Pull the recoil starter cord – that’s how you start an Ariens snowblower after you’ve set the choke, fuel valve, and ignition switch. It’s a simple process once you know the right order of steps to follow.
I’ve started my own Ariens machine many cold mornings. The first pull doesn’t always work if you skip a step. You need to get a few things ready first.
This guide will walk you through the whole process. We’ll cover everything from your first check to that satisfying engine roar. You’ll be clearing snow in no time.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather a couple of things before you try to start the engine. You don’t want to run back to the garage mid-process.
First, make sure you have fresh fuel in the tank. Old gas from last season can cause problems. It might stop the engine from starting at all.
Check the oil level using the dipstick. Your Ariens needs the right amount of oil to run safely. Low oil can hurt the engine fast.
Clear the area around the snowblower. You need space to pull the starter cord freely. Also check that the discharge chute is pointed in a safe direction.
Wear good boots for traction on snow or ice. The machine can jerk a bit when it starts. You want to stay on your feet.
Finally, locate all the controls. Find the choke lever, fuel shut-off valve, and ignition key. Knowing where they are makes the next steps easy.
The Step-by-Step Starting Process
Here is the exact order to start your Ariens. Follow these steps closely for the best result.
First, turn the fuel valve to the “On” position. This lets gas flow to the engine. It’s usually a small lever near the fuel tank.
Next, find the choke lever. Move it to the “Full Choke” position for a cold start. This gives the engine a richer fuel mix to start easily.
Now, insert the ignition key and turn it to the “On” position. Some models have a switch instead of a key. The point is to send power to the spark plug.
Set the engine speed control to the “Fast” setting. This is often a throttle lever on the handle. A faster idle helps the engine catch and run.
Firmly grasp the recoil starter handle. Pull the cord straight out in one smooth, strong motion. Do not yank it or let it snap back wildly.
If the engine doesn’t start on the first pull, try again. After a few pulls, move the choke to “Half” if it’s still cold. Once it starts, let it warm up for a minute.
How Do You Start Ariens Snowblower in Cold Weather?
Cold weather makes starting harder. Engines are stiff and fuel doesn’t vaporize well. You need a slightly different approach.
Always use the full choke when the engine is cold. This is how you start an Ariens snowblower on a freezing morning. It adds more fuel to the mix for ignition.
You might need to prime the engine. Look for a small rubber primer bulb on the carburetor. Press it 3-5 times to push fuel into the engine.
Pull the starter cord slowly once or twice first. This moves oil around inside the cold engine. Then pull briskly to actually start it.
Be patient. A cold engine might take a few more pulls to fire up. Don’t flood it by pulling too many times with the choke on full.
Once it starts, let it run with the choke on for 30 seconds. Then slowly move the choke lever to the “Run” position. Let the machine warm up for 2-3 minutes before using it.
According to the Ariens official support site, proper cold starting extends engine life. It’s worth the extra minute of care.
How Do You Start Ariens Snowblower After Long Storage?
Starting after summer storage has its own tricks. Fuel can go bad and parts can get gummed up. Here’s what to do.
First, check the fuel. If you didn’t use a stabilizer, old gas might be in the tank. Bad fuel is a top reason for no-start issues.
Drain the old fuel if it’s from last season. Add fresh, clean gasoline to the tank. This simple step often solves the problem.
Check the spark plug. You can remove it and look at the tip. It should be clean and not covered in black soot. A dirty plug won’t spark well.
Inspect the air filter. A clogged filter starves the engine of air. This is how you start an Ariens snowblower that’s been sitting – by ensuring it can breathe.
Before your first real start, turn the engine over by hand if possible. This loosens any internal parts that might be stuck. Then follow the normal cold start procedure.
It might smoke a bit at first from oil burning off. This is normal after storage. Let it run until the smoke clears before you start blowing snow.
Using the Electric Start Feature (If Equipped)
Many Ariens models come with an electric start option. This is a battery-powered starter motor. It’s great for easy starts.
First, ensure the battery is charged. Plug the battery maintainer in if you have one. A dead battery won’t turn the engine over.
Connect the electric start cord to the outlet on the machine. Then plug the other end into a standard outdoor outlet. Make sure the connection is dry.
Follow all the same prep steps: fuel on, choke on, key on. Then simply press the electric start button. Hold it until the engine fires up.
