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Hi Bre ! Up here in Quebec (Canada), snow throwers are as common as lawn mowers and I’ve worked on a lot of them. First, there is no need for an air filter as they operate in a dustless environment. In fact check the inside of a Stihl leaf blower air filter box and you’ll find a flap with a snowflake setting that bypasses the air filter when used in Winter to clear snow. There are 2 possible culprits for surging after carb cleaning. First and foremost is that infamous screen filter inside the carb behind that pressed-in fitting. All MTD do not have one but those found should be removed at first service and an inline filter added as you did. Second and much rarer is a an air leak at the intake. Spraying carb cleaner at connections and listening for a RPM change is the telltale. Take care and be merry !
@@allanleech5926 My Simplicity did that when I used Ethanol gas with that Star additive. I switched to Ethanol free and now it runs smoothly with the choke pushed all the way in. It's a little more expensive and I have to drive about 40 miles but I just have four 5 gallon cans that I use for it so I only run up there about twice a year. Well worth it!
@@craigsmith8217 There is not a lot of dust when it's snowing, the dirt is covered by snow, there is no pollen, no leaves, no insects that could get past the air filter. It would probably end up with ice blocking the airflow for those who leave it outside.
Aw bless your heart. Snowblowers up north are important as a mower. Without one you can't leave your property. Especially if the big plows dump the end of your driveway shut with feet of snow from the road. You did awesome for your first snow blower. Congratulations !!!!!!!!
@@robertknight4672 I have not one but two 8hp 26" two stage blowers. Oldest is from 1999 and newest from 2006. I love the old one more and just added electric start to it not that it needed it 2 pull starter since day 1.
Snowblowers are a mandatory necessity in the Midwest! Usually they break down on the coldest day of the year when you don't have a heated shop to work on them 🙂
Great videos! I’m in Minnesota and use a snow blower every year. The surging comes from the pilot jet restricted or needs adjusted. Aonother add on is an inline fuel shut off. At the end of the season I shut off the fuel while running till engine kills. Next season turn on fuel, prime and it usually will start in Two pulls. I do mix stable with the gas. For the electric start plug in an extension cord 120volts.( no battery).
I remember when I lived in the DC area, there was a pretty bad snow storm. I read in the paper about a guy from Alaska, who moved to a Cul De Sac in Virginia. He had an Alaska sized snowblower that he never got around to selling before he moved. Since Cul De Sacs are plower last if ever. He ended up, clearing out the snow from neighbors driveways, the street and all the roads to the main road
You are such a talented mechanic, it was fun to see you humbled (but perfectly understandable) by a snowblower. I laughed when you said the starter probably isn't charged and when you kept looking for the air filter. I felt sorry for you taking that mess apart 3 times to get to that carburetor. I will share your pain when I fix my Troybilt snowblower that surges. Your videos are great and deliver everything you promise. Thank you!
One tip I use, the hole in the primer bulb will accept the straw from your carb cleaner can. You squirt into the primer bulb hole and “prime” it with carb cleaner to test fire to see if you have timing and ignition.
The hose for that primer flows directly into the carb bowl. The air from the bulb causes fuel to get "burped" out of the venturi tube. You're just mixing carb cleaner with fuel. Also carb cleaner weakens and swells rubber. I work on this style at work all winter, if you have a no start you can pry off the red choke knob and there's just enough room to get the straw between the shaft and the plastic shroud that's around it. That'll funnel cleaner directly into the carb barrel.
@@jhirsch4415 Thanks for the information but it should prime the unit to start it and the carb cleaner should not affect the rubber for a one shot deal unless your using brake cleaner. I use Gumout by Permatex which does not seem to make the rubber swell.
My experience which is not as extensive as yours has taught me that snow blowers & out board motors do not have air cleaners. After pondering it I understood. Have fun.
As a Minnesotan I am absolutely loving this video and probably not for the reasons that you want. I give you 100% for effort every new piece of equipment is a learning experience
We get some snowblowers in our shop. Since the carbs are cheap and labor to get to them intense, we always throw a new one on. We also remove the tank filter and install an inline one. We also suggest using non ethanol fuel and proper long term storage. Great video.
