Yes, you can learn how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower with a few simple steps. The key is following the right order and using fresh fuel for a quick, reliable start every time.
I know it can be frustrating when your machine won’t turn over. You just want to clear the driveway, not fight with an engine. I’ve been there many times myself.
I’ve tested this process on dozens of machines over the years. The steps are always the same, whether your model is new or old. Let’s get yours running.
This guide will walk you through the exact process. You’ll learn the simple checks and the right sequence to get blowing snow fast.
How to Start Briggs and Stratton Snow Blower the Right Way
Let’s break down the full starting process. It’s easier than you might think.
First, move your snow blower to a clear, flat area. You need good footing and space to work. Make sure the discharge chute points away from your house or car.
Check that all controls are in the right spot. The throttle should be set to the fast position. The choke lever needs to be in the closed or on position for a cold start.
Now, turn the fuel valve to the on position if your model has one. This lets gas flow to the engine. It’s a common thing to forget in a hurry.
Press the primer bulb three to five times. You’ll see fuel move through the clear line. This gives the engine the extra fuel it needs to start when cold.
Finally, grasp the starter cord handle firmly. Pull it smoothly and steadily until you feel resistance, then give it a strong, quick pull. The engine should cough to life.
Once it starts, move the choke lever to the open or run position. Let the engine warm up for a minute or two before you engage the auger. Learning how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower is about this smooth sequence.
What to Check Before You Try to Start
Doing a few quick checks saves you time and pulls. It prevents a lot of common headaches.
Always look at the fuel level first. Is there fresh gas in the tank? Old gas from last season is the number one reason for hard starting. It turns to varnish and clogs things up.
Inspect the oil level using the dipstick. An engine low on oil won’t start, or it could get damaged. Top it off with the type recommended in your manual.
Check that the spark plug wire is connected snugly. Sometimes it gets knocked loose during storage. A loose wire means no spark, which means no start.
Look at the auger and drive controls. Make sure they are in the disengaged or neutral position. The engine needs to start without any load on it.
Clear any packed snow or debris from around the auger housing. A jammed auger can stop the engine from turning over freely. A quick visual check takes five seconds.
These pre-start checks are a vital part of how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower reliably. Skipping them often leads to frustration when you’re in a rush to clear snow.
Understanding the Controls for Starting
Knowing what each lever and button does is half the battle. Let’s go over them simply.
The throttle controls the engine speed. You want it set to the fast or rabbit symbol when starting. A slow engine speed makes for a weak start.
The choke restricts air to make the fuel mixture richer. Use it for a cold start. Once the engine is warm, you open the choke to let in normal air.
The primer bulb pushes a small amount of fuel directly into the carburetor. It’s like giving the engine a little extra drink before the first pull. Don’t over-prime it, though.
The fuel shut-off valve stops gas from flowing to the carburetor. It should be in the on or open position for starting. People often leave it off after storage.
The ignition key or switch must be in the run position. On some models, this is a simple key. On others, it’s a toggle switch. It seems obvious, but it’s easy to miss.
Mastering these controls is crucial to learning how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower. Take a moment to find them on your specific model before the snow flies.
The Step-by-Step Cold Start Procedure
This is your go-to method for a machine that’s been sitting. Follow these steps in order.
Step one is the fuel check. Use fresh, clean gasoline. The Fuels Institute notes that ethanol-blended fuel can attract moisture and cause problems in small engines.
Step two is setting the controls. Move the throttle lever to fast. Move the choke lever to closed. Turn the fuel valve to on if you have one.
Step three is priming. Press the primer bulb firmly until you see fuel in the line. Do this three times for a very cold day, maybe five times if it’s below freezing.
Step four is the pull. Stand firmly, hold the handle, and pull the cord smoothly. Don’t yank it like you’re starting a lawn mower. Use a firm, deliberate motion.
Step five is the warm-up. Once the engine starts, let it run for 30 seconds with the choke still on. Then, slowly open the choke lever to the run position.
Let the engine run for another full minute before you try to move the machine or engage the auger. This warm-up period is a key part of how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower and keep it running well.
How to Start It After It’s Already Warm
The process is much simpler for a warm restart. You’ve just turned it off to take a break.
First, set the throttle to the fast position again. The engine is already warm, so you don’t need the choke. Leave the choke lever in the open or run position.
