How to start a snowblower engine video

Starting the engine

Use the P-I-T-Ch—Pull method for efficiently starting your snowblower.

P—Prime the engine

Push the primer bulb 3 times for a cold start. Make sure that you cover the vent hole on the primer bulb when pressing it in.

Tip -- In cold weather, you may need to repeat priming if the engine doesn’t start. If the engine is warm, press the primer bulb only once.

I—Ignition is on

Push the key fully into the ignition switch. The engine won’t start if the key isn’t fully inserted in the switch.

T—Throttle in fast position

Move the throttle to the Fast or Rabbit position. This will provide enough fuel for the engine to start properly.

Ch—Choke is set properly

Move the choke to the Full Choke position for a cold engine start.

If the engine is warm, place the choke in the Run position.

Pull—Pull the starter roper (or push the starter button)

Use the starter to spin the engine.

• Recoil starter. Pull gently on the starter cord until it begins to resist, and then pull quickly and forcefully to overcome the engine compression. The engine should start. Don’t release the handle and allow it to snap back into the recoil starter. Return the starter handle to its original position. If the engine doesn’t start, pull the starter cord again in the same manner.

• Electric starter. Press the electric starter button to spin the engine. The engine should start. If the engine doesn’t start, push the starter button again.

After the engine starts

As the engine warms up, slowly rotate the choke to the Run position.

If the engine falters, restart the engine and rotate the choke knob to the 1/2-choke position. Allow the engine to run at 1/2-choke for a short period of time then slowly rotate the choke knob to the Run position.

Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes after starting. The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperatures.

Frequently asked questions about starting a snowblower

Can I use starter fluid to help start my snowblower engine?

Once in a while, using a short burst of starter fluid to help start the engine should be okay for most snowblower engines. Check the owner’s manual for the engine or snowblower to see what the manufacturer recommends. Starter fluid can damage some snowblower engines. Using too much starter fluid or using starter fluid too often can cause engine damage. If you do use starter fluid, use it sparingly and only in small doses.

What causes my engine to stall a few seconds after starting?

When your snowblower starts then stalls, a clogged carburetor is likely causing the problem. Gasoline breaks down over time and leaves lacquer deposits inside the carburetor jets. Cleaning the carburetor and rebuilding it often fixes the problem so your snowblower stays running. Our How to Rebuild a Snowblower Carburetor Repair Guide/Video shows you how to remove and clean a carburetor on a common snowblower.

What can cause by snowblower engine to lock up?

Here are the common reasons that your snowblower engine will lock up—starting with the most common causes:

• Hydrolock. Oil enters the cylinder when you tip the snowblower over for maintenance or cleaning. To solve this problem, remove the spark plug and spin the engine using the starter (recoil or electric starter) to eject the oil out of the sparkplug hole. Reinstall the spark plug and start the engine. The engine will likely sputter and smoke for a few minutes after starting but it should run fine after all the oil burns out of the cylinder.

• Lack of oil. Check oil level regularly in you snowblower and fill the oil when it’s low. If oil drains out of the engine quickly after filling it up, then look for a leak in the oil pan or worn seals and gaskets.

• Corrosion. The piston can seize up when the snowblower sits idle for a long time. You may be able to free up the cylinder by removing the spark plug and adding penetrating oil into the cylinder. Let the penetrating oil soak for a day then turn the flywheel back and forth to free up the piston.

• Mechanical failures. Problems such as seized bearings or bad valves can cause the engine to seize up. When a major mechanical failure occurs, you’ll likely need to replace the engine or the entire snowblower.

Why does my snowblower engine spin but won’t start?

The snowblower engine needs gas, compression and spark to start, so if your snowblower isn't starting, focus on those.

• First, make sure the gas in the tank is fresh; older gas can form gummy deposits that interfere with starting. Gummy deposits clog the carburetor so clean or replace the carburetor if it's clogged.

• Check the fuel line and fuel filter and replace those components if clogged.

• Another easy thing to check is the spark plug-if the spark plug is cracked or has a sooty electrode, replace it.

• Check the stop switch and replace it if it isn't allowing the spark plug to get current. A good engine tune-up that includes an oil change may help the engine start.

Schedule service and have a technician diagnose and repair the snowblower if you can’t get it started after checking these issues.