Yes, you can do it yourself in about 15 minutes – learning how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower is a simple job that saves you money and gets your machine running right.
I’ve changed dozens of these plugs over the years. It’s one of the first things I check when my snowblower won’t start.
A bad spark plug is a common reason for hard starting. The good news is that the fix is cheap and easy.
This guide will walk you through every step. You’ll need just a few basic tools and a new plug.
Why You Need to Know How to Change Spark Plug on Craftsman Snowblower
Your snowblower’s spark plug is a small part with a big job. It makes the spark that starts the engine.
Over time, the plug gets dirty or worn out. This causes weak sparks or no spark at all.
Knowing how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower keeps you from getting stuck. You won’t need to wait for a repair shop when a storm is coming.
It’s a basic skill every owner should have. I think of it like changing a light bulb in your house.
The process is almost the same for all Craftsman models. Once you learn it, you can do it every season.
According to EPA guidelines, small engine upkeep helps cut down on bad fumes. A fresh plug makes your engine run cleaner.
So, learning how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower is good for your machine and the air.
Tools You Need for the Job
You don’t need fancy tools for this task. I bet you already have most of them in your garage.
The main tool is a spark plug socket. This is a special deep socket with a rubber insert inside.
The rubber holds the plug so you don’t drop it. A regular socket won’t work as well.
You’ll also need a ratchet or a wrench to turn the socket. A 3/8-inch drive ratchet is perfect for this job.
Grab a gap tool or a set of feeler gauges. This checks the space on your new plug.
Have a small wire brush handy too. It cleans the area around the plug before you take it out.
Of course, you need the new spark plug itself. I’ll tell you how to find the right one next.
Finding the Correct Replacement Spark Plug
Using the wrong plug can hurt your engine. You must get the exact type your model needs.
The easiest way is to check your owner’s manual. It lists the right spark plug number.
Can’t find the manual? Look on the engine shroud or the blower housing. There’s often a sticker with model numbers.
You can also take the old plug with you to the store. Match it to a new one on the shelf.
Common Craftsman snowblower plugs are Champion RC12YC or NGK BPR5ES. But don’t guess – always check for your specific model.
The Consumer Reports site says using the right parts is key for small engines. It keeps them running well for years.
Once you have the right plug, you’re ready to start. Let’s get your snowblower prepped.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Spark Plug on Craftsman Snowblower
First, make sure the engine is completely cool. You don’t want to burn your fingers on a hot engine.
Disconnect the spark plug wire by pulling on the rubber boot. Wiggle it gently until it comes off.
Use your wire brush to clean any dirt from around the plug. You don’t want grit falling into the engine.
Now, fit your spark plug socket onto the plug. Turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it.
Keep turning until the plug is free. You can then lift it out by hand or with the socket.
Look at the old plug’s condition. A tan or gray color on the tip is normal.
Black, oily, or white crusty deposits mean other problems. But for now, just focus on putting in the new one.
This is the core of how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower. The removal is the hardest part.
Gapping the New Spark Plug Correctly
Most new plugs come pre-gapped, but you should always check. The gap is the space between the center and side electrode.
Find the correct gap size in your manual. It’s often between 0.028 and 0.030 inches.
Take your gap tool and slide it into the space. You should feel a slight drag if it’s right.
If the gap is too small, gently pry the side electrode open. Use the tool’s bending notch, not a screwdriver.
If the gap is too big, tap the electrode gently on a hard surface to close it a bit. Check again with the tool.
Be very careful not to crack the porcelain insulator. A cracked plug is useless and can break inside your engine.
Proper gapping is a must when you learn how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower. A wrong gap causes weak sparks.
Installing the New Spark Plug by Hand
Never just jam the plug in with the ratchet. You could cross-thread it and ruin the engine head.
Start by threading the new plug in with your fingers. Turn it clockwise until it stops easily.
If it gets hard to turn, back it out and start over. The threads should catch smoothly.
Once it’s finger-tight, use the socket and ratchet. Give it about a quarter to a half turn more.