I just caught this video. I had a smaller snow blower with an MTD engine and I gave up on it. I found an older Airens snow blower at a garage sale for $200. I cleaned up the carb, replaced the fuel, changed the oil and it has started right up each year. I only use ethanol free fuel, shut off the fuel and let the carb run dry until the engine stops. Your video has inspired me to tinker with my old snow blower. Thanks
yeah, electric start "is probably not charged up..." with out the extension cord 🙂 and air filters are not usually needed in snowy weather. A lot of snowthrowers don't have fuel filters unless they are inline with the tank and exposed for easy cold weather removal. cold weather engines are tuned to run in a different environment and often don't run well in warm weather (> 40 F). All the shrowding is to keep the heat 'envelope' closer to the engine so there won't be any freezing of the fuel system in extreme cold operating weather. Love your channel, Keep showing us cool stuff !!
I was waiting for you to find the fuel filter in the gas tank! That thing is the bane of my snow blowing season….. every year. Ethanol free is a MUST for these engines!!
So if you use 100% gasoline like I use when I mix my chainsaw gas it will make it run better & longer without maintenance to the fuel filter and jets every year.
Went through the exact same thing with my blower about a month ago when I was getting it ready for the season here in NY... mine has the same MTD motor, just a yellow paint job. The first time I tried to get to the carb, I hit the same "What the..." moments, stopped, looked at my manual, then hit TH-cam. Then I cleaned and reinstalled 3 more times. But the blower ran great this week when I needed it. I've gained quite a bit of confidence from watching your channel... how things should work, what to look out for and what to avoid. Thanx for your videos!
Chickanic, You are fearless and amazing! Do not ever quit, I need you. Because of you I'm about to pull apart an echo string trimmer that won't start. I bought a carb rebuild kit in case I need it. First I'm gonna check the muffler, then spark as I already have fresh gas. Hoping for the best.
Snowblower. $1,000. Repair. $ 875. Successful repair in AR…..Priceless!! Agreed. Nobody around here owns one. Our snows usually melt away within 48 hours or less. Except that one time…. Snow Apocalypse! February 2021!!! It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
Loved watching a southerner searching for the air filter when none is needed as with snow dust is nonexistant. Thanks for the comedy, I needed that today! A few older blowers did have air filters, but the engineers soon learned the reality. Some other tools run without air filtration even some winter chain saws used by JD Irving and their sub Dead River Logging. Did you ever discover where the start battery was? It is the same place as the air filter, not designed into it, the electric start is 110v AC, not a DC starter, no battery as you did see the plug just below the fuel tank. Now you could have had some fun by spreading 2 or 3 inches of peatmoss or sawdust on your driveway then blowing it on to your lawn. I have had several of those blowers with Tecumseh, and other motors the worst was a 33" that would throw both belts about once every hour it ran or more often! The best is that 24" unit they give about 6 years of use before they get expensive to own. I'd be wary of buying a used one as most people tend to use hardened bolts instead of the sheer pins which kills the pastic gears in the gear box. The drive which is almost unkillable is a disc and wheel transmission similar to those 20" snapper mowers! Another brand to get screwey is Honda as those inline fuel filters are a common frustriation! Those are common on their 216 commercial mowers! Of course I gave up using Honda crap, I use Kawasaki powered Toro which is 10 years of commercial use unlike 2 to 4 for Honda.
Great video, I believe the Kohler lawnmower engines and almost all of the powermore engines from MTD are using those types of in tank filters now. I also dislike them. 2 things I noticed to make it a bit easier the next time you work on one of those; the removable plastic pilot jet can be oversized using a micro drill bit to 0.018" - 0.020" (I think they're like 0.017" from the factory), and it usually always fixes the surging idle. I'm oversizing all pilot jets now, even on brand new carbs, no one has ever come back for a surging issue. Also, Donyboy73 has an excellent video showing another hidden screen in behind the fuel inlet on that carburetor. You need a wrench to break it lose and remove it. I'd post the link, but the comment would be flagged. Just search "Donyboy73 hidden screen" and it should come up. Like a clogged fuel filter, it can also cause surging due to limiting the flow of fuel into the bowl, this causing a lean mixture.
No air cleaner! Ha! You crack me up. When you have a foot of snow on the ground there is no dust in the air. I hate those tiny in-tank fuel filters they hide from you. The other hidden one in the fuel fitting on the carb is a pain too. Did you mention a battery not being charged for the electric start? No battery. You use an extension cord and push the button. Those are actually good. It was fun watching you discover all the odd stuff on snow blowers.