If the engine doesn’t start after 5 seconds of cranking, stop. Wait 30 seconds and try again. You don’t want to overheat the starter motor.
Once running, unplug the electric start cord. Stow it safely away from the auger and impeller. Then let the engine warm up as usual.
The Consumer Reports guide to snow blowers notes electric start is a helpful feature. It reduces pull-start strain, especially in very cold weather.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Start
People often make a few simple errors. These mistakes stop the engine from starting. Let’s go through them so you can avoid the hassle.
Forgetting to turn the fuel valve on is a big one. The engine needs gas to run. No fuel flow means no start, no matter how hard you pull.
Using the wrong choke setting is another common error. A warm engine needs little or no choke. A cold engine needs full choke. Getting this wrong causes flooding or no-starts.
Pulling the starter cord incorrectly can cause problems. Don’t pull at an angle or let the cord snap back uncontrolled. Pull straight out smoothly and let it retract gently.
Not letting the engine warm up can make it stall. This is how you start an Ariens snowblower correctly – by giving it a minute to settle into a smooth idle after it fires.
Trying to start with the drive or auger engaged will prevent starting. These controls must be in the neutral or disengaged position. The safety switches won’t allow a start otherwise.
Using old, stale gasoline is perhaps the most common issue. Gas degrades over time. Always use fresh fuel, especially for the first start of the season.
What to Do If It Won’t Start
Sometimes, even with the right steps, the engine refuses to start. Don’t panic. Work through this checklist to find the issue.
First, check for fuel. Is there gas in the tank? Is the fuel valve turned on? It sounds obvious, but it’s often the fix.
Next, check the spark. Remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire, and ground the metal body against the engine. Pull the starter cord and look for a bright blue spark.
No spark? The problem could be the plug, the ignition coil, or the key switch. A new spark plug is a cheap and easy first thing to try. This is a key part of how you start an Ariens snowblower that’s being stubborn.
Check the air filter. A completely clogged filter chokes the engine. Remove it and try starting without it temporarily. If it starts, you need a new filter.
The engine might be flooded from too much fuel. Turn the fuel off and the choke off. Hold the throttle wide open and pull the starter cord several times to clear it out.
If none of this works, consult your owner’s manual. The Ariens manual library has specific troubleshooting for your model. It’s a great resource.
Safety Tips for Starting and Operating
Safety is the most important part of the process. A snowblower is a powerful machine. Respect it to avoid injury.
Never start the engine in an enclosed space like a garage. Exhaust fumes contain deadly carbon monoxide. Always move the unit outside first.
Keep your hands and feet away from the auger and chute. Never try to clear a clog with the engine running. Turn it off and use a stick, not your hands.
Be aware of the recoil starter cord. It can snap back fast. Maintain a firm grip and don’t let go of the handle until it’s fully retracted.
Wear eye protection. The starter cord or flying debris from the auger can cause injury. Safety glasses are a simple and smart habit.
Clear the area of kids, pets, and objects before starting. The machine can throw snow and ice with great force. This is how you start an Ariens snowblower responsibly – by making sure the zone is clear.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes machine safety. Taking a minute to be safe is always worth it.
Regular Maintenance for Easy Starts
Good maintenance means reliable starts. A well-kept machine will fire up on the first or second pull every time.
Change the engine oil once a season or as the manual says. Clean oil protects the engine’s internal parts. It also makes cold starts easier.
Replace the spark plug annually. A fresh plug gives a strong, reliable spark. It’s a small cost for big peace of mind.
Use a fuel stabilizer if you store gas in the tank over the summer. This prevents the gas from breaking down and clogging the carburetor. It’s a simple bottle additive.
Keep the air filter clean. Check it a few times each season. Tap out dust or replace it if it’s dirty. Good airflow is crucial.
Lubricate the auger and drive controls. Stiff cables or linkages make operation harder. A little grease keeps everything moving smoothly.
Store your Ariens properly at season’s end. Run it dry of fuel or use stabilizer. This is the best way to ensure next season’s first start is easy. It’s the final step in how you start an Ariens snowblower year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start an Ariens snowblower for the first time each season?
Check the oil and add fresh gas first. Set the choke to full and the throttle to fast. Then pull the starter cord firmly. It might take a few extra pulls after sitting all summer.
Why won’t my Ariens snowblower start even with fresh gas?
Check the spark plug and air filter. A bad plug or clogged filter are common causes. Also, make sure the fuel valve is on and the