You want it snug, but not super tight. Overtightening can strip the threads or crack the plug.
Think of it as tightening a jar lid. You want it secure, but you shouldn’t need all your strength.
That’s the careful touch you need when you learn how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower. Gentle force works best.
Reconnecting the Wire and Testing
Push the rubber spark plug wire boot back onto the new plug. You should hear or feel a soft click.
Give the boot a gentle tug to make sure it’s on. It shouldn’t come off easily.
Now you’re ready for a test. Make sure the snowblower is in a clear, open area.
Set the choke and fuel valve as you normally would for a cold start. Pull the starter cord.
The engine should start more easily than before. If it doesn’t, check that the wire is fully seated.
Let the engine run for a minute. Listen for a smooth, steady sound.
Congratulations! You now know how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower. It’s that simple.
When to Change Your Snowblower Spark Plug
I change my plug once a year, at the start of the season. It’s cheap insurance for easy starts.
If you use your blower a lot, think about a mid-season check. Pull the plug and look at it.
Change it immediately if you see heavy black carbon or oil. This points to other issues, but a new plug helps.
Always change the plug if your snowblower is hard to start. It’s the first thing I try.
Storing your machine for summer? Some folks put in a new plug then. A fresh plug sits better over the hot months.
The US Forest Service notes that small engine care prevents fires. A good plug helps the engine burn fuel cleanly.
Knowing how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower includes knowing when. Once a year is a good rule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is over-tightening. I’ve seen people strip the threads right out of the engine.
Another error is forgetting to disconnect the wire first. Always pull the wire before you touch the plug.
Don’t force the plug if the threads don’t line up. Cross-threading means a costly repair.
Never skip the step of checking the gap. Even “pre-gapped” plugs can be wrong from the factory.
Avoid using a regular deep socket without the rubber insert. You’ll likely crack the porcelain insulator.
Don’t put anti-seize compound on the threads unless the manual says to. It can change the torque and cause overheating.
These are the pitfalls you avoid when you learn how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower the right way.
What If the Spark Plug is Stuck?
Sometimes an old plug is really stuck in there. Don’t panic if it won’t budge at first.
Make sure you’re turning it the right way. Leftie-loosey, rightie-tighty is the old saying.
Spray a little penetrating oil around the base of the plug. Let it soak in for ten minutes.
Try the socket again with steady pressure. A longer ratchet handle gives you more leverage.
If it still won’t move, don’t break it off. You might need to take it to a small engine shop.
A pro has special tools to remove stuck plugs. It’s cheaper than replacing the whole engine head.
This is a rare problem, but it’s part of knowing how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower. Sometimes you need a little help.
Spark Plug Maintenance Tips
Keep the area around the plug clean. Brush off grass clippings and dirt after each use.
Check the spark plug wire for cracks or brittleness. A bad wire can cause problems even with a new plug.
Store your snowblower in a dry place. Moisture can cause rust on the plug threads.
Consider buying a spare plug to keep in your toolbox. Then you have one ready for next time.
Write down the plug number on a piece of tape on your machine. You’ll never forget which one to buy.
The OSHA website says good tool maintenance is a safety practice. A well-running engine is safer to operate.
These small habits make the job easier when you need to know how to change spark plug on Craftsman snowblower again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the spark plug on my Craftsman snowblower?
Change it once a year for best results. I do mine every fall before the first snow.
This keeps your engine starting easily. A new plug is much cheaper than a service call.
What are the signs of a bad spark plug?
Hard starting is the main sign. The engine might also run rough or lack power.
You might see black smoke from the exhaust. The plug itself will look dirty or worn when you take it out.
Can I clean an old spark plug instead of changing it?
You can try cleaning it with a wire brush in a pinch. But a new plug costs only a few dollars.
For reliable starts in cold weather, a new plug is always better. Cleaning is just a temporary fix.
What spark plug does my Craftsman snowblower use?
Check your owner’s manual for the exact number. Common types are Champion RC12YC or NGK BPR5ES.
You can also find the model number on your machine. Take that to any hardware store for help.