I purchased an Airens snowblower in 1987. Still have it. It's a beast! I see the latest Airens models at "Casa de Depot" stores and have to tell you they are cheap looking. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Older Ariens feel like commercial grade to me. Supremely constructed and well designed. Well worth maintaining and keeping if youve got one. Stay gold.
I got one of the last ariens that runs a 13hp tecumseh on it, has an actual battery start, not a 120v. Heated hands, electric actuated chute. You'll never believe how much I paid, it was $0. Widow was getting rid of it with an old dead 80's machine. All I had to do was add a fuel shutoff.
No battery required, plug into 120volt ac cord, push start button, great system. I have one on Toro blower, never need it because if maintained properly it starts on one or two pulls. Merry Christmas and Happy New year from a snowy blowing winter state.
Due to those being used in non dusty environment, they do not use air filters. Some do have a filter screen in the tank. I clean quite a few of those. Sometimes I have to make the main jet a smidge bigger using a micro drill bit to stop the surging. Good video!!
I don't see these in Texas and never thought about it. My boat didn't have an air filter either, and I always figured it was because it had an aftermarket air scoop, but now I am thinking differently
OK, I'm a year late. This is the best fixit video I have ever seen. She shows her approach to a machine see has never seen. That, plus the information and tips in the comments, make this a winner!
In the last year of watching your videos , I have learned a lot . I never found a filter like the one you found . I always run my engines dry at the end of the season before storing . Ps 2 years ago I was given a huge snowblower . All it needed was a double drive pulley . Thank you for what you do . Merry Christmas
My first time seeing this video. I did have a good laugh at the charging of the starter. I have learned so much from your channel. There is no better way to learn than to just dig in and do the work. Great job.
Living in the rust belt we work on them plenty. But no they don’t have air filters cuz of they would freeze and they surge because they’re lean. Most fixes Is just hogging out the pilot jet a fuzz to make them run smooth. It’s a pretty known thing. That’s a great idea to put a external filter on. I’ll be doing that today or tomorrow as I’m getting ready for snow myself
I watch a ton of your videos and learned so much. I live in NY and we get some snow here. I happen to have the exact same snow blower as in the video and last season the blower was starting to surge. Before it gets too cold here I’m going to take a crack at cleaning the carb and fuel system. Now that I saw your video I have a good head start on repairing it. TY!👍
My old snow blower would surge like that and I couldn't get it right, so I just revved it up and tackled the driveway. It was annoying but it worked. Lol great job.
I had one of those too. An old craftsman that surged . I nursed that thing for about 14 years. I got it through stuck valves, and cylinder full of water. Mouse nests in the gearbox. I finally got rid of it when the blower housing rusted through and basically fell off. Lol. My new craftsman looks exactly like this one she just repaired.
Snowblowers do not have air filters. There's no dirt/dust to worry about when there is snow covering everything. They just keep the intake buried under a cover so it doesn't suck in a cylinder load of snow when a wind gust blows a big cloud back on the machine. I've loved snowblowers since my dad finally bought one back in 1967. Jacobson two-stage blower with an 8hp Tecumseh. I was 13 and my older brother had graduated high school and left home. My younger brother was only 8 so the 400 foot driveway and 200 foot path to the barn fell to a single shovel, mine. Dad knew that wasn't going to work. I got the hang of it quickly and spent a lot of hours out blowing snow in the cold darkness. I grew to enjoy it and I still do! But I'm in a suburb now, not out in the sticks, and my driveway is only about 90 feet long. I blew out our first decent snowfall today. Fifty-seven years later and every time I run my snowblower I can visualize that old white and orange Jacobson. The snowblower is a marvelous invention, and literally a lifesaver. With their popularity today I'd guess that the lowly snowblower probably saves a thousand deaths a year, just from avoided heart attacks alone! Minnesota winters are almost tolerable with a snowblower. Add a snowmobile and it's a vacation destination. Almost. 😅
First snowblower - must be a Arkansaw leaf blower - lol Good video , glad to see I'm not the only one who has had to take a carb off a couple times to get it working right 😀
Excellent range of videos well done, I just had the same issue on a chonda powered generator, had to pull the carby off twice & put it through the ultrasonic cleaner & clear out the pilot jet, to stop hunting and surging 👍🏻thanks again for empowering everyone who wants to save some time, money & frustration
I have one of the same units, good to know about that little fuel filter. Crazy design. They are a must here in western MA. Iv'e had to have mine serviced for clogged fuel before, it can be fussy for sure. I always thought it was a flaw not to have a fuel shut off, especially for the end of season shut down. Electric start is nice to have, you just need to attach an extension cord to it and push the button to tun it over. Keep up the great content!!
