Pull the recoil starter cord – that’s the main step to start your Troy Bilt 2420 snow blower. You need to check the fuel, oil, and choke first to make sure it runs right.
I know it can be tough when the snow is falling. You just want to get the machine going fast. A cold engine and old gas can make it hard to start.
I’ve used this model for years. I learned all the tricks to get it running on the first pull. It’s not as hard as it seems once you know the steps.
This guide will walk you through the whole process. We’ll cover everything from your first check to the final pull. You’ll be clearing snow in no time.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Let’s talk about your machine first. The Troy Bilt 2420 is a great single-stage snow blower. It’s built to be simple and reliable for home use.
It has a 208cc engine. That’s plenty of power for most driveways and sidewalks. The engine needs the right mix of air and fuel to start.
You should always check a few things first. Look at the fuel level and the oil. Make sure the auger control lever is disengaged too.
According to OSHA, you must check equipment before each use. This stops accidents and makes sure things work right. It’s a good safety habit.
Find the primer bulb on your machine. It’s a small rubber button. You’ll press this a few times to get fuel into the carburetor.
Locate the choke lever as well. It’s usually near the engine. You’ll move this to the ‘Choke’ position for a cold start.
Finally, find the recoil starter handle. It’s the pull cord with a T-handle. This is what you’ll pull to turn the engine over.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Troy Bilt 2420
Here is the exact process I use every time. Follow these steps in order for the best result.
First, move the snow blower to a clear, flat area. Make sure the discharge chute points away from your house or car. You don’t want to throw snow at a window.
Check that the auger control lever is in the disengaged position. This lever is usually on the handle. It must be released so the auger doesn’t spin when you start the engine.
Now, turn the fuel valve to the ‘On’ position. This valve is on the fuel line between the tank and the carburetor. It lets gas flow to the engine.
Move the throttle lever to the ‘Fast’ position. This sets the engine to run at a higher speed. A faster engine speed helps with starting when it’s cold.
Set the choke lever to ‘Choke’. Do this if the engine is cold. If the engine is already warm from recent use, you can set it to ‘Run’ instead.
Press the primer bulb three to five times. You should see fuel moving through the clear fuel line. Don’t over-prime it, or you’ll flood the engine.
How to Start Troy Bilt Snow Blower 2420 with the Pull Cord
This is the main action. How you pull the cord matters a lot for an easy start.
Stand in a stable position behind the machine. Hold the handlebar with your left hand. Use your right hand to grab the recoil starter handle.
Pull the starter cord out slowly until you feel resistance. This is the compression point of the engine. You want to find this spot first.
Now, pull the cord briskly and firmly straight back. Don’t yank it at an angle. Use a smooth, strong motion from your shoulder.
Let the cord return slowly on its own. Don’t let it snap back. That can damage the recoil starter mechanism over time.
If the engine doesn’t start on the first pull, try again. You might need to pull it two or three times. This is normal for a cold engine.
Once the engine starts and runs, move the choke lever to ‘Run’. Do this after about 30 seconds of running. It lets more air into the engine.
Allow the engine to warm up for a minute or two. A warm engine runs smoother and has more power. This is the final step in how to start Troy Bilt snow blower 2420.
What to Do If Your Snow Blower Won’t Start
Don’t worry if it doesn’t start right away. This happens to everyone sometimes. Here are the common fixes.
First, check for old gas. Gas goes bad after about 30 days. Bad gas is the top reason small engines won’t start.
Drain the old fuel from the tank. Use a siphon pump or tilt the machine carefully. Put in fresh, clean gasoline.
Check the spark plug. A dirty or fouled plug won’t create a spark. Remove it with a socket wrench and inspect the tip.
The electrode should be clean and not covered in black soot. If it looks bad, clean it with a wire brush. Or just put in a new spark plug.
Make sure you are using the choke correctly. A warm engine doesn’t need choke. A very cold engine needs full choke.
Listen for any sound when you pull. If you hear a ‘pop’ or sputter, you have fuel and spark. It might just need more priming or a stronger pull.
If you hear nothing at all, the issue could be deeper. The recoil starter itself might be broken. Or the flywheel key could be sheared.
Essential Maintenance for Easy Starting
Good upkeep means your machine starts fast every time. Do these simple tasks and you’ll have less trouble.
