There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling you get when the first major snowfall arrives, you pull the cord on your trusty snowblower, and… nothing. It just sits there, silent. Before you resign yourself to a long, painful session with a shovel, take a deep breath. In most cases, a snowblower that won’t start is suffering from a simple, fixable issue. With a little systematic troubleshooting, you can often get it running again without a costly trip to the small engine repair shop.
This guide is designed to walk you through the most common culprits, starting with the simplest checks. We’ll go through the logical steps to diagnose the problem, from fuel issues to spark plug troubles. By following this list for Snowblower Won’t Start: 8 Common Fixes to Get It Running, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to tackle the problem safely and effectively, getting your machine back to clearing your driveway in no time.
Start With the Basics: The Simple Checks
It may sound obvious, but it’s amazing how often the solution is something simple that gets overlooked in the frustration of the moment. Always start here before moving on to more involved fixes.
Is the Fuel Valve On?
Many snowblowers have a fuel shut-off valve located between the gas tank and the carburetor. This valve is designed to be turned off when storing the machine to prevent fuel from leaking. If you forgot to turn it back on after last season, the engine is being starved of fuel. Make sure the valve is in the “On” position.
Is the Choke Set Correctly?
Engines need a richer fuel mixture (more fuel, less air) to start when they are cold. The choke lever accomplishes this. For a cold start, the choke should almost always be in the “Full” or “On” position. If the engine is warm, it may need the choke to be off or only partially on.
Is the Throttle Set to High?
Your snowblower’s engine needs to be running at a higher speed to start properly. Ensure the throttle or speed control lever is set to “Fast” or “High” before you pull the starter cord.
Snowblower Won’t Start: 8 Common Fixes to Get It Running
If the basic controls are all set correctly and it still won’t start, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Work through these common fixes in order.
1. Check Your Fuel: The Usual Suspect
Old or contaminated gasoline is the single most common reason a snowblower won’t start. Gasoline begins to degrade in as little as 30 days, forming gums and varnishes that clog the tiny passages in the carburetor. If the gas in your tank is from last season, it’s almost certainly the problem. Drain the old fuel completely and fill the tank with fresh, high-octane gasoline. For long-term health, consider using a fuel stabilizer with every tank.
2. Examine the Spark Plug
The spark plug is what ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine. Remove the plug wire and use a socket wrench to unscrew the plug. If the plug is fouled with black, sooty deposits, covered in oil, or the electrode is damaged, it needs to be replaced. Even if it looks okay, gently clean any light deposits with a wire brush and check that the gap is set to the manufacturer’s specification. A new spark plug is an inexpensive and highly effective fix.
3. Inspect the Carburetor
If bad gas has been sitting in the system, the carburetor is likely clogged. This is a more advanced step, but often manageable. You can try cleaning the carburetor bowl and jet with carburetor cleaner. If you’re not comfortable disassembling it, using a carburetor cleaner additive in the fresh gas can sometimes dissolve minor clogs. For severe blockages, a professional cleaning or replacement may be necessary.
4. Don’t Forget the Oil
Many modern snowblowers are equipped with a low-oil safety sensor. If the oil level is too low, the engine will not start as a protective measure. Check the dipstick and add the appropriate type of oil if needed. Also, note if the oil appears milky or foamy, as this can indicate water contamination from condensation, which also needs to be addressed.
5. Look at the Primer Bulb
The primer bulb forces a small amount of raw fuel directly into the carburetor to aid in cold starting. Press it a few times (usually 2-3 is sufficient). If the bulb doesn’t feel like it’s pushing fuel, or if it’s cracked and broken, it may need to be replaced to get the proper fuel flow for starting.
6. Verify the Ignition Key is Inserted
Another simple but crucial safety feature is the ignition key. This is a simple plastic key that slots in near the controls. If this key is missing, the engine will not turn over. Make sure it is fully inserted and seated properly.
7. Check All Safety Levers
Snowblowers have safety levers on the handlebars that must be depressed for the engine to run. This ensures you are in control of the machine when it starts. Firmly hold down the appropriate lever(s) as you pull the starter cord. Sometimes these controls can become stiff or stuck over time.
8. Assess the Recoil Starter Assembly
If you pull the cord and it feels loose or doesn’t engage, the problem may be with the recoil starter itself. The spring inside may be broken or the cord itself may be snapped. While this prevents the engine from turning over, it’s a mechanical issue separate from the engine’s ability to run. This often requires a replacement of the recoil starter assembly.
Keeping Your Snowblower Ready for Next Time
Prevention is the best medicine. To avoid the “no-start” panic next season, always prepare your snowblower for storage. This means either running the carburetor dry of fuel or adding a fuel stabilizer to a full tank before putting it away. Also, change the oil and check the spark plug at the end of the season so it’s ready to go when the first flakes fly.
By methodically working through these eight common fixes—from checking for old gas and a faulty spark plug to ensuring all safety levers are engaged—you can usually solve the problem yourself. Remember to always prioritize safety by disconnecting the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance. With a little patience and these troubleshooting steps, you can conquer a non-starting snowblower and get back to clearing your path.