Problem Starting Snowblower - Please Help

on-ramp · 07:41 AM

got a brand new Torro last year - only used 1/2 hr.

tried to start it up this morning and nothing.

filled it with gas (unleaded), plugged in spark plug, ignition key is in, set to Choke (full on) and Full throttle. Pressed the Prime button several dozen times. .

It's an electrical start . .I'm pushing the elect. start button but nothing. the engine just turns over , over and over again.

Why can't they make ****** snowblowers that start easy????!!!! GDAAMMITT!! By the time it's taking me to start it, I would've been done shoveling the driveway already!

I paid 600 for this thing.

thanks in advance.

Gene Wilkes · 02-03-2007, 07:52 AM

If you can reach the bowl on the carb, there should be a screw in the bottom that can be removed to drain it. I'd start there! You may want to pull the plug to see how it looks too!

lonewolf · lonewolf's Garage

pull plug out and run to make sure you have spark
if so try squirting some fuel right in the hole and put plug back in . do it fairly quikly. then try starting you have fuel valve open under gas tank right? push up on button under float boal to see if gas runs out to make sure gas is reaching carb

LakeCleElum · 02-03-2007, 07:57 AM

It probably sat with fuel in the carb over the off season. This fuel will not fire unless a stablizer was added. You could even have gummed up jets/passages. Put in a new plug, give it a shot of starting fluid and try again. Also, the electric start takes some juice away from the coil. I start mine by the rope pull when cold and use the 'lectric starter when it's warmed up......

lonewolf · lonewolf's Garage

if it was put away with fuel in it and no stabilizer chances are the needl and seat are gummed up or even have a little rust.
if you do have fuel in bowl and still won,t run, take bowl off and clean the adjusting screw . it,s a very simple setup. quik and easy to do.

on-ramp · 02-03-2007, 08:04 AM

last season before storage, I ran it until fuel was all out.... didn't leave any fuel inside.

i dont see any fuel valve under the gas tank. I tried the rope pull first and nothing.

on-ramp · 02-03-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by islandmanpa
If you can reach the bowl on the carb, there should be a screw in the bottom that can be removed to drain it. I'd start there! You may want to pull the plug to see how it looks too!

but the fuel tank is full... if I remove the screw, all the fuel will run out or only the fuel in the carb?

lonewolf · lonewolf's Garage

your model might have a fuel shutoff valve mine does under tank.
if not you could try clamping rubber line
needle and seat control fuel going into carb . if you undo screw and it constantly pours out then needle is stuck open and fuel level is to high in bowl and thats why it won,t start

if you undo screw and no fuel comes out then needle is stuck closed . common . from draining fuel, needle closes and then is stuck . either tap on float bowl to free up or remove and just push up

lonewolf · lonewolf's Garage

did you check for spark?

ken_xman · 02-03-2007, 09:24 AM

you need spark, fuel, and air. Determine what's missing to begin.

on-ramp · 02-03-2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ken_xman
you need spark, fuel, and air. Determine what's missing to begin.

yeah, what's missing is someone to start my snow-blower!

the thing is BRAND NEW!!! I only ran it 1/2 hr last season.

The start-up instructions should start it right up.

stevej37 · 02-03-2007, 09:55 AM

Might be a stupid question...but are you sure your ignition key is all the way in? The key on mine goes in very hard the last bit. BTW mine never starts without priming a dozen times.

turbo6bar · 02-03-2007, 10:14 AM

Spray starting fluid (ether) into the air filter and try to start the machine. If it does not sputter, you have no ignition. If it does sputter, you need fuel.

ken_xman · 02-03-2007, 10:36 AM

we were in the same boat today. My areins 11.5 hp, 2 yrs old. Started but idle was bouncing up- n- down. Wound up being a gummed up needle valve. Even with stabilizer and draining it dry last year.
*** old trick. get your trusty wd-40. remove the cover on the carb. spray directly into carb while hitting starter. it should pop and run a little.... if you keep spraying in bursts ir will stay alive a while. this will isolate a fuel problem... and often free a sticky float.

If nothing... then my guess is spark. check all safety controls are off... auger ect... it can kill spark as safety.
You can unscrew the plug. plug it into the wire - out of motor, hold against side of motor, hit starter and look for the plug sparking- use pliers with rubber handle to hold it..not bare hand.
keep in mind wd-40 id flammable if you wind up spraying it all over- wipe it up before checking spark like this.

let us know how you are making out.

lonewolf · lonewolf's Garage

says he,s online but hasn,t replied to anyone so maybe he,s out blowing snow.

wreckersteve · 02-03-2007, 10:58 AM

I had the same problem with father in laws. Prime while cranking. Took a sec but it started.

ken_xman · 02-03-2007, 10:58 AM

or shoveling......

widgeon13 · 02-03-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by on-ramp
last season before storage, I ran it until fuel was all out.... didn't leave any fuel inside.

i dont see any fuel valve under the gas tank. I tried the rope pull first and nothing.

If you ran the fuel out of it at the end of the season, you need to pump the choke more as long as you are getting spark, it should start. I have similar experience every season with snowblowers. Good luck.

I don't run the fuel dry for this reason.

lonewolf · lonewolf's Garage

can allways get one of these.
better job and you stay warm

ken_xman · 02-03-2007, 11:47 AM

dont remind me I used to own a construction company and had several f-350 dump diesels with 10' boss v-plows. I feel like a schmuck using a snow blower.