Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snowblower wont start, keyswitch, fuel flow

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have an 8hp electric start snowblower which will not start.  It tried to turn over when I  used the electric start (one time) but now there is nothing whether I try the electric or pull start.  I changed the plug and checked the obvious.   
Answer -
Hi Anne,

You will need to determine if the problem is a lack of spark or a lack of fuel flow.  Remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire and lay it against the engine head.  Pull the engine over and watch for spark at the plug's electrode.

If good, then try to start while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake.  If it starts, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris, gummed fuel or water inside.  You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.  A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael

There is definitely no spark. Next step?
Anne  

Answer
Hi Anne,

You will need to trace the wiring through the keyswitch to see if the ignition coil has proper grounding.  The coil connects to and provides the current to the spark plug. If everthing checks out, then I would suspect a bad coil and would replace it.  The job will require removal of the flywheel and special tools.  Let me know if you want to attempt it. If you choose to have it done at a repair shop, at least you will know what to expect.

Good Luck,
Michael



<donotreply@allexperts.com> wrote:

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>Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.).
>Subject: Snowblower won't start
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> Question is shown below
>-------------------------
> Followup To
>Question -
>I have an 8hp electric start snowblower which will not start.  It tried to
>turn over when I  used the electric start (one time) but now there is
>nothing whether I try the electric or pull start.  I changed the plug and
>checked the obvious.
>Answer -
>Hi Anne,
>
>You will need to determine if the problem is a lack of spark or a lack of
>fuel flow.  Remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire and lay it against
>the engine head.  Pull the engine over and watch for spark at the plug's
>electrode.
>
>If good, then try to start while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the
>carb intake.  If it starts, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris,
>gummed fuel or water inside.  You will need to remove the carb,
>disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with
>compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.  A carb
>rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.
>
>Let me know how you make out.
>Michael
>
>There is definitely no spark. Next step?
>Anne
>
>
>
>
>
>Please do not respond to this message; the only way to respond is to click
>on the link above.
>
>