You usually don’t need to prime it again either. The carburetor bowl should still have fuel in it from the recent run. Priming a warm engine can actually flood it.
Simply pull the starter cord with a smooth, quick motion. It should start on the first or second pull every time. If it doesn’t, something else might be wrong.
If the warm engine is stubborn, try a single, gentle press of the primer bulb. Sometimes fuel evaporates quickly. More than one press will likely flood it, though.
Remember, the steps for how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower when warm are minimal. Throttle to fast, no choke, no prime, and pull. It should fire right up.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Starting
I see the same errors over and over. Avoiding these will save you a lot of hassle.
Using old gas is the biggest mistake. Gasoline degrades in as little as 30 days. It leaves gummy deposits that clog the tiny passages in the carburetor.
Forgetting to open the fuel valve is another common one. You prime and pull and pull, but no gas is getting to the engine. Always check that fuel can flow.
Over-priming is a classic error. You press the bulb ten times, flooding the engine with too much fuel. Now you have to wait for it to evaporate or remove the spark plug.
Not using the choke on a cold start is a problem. The engine needs that rich fuel mixture to fire up when it’s cold. An open choke on a cold day often leads to no start.
Pulling the starter cord in a weak, jerky motion won’t work. You need a firm, full pull to spin the engine fast enough to start. A half-hearted yank just won’t cut it.
Learning how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower means avoiding these pitfalls. They account for most of the “won’t start” calls I get from friends and neighbors.
What to Do If It Still Won’t Start
Don’t panic if the engine refuses to turn over. Work through this simple checklist.
First, confirm you have fresh fuel. If you’re unsure, drain the old gas and put in new stuff. This fixes the issue more often than you’d think.
Check the spark plug. Remove it and look at the electrode. Is it black and wet, or covered in white crust? A fouled or damaged plug won’t create a spark. The Environmental Protection Agency has guides on small engine care that mention spark plug maintenance.
Inspect the air filter. A filter clogged with dirt and old oil chokes the engine. It can’t get the air it needs to run. A quick clean or replacement might be all it needs.
Listen for unusual sounds when you pull. Do you hear a “pop” or backfire? That can point to timing or valve issues. Does the pull feel too easy? That might mean low compression.
As a last resort, check for a sheared flywheel key. This happens if you hit a rock or ice chunk. It throws off the engine’s timing completely. You’ll need to replace the key.
Troubleshooting is part of learning how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower. Stay calm and check the simple things first before assuming the worst.
Essential Maintenance for Easy Starts
Good upkeep means your machine starts on the first pull. Here’s what to do at season’s end and start.
At the end of winter, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Run the engine for five minutes to get the treated fuel into the carburetor. This keeps the fuel system clean during storage.
Change the engine oil at least once a season. Dirty oil gets thick and makes the engine hard to turn over. Fresh oil protects the parts and makes starting easier.
Replace the spark plug annually. It’s a cheap part that wears out. A new plug gives you a strong, reliable spark for that first cold morning.
Clean or replace the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow. Your engine needs a good mix of air and fuel to start and run properly.
Lubricate the auger shaft and drive controls. Sticky controls can create drag on the engine. Smooth controls mean less work for the engine at startup.
This regular care is the best way to ensure you always know how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower quickly. A little maintenance prevents a lot of starting problems.
Safety Tips Before You Pull the Cord
Starting safely is just as important as starting successfully. Keep these points in mind.
Always start the machine outdoors. Never in a garage, shed, or enclosed space. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is a silent, deadly gas.
Wear proper footwear with good traction. Icy patches are common where you’re trying to start a snow blower. You don’t want to slip while pulling the cord.
Keep your hands and feet away from the auger and discharge chute. Make sure all safety guards are in place. Assume the auger could engage accidentally.
Never use your hand to clear a clogged chute with the engine running. Always use the clearing tool that came with the machine, or a sturdy stick. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports many injuries from this each year.
Be mindful of the pull cord’s recoil. Let it rewind back into the housing smoothly. Don’t let it snap back, as it can damage the starter mechanism or hit your hand.
Following these safety rules is a critical part of how to start Briggs and Stratton snow blower. Protecting yourself is the first step in any repair or starting procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a Briggs and Stratton snow blower for the first time each season?
Check the oil and add fresh gas first. Set the choke,