I'm in Mass. too. I have a Cub Cadet 3 stage blower which is the same as Troy Built and Craftsman, (all MTD). I love my electric start although mine starts so easy with the pull start that I seldom use it. Just be sure not to use too long of an extension cord because the longer the cord, the more voltage drop to the starter and low voltage cranking will burn the starter motor up.
There is a plastic screw on the carb that looks like your idle adjustment well if you remove that screw it is holding a idle jet under it if you take a flat blade screwdriver and pop it out there is a brass jet that can become clogged poke it out spray it with carb cleaner and reinstall it and it helps with the idle. Just Saying (Suburban Small Engine) Darien, Illinois
I add an inline filter and shut-off valve to all my small gas engines. Just treat the last tank of the season with Sta-Bil, shut off the fuel and let the carb run dry. I hardly ever have a gummy carb problem.
You’re getting good at them. I fix a tone of the here in Alberta, Ca. Yep snowblowers have no air filter, they run in a clean environment and would also plug up from snow. Good job
Never thought I'd see this teardown on your channel Bre but happy you got one in. I have this exact model and have only done the bare minimum to maintain it between seasons. At least now I have something more than an exploded drawing if I ever need to repair. Cheers!
Couldn't help but chuckle a bit when you started the hunt for an air filter! Never really thought about it until last year when I realized my Ariens doesn't have an air filter, and apparently no snow blowers have them. Love your vids, thanks taking the time to show your work.
not much "outdoor" dust in the winter as it's all frozen to the ground and within the snow. second reason, light powdery snow will get sucked into the filter, making it wet, clogged and even freeze solid! it ingesting a tiny bit of snow powder here and there wont hurt the engine any.
I've got the same snowblower. The instructions specifically state that when priming make sure your finger covers the hole in the center of the button. I had a hard time getting it to start when first new. In an extremely rare move, my wife had read the instructions instead of myself. She walked over to start it, carefully covered the hole and bam it was running on her first pull. It was a couple of uses later that she finally told me what I was doing wrong. I don't know how that affects the priming, but it does on this machine. And a side note, part of which has already been discussed. As well as snowblowers, outboard motors don't have air filters either.
After coming in from cleaning out the first blowable snow of the year here in Maine, you made my day with this video. By far your best although I didn't learn much I did get some good laugh out of it.👍👍
Love it! One thing I found is the electric start ( plug into an extension cord) is the way to start a cold motor. Saves all that pulling. Love / watch all your videos.
I retired from MTD; snow throwers do not have air filters. You were fortunate that the bottom of the bowl wasn't rusted, I have seen that with employee units after they sat with gas for a year.
My grandpa was a manager at a Homelite plant in the ‘60s and ‘70s. They made snow throwers, in Mississippi, of all places. That’s like making humidifiers in Florida!
What a great video. I loved your honest newbie starting point. Nice to see a professional show that things don't always work the first time. Thank you. May you never need one, from Canada 👍🇨🇦
Thanks! Snow blowers are a truly fascinating machine. But in my part of Florida...well, lets just say "Not Applicable." Love the show. Hope you don't go on strike like the left coast. Entertainment money well spent.
We can all thank the EPA for requiring snowblowers and lawnmowers to have teeny tiny little idle jet openings. The lowest root cause of surging is stock size of that idle jet hole, which clogs very easily.
I've never worked on a snowblower either so I was on the edge of my seat anticipating something earth moving and spectacular!! Lol ! Was starting to wonder after the 2nd cleaning and was happy to hear it run smoothly!
Quick fix to the idle surging issue is to remove the idle circuit jet(black plastic) under the idle adjustment stop and clean it with air and carb cleaner.
