Pull the starter cord 3-5 times – this is the basic way to get a snowblower started. You need to check a few things first, like the fuel and the choke, to make sure it fires up right away.
It’s a cold morning and you need to clear the driveway. You pull the cord and nothing happens. We’ve all been there, feeling stuck and frustrated.
I’ve worked on many snowblowers over the years. Getting them going is often about simple steps people miss. It’s not as hard as it seems.
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 Check First
Before you even touch the starter cord, look at a few key things. This saves you a lot of pulling and sweating later on.
First, check if there’s gas in the tank. It sounds silly, but it’s the number one reason a snowblower won’t start. An empty tank means no fuel to burn.
Look at the fuel valve too. Make sure it’s in the “On” position. This lets gas flow from the tank to the engine.
Check the oil level as well. Most engines have a dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, and put it back in to get a good reading.
Low oil can stop the engine from starting. It’s a safety feature to protect the motor. Add oil if the level is below the full mark.
Finally, look at the spark plug wire. It should be connected tight to the top of the spark plug. A loose wire means no spark to ignite the fuel.
The Right Way to Get a Snowblower Started
Now let’s get into the actual starting steps. Follow this order every time for the best results.
First, move the choke lever to the “Full” or “Closed” position. This gives the engine a rich fuel mix for a cold start. It’s a key step to get a snowblower started in cold weather.
Next, find the primer bulb. It’s usually a small red rubber button. Press it 3 to 5 times to push fuel into the carburetor.
Don’t press it too many times. That can flood the engine with too much gas. Then you’ll have to wait for it to dry out.
Set the engine speed control to “Fast” or the rabbit symbol. A slow idle speed makes starting much harder. You want the throttle wide open.
Now, grasp the starter cord handle firmly. Pull it out slowly until you feel resistance. This is the compression point.
Then give it a quick, strong pull. Don’t yank it wildly. Use a smooth motion to get a snowblower started on the first try.
If It Doesn’t Start on the First Pull
Don’t worry if the engine doesn’t roar to life right away. Most need a few pulls, especially when it’s very cold outside.
Pull the cord 3 to 5 times with the choke still on. Listen for any sputtering or coughing sounds. That means fuel is getting to the cylinder.
If you get a short sputter but it dies, move the choke to “Half.” This adjusts the fuel mix. Then try pulling the cord 2 more times.
Still nothing? Check the primer bulb again. Give it 2 more presses and pull the cord 3 more times. Sometimes it needs a little extra fuel.
After 8-10 pulls with no sign of life, stop. You might have a different problem. Continuing to pull won’t help and will just tire you out.
Let’s look at common issues that stop you from knowing how to get a snowblower started. We’ll fix them step by step.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Old gas is a huge problem. Gas goes bad after 30 days, especially the ethanol-blended kind. It turns gummy and clogs the carburetor.
If your snowblower sat all summer, drain the old gas. Use a siphon pump or tilt the machine. Put in fresh, high-octane fuel for a better chance to get a snowblower started.
A dirty spark plug is another culprit. Use a socket wrench to remove it. Check the electrode for black carbon buildup or a wet, gas-soaked tip.
Clean the plug with a wire brush if it’s just dirty. If the electrode is worn down or cracked, replace it. A new spark plug costs under $10 and works wonders.
The carburetor might be clogged. This is a more advanced fix. You can try a fuel additive like STA-BIL first to clean it from the inside.
For a full clog, you may need to take the carb apart. Soak the parts in carb cleaner and blow them out with air. Reassemble and try to start it again.
Using Starting Fluid as a Last Resort
Starting fluid can help when nothing else works. It gives the engine a strong burst of flammable vapor to ignite. Use it carefully.
First, remove the air filter cover and the filter itself. You need to spray directly into the carburetor intake. Two short bursts are enough.
Quickly put the filter and cover back on. Now pull the starter cord. The engine should fire up for a few seconds on the fluid alone.
If it starts and then dies, the fluid got it going. But the carburetor isn’t delivering gas. This confirms a fuel delivery problem.
If even starting fluid doesn’t work, you have no spark. Check the spark plug wire and the ignition coil. The Consumer Reports guide to small engines can help with electrical tests.
Remember, starting fluid is a diagnostic tool, not a regular solution. Find and fix the real problem so you know how to get a snowblower started without it next time.
