Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman snow thrower wont stay running, carburetor body, craftsman snow thrower

Question
I have a Craftsman 5.5 hp snow thrower model no 247.88355 with a Tecumseh engine that I bought new at the beginning of last years snow season. I used it about 3 times last winter, stored it with stabil in the gas tank and this year cannot get it to stay running. It started right away with the pull start on 3 different days, ran for about 45 seconds, cut off and on each occasion I could not get it started again with the electric or the pull start. Today we are expecting a bigger snowfall and I can't even get it started. I've adjusted the choke, checked the spark plug, and checked the oil. I notice when I push the primer bulb it seems like there is no pressure even though the gas tank is full. Does it sound like a fuel problem? If so, where is the fuel filter and what's the best way to check the fuel line without getting gas everywhere? The Tecumseh engine # is LH195SP. Thanks

Answer
Hello Harry:

Stabil Keeps the Gas Octane from Leaving the Gas, but it Does Not Stop the Varnish from Forming Inside the Carburetor. From your Description it Sounds like the Carburetor Requires Cleaning. First; Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor by Removing the Fuel Line from the Carburetor Inlet Port. If the Gas is Free Flowing, then Second; Remove the Filter and Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Air Filter Housing at the Carburetor Throat. Now Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. You can View a Breakdown of the Carburetor at this Site Addy http://www.tillotson.ie/ and Download the Flash Player. Then Enter the Site. Now Select Tech Info. Now Select Service Manuals from the Drop Down List Under the Tech Info Tab. Your Carburetor should be in the HU or the HS Series Manual. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  . Always Empty the Gas Tank and Run the Engine Until the Carburetor is Empty. Then Try to Restart the Engine Several Times to Ensure the Carburetor is Empty. I Use 2 Cycle Gas for the Final Few Minutes of Run Time. The Oil in the Gas Coats the Internal Components and Passages of the Carburetor and Helps Prevent the Varnish from Forming in the carburetor when the Engine is No in Use. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John