing the pull cord, stop repair efforts and contact Troy-Bilt or another authorized service center for assistance. In addition, if the pull cord is broken, service will be needed before the snow blower may be safely operated.