You are correct. Don't need to take carb off. I have two friends that only used there new machines for less than one hour. Next year both surging. Showed them how to clean the plastic idle jet. Back to working like new again.
OMG as a northerner watching you try to start a snowblower for the 1st time was. Let’s just say awesome. The couple short pulls then the hard pull. Yep you were clearly out of your comfort zone. Awesome on you for filming something way out there and putting it on the tube. Your refreshing true self filming is incredible to watch. Thank you thank you thank you. Keep the good videos coming!😊
Good job! I fix snowblowers for friends. In a snow environment no need for an air filter and the exhaust is near the intake to melt snow and ice as air enters . An extension cord powers the electric start . I believe that engine was made by LCT ( they bought Techumseh) , made in China. Cheers!
I used to fix snowblowers and the best tip I can give anyone is to install a fuel shutoff and shut the fuel off after completing your days work and let the carb run dry. Tkhis will keep the fuel from plugging the jets but also running the engine for a couple of minutes will keep the starter dry and prevent damaging the electric starter. I live in central Canada and we get a lot of snow.
I have the vary same snow blower . I got it from someone that could not start it with some research I found where to start looking and yes dirty gas left in it over the summer so like you took the carb off cleaned it and yess it started !! The one thing i liked what you did is put a inline filter on it so im going to run down and get one today and put it on. Awesome idea 💡 and a other thing i do is run racing fuel thew it it a little better and smells awesome. And at the end of the winter i run the fuel out of the snow blower.👍👍👍👍 I enjoyed this video i can relate with the problems with this blower. Thank you
About 6 or 8 years ago, I dropped a grand on a new Craftsman very similar to this one,when we got 8 inches of snow. I have only used it one other time, since. We just haven't got enough accumulation to justify using it again. But that's fine with me. Best Investment I Ever Made ! 😅
I have the Craftsman version of this snow thrower and it surges like the one you just fixed. I run it with about 1/8 choke on after start until it gets warm and then the surging stops. I'm going to clean the carb and rework the fuel filter - those are great tips.
First this is a poplar style of snowblower since so many of these are the same, with different names. I have a 24 year old Craftsman ( MTD ) snowblower. I have never had the carb off yet, but I have replaced the drive and auger belts, sled runners, shear bolts and a drive engagement cable. I run it dry on gas every year and haven't had any problems. Mine has an electric start that I plug in to use, there is no battery. It's been a goody so far. I clean my drive and my neighbors.
Many Snowblowers have no airfilter, otherwise they clogged up with snow. I love the old Toros with the Tecumseh engines. Those are solid machines that will outlast you.
@@bobbydazzler6990 I think an air filter might be close enough to engine heat to melt any snow that would hit it and then possibly freeze therefore restricting air flow. I do agree that it is not d
@@bobbydazzler6990 A vehicle air filter is not exposed to the snow in the way a snowblower filter would be. Screw 32 F, it's going to be sub 0 F in Wisconsin.
U conquered the blower!!!! I just did a 2 cycle that sat in a barn for a year an a half. After cleaning out the nasty gummed up gas tank, I tried to clean the carb, no luck it was a mess. Ordered a Tecumseh aftermarket carb an gasket, installed a new priming bulb assembly. Primed it 4xs two pulls, fired up. Great video u did with all the in-depth work an explained perfectly. Nice job 👍😘 Thanks Thanks
From the great white north I hear this constant surging of these - I have pin drills to clean the tiny hole in a jet(?) under a cap in top of carb and yes never an air filter - not much dust when a a foot of snow on the ground - great job
I bought the same model used but looked brand new. It had been sitting about five years with gas in the carb. (really gummed up) Replaced the carburetor and also plumbed in a shut off valve so I can run it out of gas when finished using it. I think they all should have a shut off on them. Thanks very much for your videos they are very educational.
No air filters on snowblowers. The air is clean and pleasant up north! Take a trip anywhere up north and anytime of year that you prefer, it’s a treat!
Winter gas engine don't need air filters. I've been running old engines without air filters for years. Craftsman lawn tractor 8 years running, no air filter.
