Yes, you can get your snowblower started with a few simple steps. Learning how to get snowblower started right saves you time and stress on cold mornings.
We’ve all been there. You wake up to a foot of snow and your machine won’t turn over. The key is knowing the right order to do things.
I’ve fixed dozens of stubborn snowblowers over the years. Most problems come from just a few common mistakes.
This guide will walk you through the whole process. You’ll learn how to get snowblower started every single time.
Why Your Snowblower Won’t Start
Let’s talk about the main reasons first. Knowing why helps you fix the problem faster.
Old gas is the number one culprit. Gas goes bad after about 30 days in the tank. It turns into a gummy mess that clogs everything up.
A dirty carburetor is another big issue. That gummy gas I mentioned gets stuck in the small parts. The engine can’t get the fuel it needs to run.
Bad spark plugs stop the ignition process. They get fouled with carbon or just wear out over time. You won’t get a good spark to light the fuel.
Using the wrong starting procedure is very common. People often forget a key step like the choke. This makes it much harder to get snowblower started on the first pull.
Cold weather itself makes starting tougher. Oil gets thick and fuel doesn’t vaporize as well. You need to adjust your method for the temperature.
The Right Fuel for Starting
Good fuel is your best friend here. Bad fuel is your worst enemy when you try to start the engine.
Always use fresh gasoline in your snowblower. I buy just enough for the job ahead. Any leftover gas goes in my car at the end of the season.
Add a fuel stabilizer if you must store gas. This simple step keeps the gas from breaking down. It’s cheap insurance for easy starts next winter.
Check the U.S. Department of Energy guidelines on small engine fuel. They recommend ethanol-free gas for small engines when you can find it.
Never use gas that’s been sitting all summer. That old gas in the red can is probably no good. It will make it very hard to get snowblower started.
Drain the fuel tank if you won’t use the machine for a while. Run the engine dry at the end of the season. This keeps the carburetor clean inside.
Pre-Start Checklist
Do these things before you even pull the cord. This checklist sets you up for success every time.
First, check the oil level with the dipstick. Add oil if it’s low but don’t overfill it. The right oil level protects the engine when it runs.
Look at the fuel shut-off valve. Make sure it’s in the “On” position. This seems obvious but people forget it all the time.
Set the choke to the “Full” or “Start” position. This gives the engine a rich fuel mixture for cold starting. You’ll open it once the engine warms up a bit.
Turn the ignition key to the “On” position if your model has one. Some people pull the cord ten times before realizing the key is off. I’ve done it myself.
Press the primer bulb three to five times. You’ll see fuel move through the clear line. This gives the engine a shot of fuel to start with.
Engage the safety lever on the handle. Most machines won’t start unless you hold this down. It’s a simple safety feature that can block your start.
The Correct Starting Procedure
Now let’s get to the actual starting steps. Follow this order to get snowblower started on the first or second pull.
Place the machine on a flat, clear surface. You don’t want it rolling or tipping when it starts. Good footing matters for you and the machine.
Set the throttle control to the “Fast” position. A slow throttle setting makes starting much harder. You can turn it down once the engine is running smooth.
Grip the starter cord handle firmly. Use a smooth, strong pull straight out. Don’t yank it or pull at an angle.
Pull the cord slowly until you feel resistance. This is the compression stroke. Then give it a quick, full pull to turn the engine over.
If it doesn’t start on the first pull, try again. Most machines need two or three pulls when cold. Don’t pull more than five times without checking things.
Once the engine fires, let it run for a minute. Then move the choke to the “Half” position. After another minute, you can turn the choke all the way off.
Using Electric Start Systems
Many newer snowblowers come with electric start. This is a great feature for easy morning starts.
First, make sure the battery is charged. Plug in the charger overnight if needed. A weak battery won’t turn the engine fast enough to start.
Connect the power cord to the machine. Then plug the other end into a grounded outdoor outlet. Never use an indoor extension cord through a window.
Follow all the same pre-start checks. The electric start still needs good fuel and oil. It just replaces the pulling of the cord.
Press and hold the electric start button. You’ll hear the engine turn over. Release the button as soon as the engine starts running.
If the engine doesn’t start after 5 seconds, stop. Wait 30 seconds before trying again. You don’t want to flood the engine or strain the starter.
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission, always use outdoor-rated extension cords. Indoor cords can overheat and cause fire risks outside.
Starting a Flooded Engine
Sometimes you give it too much fuel. This is called flooding and it stops the engine from starting.
