Gas Snowblower: Engine runs rough
If your engine is running rough, a problem with the carburetor is a likely cause. Rebuild or replace the carburetor to fix a fuel delivery problem. A clogged fuel filter will also prevent the engine from getting fuel, causing the engine to sputter or run rough. Check the fuel filter and replace it if clogged. A dirty spark plug won't ignite the fuel consistently, causing the engine to miss and sputter. Check the spark plug and replace it if necessary. Incorrect valve lash could cause the engine to run rough so check and adjust the valve lash. Check the engine sump gasket because a leaking gasket can cause low compression and a rough running engine. A thorough snowblower tune-up can also help the engine run smoothly.
These repairs may help solve your gas snowblower problem
Do a snowblower tune-up
A tune-up restores the snowblower to its peak operating condition. A tune-up includes changing the oil, cleaning the engine, replacing the air filter, checking the ignition system, inspecting the carburetor, testing the battery, adjusting the throttle and choke controls, and adjusting and lubricating all moving parts.
If your snowblower won't start, the spark plug could be fouled or damaged. This DIY repair guide shows how to set the gap and replace the snowblower spark plug in 3 quick steps.
Clean and rebuild the snowblower carburetor
Rebuild kits are available for most carburetors. The kit contains the essential components such as jets, pins, seals and gaskets to overhaul the carburetor. You can sometimes fix a fuel supply problem by disassembling and cleaning a carburetor. Use the rebuild kit to rebuild the carburetor after cleaning it.
The snowblower carburetor mixes air and fuel going to the engine. You might need to rebuild the carburetor if the snowblower won't start or dies soon after starting.
Adjust the snowblower valve lash
The snowblower valve lash is the amount of clearance between the top of the valve stem and the rocker arm. Incorrect valve lash prevents the snowblower valve from opening or closing properly. valve lash is incorrect, the snowblower engine is hard to start, runs poorly and loses power. Premature valve failure also results from improper valve lash. Check valve lash after the first 25 hours of use and then every 100 hours. Adjust the valve lash if the snowblower engine won't start or runs poorly.
When a snowblower's engine loses power or is hard to start, it could mean the valve lash needs adjusting. This snowblower repair guide and video show how to adjust the valve lash in 30 minutes.
Replace the snowblower fuel filter
The snowblower fuel filter screens particles from the gasoline as fuel moves from the fuel tank to the carburetor. Fuel won't flow if the snowblower fuel filter clogs. Replace the fuel filter if it's clogged or damaged.
When a snowblower won't start, it could be a clogged fuel filter isn't letting gas into the carburetor. This DIY repair guide and video explain how to replace a snowblower fuel filter in less than 30 minutes.
Replace the snowblower spark plug
The snowblower spark plug creates the spark that ignites the fuel, creating a controlled explosion in the cylinder to move the piston that drives the engine. The spark plug won't create spark if deposits build up on the spark plug electrode or if the ceramic insulation cracks. Replace the snowblower spark plug if it's fouled or damaged.
If your snowblower won't start, the spark plug could be fouled or damaged. This DIY repair guide shows how to set the gap and replace the snowblower spark plug in 3 quick steps.
Replace the snowblower carburetor
Over time, varnish from stale gasoline builds up in the carburetor, decreasing the amount of air/fuel mixture reaching the engine. Replace the carburetor if it's severely clogged with varnish or if the orifices are clogged with debris and can't be cleared using carburetor cleaner and compressed air.
Replace the snowblower engine sump gasket
The sump at the bottom of the engine houses the oil pump and collects engine lubricant. A leak in the sump gasket decreases engine compression, making it difficult to start the engine. If physical examination of the sump gasket reveals a leak, replaced the gasket.
Symptoms for gas snowblowers
Repair guides for gas snowblowers
You need a spark to fire up the engine of your snowblower, and that spark comes from a spark plug. You can replace one in minutes.
Replace the fuel line on your snowblower if it's cracked or damaged.
The shear pin breaks if you hit hard-packed snow, to protect the engine from damage. Your snowblower auger won't rotate until you fix it. You can replace it in about 10 minutes.
Articles and videos for gas snowblowers
This video shows how to adjust a snowblower's auger control.
Learn how to tighten a snowblower drive control if the drive slips or doesn't engage, and how to loosen it if the snowblower creeps when you disengage the drive.
See how to replace the chute control rod on a snowblower.