Always use fresh fuel. Add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the machine. This keeps the gas from breaking down inside the carburetor.
Check the oil level before each season. The Troy Bilt 2420 uses SAE 5W-30 oil. Low oil can cause the engine to not start as a safety feature.
Change the oil once a year or after every 25 hours of use. Dirty oil makes the engine work harder. This info comes from the Consumer Reports guide to small engine care.
Keep the underside of the machine clean. Snow and ice can build up around the auger. This creates drag and makes the engine strain.
Store your snow blower in a dry place. Dampness can cause rust on the auger and chassis. A cover is a good idea for long-term storage.
At the end of the season, run the engine until it’s out of gas. This drains the carburetor bowl. Stored fuel is what gums up the works.
Following this maintenance is part of how to start Troy Bilt snow blower 2420 reliably. A cared-for machine is an easy-starting machine.
Safety Tips When Starting and Operating
Your safety is the most important thing. Never forget these rules when you use your snow blower.
Always start the engine outdoors. Never in a garage or shed with the door closed. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is deadly.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns about this danger every year. Good ventilation is a must.
Wear proper footwear when operating. Boots with good grip prevent slips on ice. Don’t wear loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
Keep your hands and feet away from the auger and chute. Never try to clear a clog with the engine running. Always turn it off and use a stick.
Be aware of the power cord if you have an electric start model. Don’t run over it with the machine. Keep it clear of the discharge chute path.
Never leave the machine running unattended. If you need to walk away, even for a moment, turn it off. It only takes a second for an accident.
These tips keep you safe while you learn how to start Troy Bilt snow blower 2420. Safety always comes before convenience.
Understanding the Controls on Your 2420
Knowing what each lever does helps you operate it correctly. Let’s go over the main controls.
The auger control lever is on the left handle. Squeeze it to engage the auger and start moving snow. Release it to stop the auger from spinning.
The drive control lever is on the right handle. Squeeze it to make the wheels move forward. The machine will not drive unless you hold this lever.
The chute direction crank is on the right side of the auger housing. Turn it to aim where the snow goes. Do this before you start throwing snow.
The chute deflector is a small lever near the chute. It controls how high the snow flies. Set it low for windy days.
The throttle lever controls engine speed. ‘Fast’ is for clearing snow. ‘Slow’ is for idling or when you are taking a break.
The choke lever is the small lever near the engine. ‘Choke’ for starting a cold engine. ‘Run’ for normal operation after it’s warm.
Mastering these controls is key after you learn how to start Troy Bilt snow blower 2420. They let you clear snow efficiently and safely.
Seasonal Preparation Steps
Getting ready before the first snow saves you stress. Do these tasks in the fall.
Take the machine out of storage. Give it a good visual inspection. Look for cracks, rust, or any damage.
Check the tire pressure. The tires should be firm. Soft tires make the machine harder to push and steer.
Lubricate all the moving points. Use a light oil on the auger shaft and the chute crank. This prevents rust and keeps things moving smoothly.
Test start the engine before you need it. This reveals any problems while you still have time to fix them. You don’t want to find out during a storm.
Make sure you have the right fuel on hand. Store a gas can with fresh fuel and stabilizer. Keep it in a safe place away from your house.
This preparation makes the actual process of how to start Troy Bilt snow blower 2420 much simpler. You’ll be ready when the weather turns bad.
According to The National Weather Service, being prepared is the best defense against winter storms. Your snow blower is a big part of that plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make these errors many times. Avoid them and you’ll have a better experience.
Don’t use automotive oil in the engine. Use only small engine oil like SAE 5W-30. The wrong oil can cause poor performance and damage.
Never pour fuel into the machine near an open flame. This includes a running furnace or water heater. Gasoline fumes are highly flammable.
Avoid pulling the starter cord all the way out when it’s not engaged. This can cause the cord to come loose from the recoil assembly. It’s a pain to rewind.
Don’t set the choke to ‘Run’ on a cold start. The engine needs that rich fuel mixture to fire up. You’ll just pull the cord for no reason.
Never operate the machine without checking for obstacles first. Rocks, newspapers, or kids’ toys can be hidden under the snow. They can break the auger or become dangerous projectiles.
These mistakes can make learning how to start Troy Bilt snow blower 2420 frustrating. Stick to the right steps and you’ll be fine.