You’ll smell strong gasoline if the engine is flooded. The spark plug gets wet with fuel and can’t make a spark. This is a common issue when learning how to get snowblower started.
First, move the choke to the “Off” position. This cuts off the extra fuel supply. You want less fuel, not more, in this situation.
Set the throttle to the “Fast” position. Then pull the starter cord several times. This helps clear the excess fuel from the cylinder.
Wait five minutes for the fuel to evaporate. This gives the spark plug time to dry out. Patience works better than pulling a hundred times.
Try starting again with no primer and no choke. The engine might cough and sputter at first. That’s normal as it clears the last of the extra fuel.
If it still won’t start, check the spark plug. You might need to remove it and dry it off. A quick wipe with a paper towel often does the trick.
Cold Weather Starting Tips
Extreme cold makes everything harder. These tips help you get snowblower started when the temperature drops.
Store the machine in a garage if possible. Even an unheated space is warmer than outside. This keeps the oil from getting too thick overnight.
Use synthetic oil instead of conventional oil. Synthetic oil flows better in freezing temperatures. It makes the engine easier to turn over when cold.
Consider a magnetic engine heater for very cold areas. These stick to the oil pan and plug into an outlet. They keep the engine block warm overnight.
Give the engine a few slow pulls first. This moves oil around before you try to start it. Think of it as waking the engine up gently.
Use the primer bulb one extra time in deep cold. The extra fuel helps with starting. But don’t overdo it or you’ll flood the engine.
The National Weather Service provides safety tips for cold weather work. Dress in layers and take breaks when clearing deep snow.
Regular Maintenance for Easy Starts
Good maintenance means easy starts all season. A little care prevents most starting problems before they happen.
Change the oil at least once per season. Old oil gets dirty and thick. Fresh oil protects the engine and helps it start.
Replace the spark plug every year or two. A new plug gives a strong spark every time. This is one of the cheapest ways to ensure you can get snowblower started.
Clean the carburetor if the machine sits with gas. You can use a fuel additive cleaner for light cleaning. For bad clogs, you might need to take it apart.
Check the air filter and clean it regularly. A dirty filter chokes the engine of air. This makes starting and running much harder.
Lubricate all the moving parts at the start of the season. The auger control cables and drive system need grease. Smooth controls make operation easier.
Store the machine properly at winter’s end. I always drain the gas and run it dry. Then I change the oil and note what needs replacing next fall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s talk about what not to do. Avoiding these mistakes will help you get snowblower started faster.
Don’t use starting fluid on a snowblower engine. It can damage the engine and is a fire risk. The proper fuel mixture is all you need.
Never pull the starter cord without engaging the safety. The machine could lurch forward and cause injury. Always follow the safety steps in order.
Avoid yanking the starter cord violently. This can break the cord or damage the starter mechanism. Use a smooth, strong pull instead.
Don’t ignore the choke setting. Trying to start with the choke off when cold rarely works. Learn when to use full, half, and off positions.
Skip the primer if the engine is already warm. Over-priming leads to flooding. Once running, you usually don’t need the primer to restart.
According to OSHA, always clear the area of debris before starting. Rocks or toys hidden in snow can become dangerous projectiles.
When to Call for Professional Help
Sometimes the problem is beyond simple fixes. Here’s when to take your machine to a small engine repair shop.
If you’ve followed all steps and it still won’t start, get help. A pro can diagnose issues you might miss. They have special tools and experience.
Strange noises when pulling the cord mean trouble. Grinding or crunching sounds suggest internal damage. Stop pulling and have it checked out.
No compression when you pull the cord is a bad sign. The cord pulls too easily with no resistance. This often means expensive engine problems.
Visible fuel leaks are a safety hazard. Don’t try to start a machine leaking gasoline. The fire risk is too high to ignore.
Electrical problems with electric start need expert repair. Wiring issues can be complex to diagnose. A professional ensures safe and proper repair.
If you’re not comfortable with carburetor work, hire it out. Taking apart small engine carbs requires patience and skill. Doing it wrong makes the problem worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get snowblower started after summer storage?
Drain any old gas from the tank first. Add fresh fuel with stabilizer. Check the oil and spark plug before trying to start it.
Why won’t my snowblower start even with new gas?
The carburetor is probably clogged with old gas residue. You need to clean the carburetor jets. This is common after long storage periods.
How many pulls should it take to get snowblower started?
Usually two to five pulls when the engine is cold. If it takes more than ten pulls, something
