Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Snow Thrower - Starting Problems, blown head gasket, craftsman snow thrower

Question
John, Thanks in advance for helping me out!  I have a  Craftsman Model C959-52009 24" Snow Thrower.  I had it tuned a year ago and it was running perfectly, would start with 1 pull.  This year I'm having trouble getting it started, even with the electric start.  With the electric start it needs to crank for almost a solid minute before it cranks up.  When it does start I get a puff of thick white smoke for a few seconds and the last 2 times it back fired and shot flames out of the muffler.  After it gets started it appears to run well.  I changed the spark plug but it didn't seem to help.  Any ideas?  What would you do next?

Thanks again!

Robert

Answer
Hello Robert:

>>Check the Crankcase Oil for Gas Contamination.
>>Usually the White Puff of Smoke is an Indicator of Gas in the Crankcase Oil or a Blown Head Gasket between the Push Tube Galley and the Compression Chamber on OHV Engines.
>>If the Crankcase is Contaminated with Gas, then
>>Change the Oil and Clean the Carburetor. The Carburetor Float Needle Valve is Not Seating Correctly and Flooding the Engine when the Engine is Not in Use.
>>The Excess Gas in the Cylinder is causing the Hard to Start and the Smoke and Backfiring Problem.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John