Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh * HP snowthrower, internal passages, snowthrower

Question
I bought a 2nd hand snowthrower about 10 years old  with an  8 HP Tecumseh engine - electric start. It has a primer button, manual choke and throttle lever. Since I don't have the manual I would like to know where to set the choke, throttle and how many times to prime it when starting. I have only had it running once and can't seem to get it to start easily. It turns over and I can smell gas but can't get it to fire. It was serviced last year. I appreciate any instruction you might have.

Answer
The starting procedure is usually full-choke, full-throttle and two primes.  Usually the carb is plugged on a machine that has been sitting with old gas in it.  You will need to start by thoroughly cleaning the carb, including pushing a piece of tag wire through all of the internal passages and following up with aerosol carb cleaner.  Make sure you are thorough, one of these passages is up inside the main jet stack and requires a little effort to push wire through.  Hope this helps.