Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Yard-Man Snow Thrower - Wont Start, vice grip pliers, adjustment screws

Question
Hi John-We recently purchased a used 9.5HP 2-Stage Yard Man Snow Thrower (model #31AH5Q3G401). Got it started once (electric start), but can't get it started again--have tried both the manual and electric starts (turns over, but won't catch). Is this a carburetor problem? If so, any/all detailed directions on correcting this would be very much appreciated! We're small engine novices!!

Answer
Hello Karen:

To Check for a Carburetor Problem; First, Pour a Small Amount of Fuel Mix Into the Carburetor Throat while Holding the Throttle at Full. Still Holding the Throttle at Full, 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, Float Pin, Float 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 the Mower at this Site Addy, http://www.emerichsales.com/home.asp and Select Shop Online Parts and Accessories. Now Select the Model Tab. Select the OEM (MTD) and Enter the Model Numbers (31AH5Q3G401). Now Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Usually Looking at the Carburetor and Engine Breakdown Helps to See How to Remove, Disassemble and Re-Install the Carburetor from the Engine. Here are some Instructions for Removing the Carburetor without Removing the Governor Control Arm. Remove the Breather Assembly from the Carburetor. Grip the Gas Hose with Vice Grip Pliers to Stop the Gas Flow to the Carburetor. Remove the Gas Line at the Carburetor. Unbolt the Carburetor From the Engine and CAREFULLY Turn the Carburetor to Remove the Linkage from the Carburetor Throttle Thru Shaft and Choke (as Required). Now Disassemble the Carburetor, Soak and Clean. Reassemble the Carburetor and Re-Attach the Carburetor to the Engine. If Not the Carburetor, then here is the Diagnostics File: Here are some Diagnostic Instructions to Do on the Engine to Locate the Cause/Cure for a Hard/Not Starting Engine. Check the Spark. If Not Firing, then Replace the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then First, Pour a Small Amount of Gas (1oz) Into the Carburetor Throat with the Throttle at Full. With the Throttle Still at Full, Try to Start the Engine. If the Engine Starts and Quits, then Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor. If the Gas is Free Flowing, 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, Float Pin, Float 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. If No Fire at the Plug, then Remove the Coil Shut Off Wire from the Kill Switch at the Engine Stop/Brake Bracket (where the End of the Stop/Brake Cable Attaches at the Engine). Check for Fire. If No Fire, then Remove the Blower Housing and Remove the Ground Wire from the Coil. Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Coil is Bad. If there was No Response from the Engine When the Gas was Poured Into the Carburetor Throat, then Check the Compression.  If the Compression is Good, the Carburetor has Been Soaked and Cleaned and the Plug is Firing, then Check the Flywheel Key. If the Key is Damaged, then the Plug Firing is Incorrect to the Position of the Piston During the Compression (Power Stroke). Connect the Gas Line and Remove the Pliers. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John