Electric Start Snowblowers
Many newer models have an electric start button. It uses a battery to turn the engine over. This is much easier than pulling a cord.
First, plug the extension cord into the machine and the wall outlet. Make sure the cord is rated for outdoor use in cold weather. A frayed cord is dangerous.
Turn the key to the “On” position if your model has one. Set the choke and press the primer bulb just like a manual start model.
Now press the electric start button. Hold it for 3-5 seconds. The engine should crank and start. If it doesn’t, wait 10 seconds and try again.
If the electric start fails, you can still use the manual cord. There’s usually a backup pull starter on the side. Follow the same steps to get a snowblower started manually.
Check the battery if the electric start is weak or dead. It might need a charge or replacement. A good battery makes winter mornings much easier.
Cold Weather Starting Tips
Extreme cold makes starting any engine harder. Oil gets thick and fuel doesn’t vaporize well. You need to adjust your approach.
Store your snowblower in a garage or shed if you can. Even an unheated space is warmer than outside. This keeps the engine block from getting ice cold.
Use synthetic engine oil. It flows better in freezing temperatures than conventional oil. This reduces drag when you pull the starter cord.
Consider a magnetic engine block heater. You plug it in an hour before you need to clear snow. It warms the engine and makes it much easier to get a snowblower started.
Let the machine warm up for 2-3 minutes after it starts. Don’t immediately throw it into a heavy snowbank. A cold engine under load can stall.
Keep the fuel tank full. This stops condensation from forming inside the tank. Water in your gas line will freeze and block fuel flow.
Step-by-Step Starting Checklist
Follow this list in order every time. It ensures you don’t miss a simple step that could stop you from knowing how to get a snowblower started.
1. Check fuel level – Fill if below half a tank. Use fresh gas from this season.
2. Check oil level – Top up with the type listed in your manual. Don’t overfill.
3. Turn fuel valve to “On” – This is often on the side of the gas tank.
4. Set choke to “Full” – Move the lever all the way to the closed position.
5. Press primer bulb 3-5 times – Watch for fuel moving in the clear lines.
6. Set throttle to “Fast” – Find the rabbit symbol or “High” setting.
7. Pull starter cord smoothly – Feel for compression, then a quick, strong pull.
8. Adjust choke as needed – Move to “Half” after a sputter, then “Open” once running.
Keep this checklist near your snowblower. It turns a frustrating chore into a simple routine. You’ll always know how to get a snowblower started fast.
Preventative Maintenance for Easy Starts
Good upkeep means your snowblower starts when you need it. Do these tasks at the end of each winter season.
Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Run the engine for 5 minutes to circulate it through the carburetor. This keeps the fuel from going bad over the summer.
Change the engine oil while it’s warm. Old oil gets acidic and can damage engine parts. Fresh oil protects all the moving pieces inside.
Replace the spark plug. A new one gives a hot, reliable spark. It’s cheap insurance for an easy start next winter.
Check the scraper bar and paddles for wear. The OSHA guidelines say to keep all safety guards in place. A damaged machine is harder to control.
Store it in a dry place. Cover it with a tarp to keep dust out. A little care goes a long way to get a snowblower started next season.
Safety First When Starting
Always think about safety when you work with machinery. A snowblower has sharp blades that spin fast. Respect the power it has.
Never put your hands or feet near the auger or chute. Make sure all safety shields are in place before you try to start the engine. Missing guards are a major hazard.
Clear the area around the snowblower. Move away kids’ toys, garden hoses, and rocks. These can get caught and thrown by the auger at high speed.
Wear proper clothing. Avoid loose scarves or long coat strings that could get pulled into the machine. Sturdy boots give you good footing on snow and ice.
Start the engine outside or in a well-ventilated garage. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This gas is deadly in enclosed spaces.
Following these rules keeps you safe. It also means you can focus on the task: learning how to get a snowblower started without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a snowblower started that has been sitting for a year?
Drain all the old gas first. Put in fresh fuel and a new spark plug. Check the oil level and add stabilizer. It might take a few extra pulls, but it should start.
Why does my snowblower start but then immediately die?
This usually means a clogged carburetor jet. The engine uses the fuel in the bowl to start, but then no more gas comes through. You need to clean the carburetor.
Can I use car starting fluid to get a snowblower started?
Yes, but use it sparingly. Remove the air filter and spray a one