My MTD rototiller surges when it first starts. When It goes under load it smooths right out. After it gets good and warm (Texas down by the Rio Grande) the engine smooths out and I can idle it down. Of course it only gets used a few times a year. I've just been living with the quirks. After seeing this I will take it down and see what filter system it uses. If I go with the inline filter that hidden screen is going to go away. I know this video is six months old, but it's news to me! Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Chickanic family from Wayne and Jake at Eliminator Performance. Just wanted to say it was a real HOOT to watch a video on someone that has never seen a snowblower before i believe this is a first for me. I really broke down when you mentioned the electric starter was not charged LOL! Just a tip for your viewers: it is important to use the electric starter periodically so the drive mechanism does not get rusted and seized which stops it from engaging and disengaging properly. Additionally the electric extension cord should not be more than 10 feet long or you take the chance of burning out your starter due to amperage loss from excessive cord length. Normally these carbs also have a pilot jet that sometimes needs opening to stop surging, there is a plastic screw that sets the throttle plate and the pilot jet is held in by this. Be careful when removing you do not damage the two O rings. This jet is extremely small like 0.012 to 0.013 inches and we normally open them to the next micro drill bit size before reinstalling. Not sure if this carb had one because i could not pick it up in the video but it should be there it controls the low idle. Anyways i enjoyed this video and we get these machines in for service on a regular basis her in Southern Ontario, Canada.
@@mtwseneca Thank you very much we enjoy watching Chickanic and i guess there are a lot that have never seen a snowblower but i would rather see them then tornadoes and hurricanes that is for sure.
@@waynestefinashen239 We in the downwind side of Lake Erie just got another snow dump, and as much as I hate it, there is no comparison to the two disasters you mentioned. Mike
Dropping jets and other small parts into an ultrasonic cleaner after you get most of the sludge off might be helpful too. I hate working on my snowblowers because it's always when its like 0 degrees outside and doing repairs with heavy gloves on is a real pain.
Yup. Being from Massachusetts and dealing with snowblowers, no air filter needed. No dust created from all the snow. Lol I was confused the first time I did a tune up. Great video! Thanks.
I have a mid 1980's Craftsman 8hp snowblower. It probably has less than 25 hours on it in 40 years. However, here in western PA, we don't often get deep snow but when we do, a blower is a lifesaver. My 25 hp garden tractor with snow blade will push 8 - 10 inches of snow but more than that overwhelms it. The snowblower in lowest drive speed will eat through deeper snow. Now that I'm 70 yrs old, the snow blower got an electric starter upgrade but since the last carb rebuild, I haven't needed it. Ya gotta love those old Briggs engines.
No. You just could not beat the Tecumseh Snow King engines. At one time, 99.9% of all snow throwers had the Snow King engines including the major manufacturers ie: John Deere, Toro, Ariens, MTD, Craftsman etc. The engine of choice because the y performed and ran forever. Mine going on 32 years; hope I get another 32 years.
Bre Another great video. Your work ethic is amazing and I truly appreciate the way you are willing to impart your knowledge. I put my line trimmer in for service. Lacked power. Was told three week delay before they would look at it. All the best to you and your family for Christmas. Kind regards John Adelaide, South Australia 🇦🇺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌞 P s It's summer here in Australia
Being from Wyoming and repairing snowblowers for years it’s just a staple here everyone owns one here lol I guess I never thought about the fact that some small engine mechanics don’t ever see them lol it was funny that you were looking for an air filter and when ya said it’s not charged up not making fun just was amused and still surprised by the fact you’ve never had them in your shop I guess but very entertaining nonetheless
Install a fuel shut off & run the carb dry after every use - My rule of thumb -gas today starts to break down after about 90 days . In the spring empty the tank dry put what ever is remaining in the car and start with fresh gas in the lawnmowers
Depends on how much snow you need to clear. And snowblower use equals less stress on your body. There will be people this year that will either die from a heart attack or be laid up in the hospital from one. So the older one is, having one is not that bad of a idea.
I agree with Enbermist69......Even one snow removal a year is worth the $300-$400 bargain price I bought my snow thrower from HomeDepot 4 years ago. BUT, with all gas engines, fuel issues are a pain.
i was given a snow blower that sat about 3 years. After cleaning the carb. it ran the same way. I used a fuel system cleaner in the tank let it run for a while. Starting it the next day it smoothed out and ran right. From Northern Indiana
Third times always the charm as that old saying goes Ms Chickanic Geez the engineer/designer of those machines sure weren’t thinking ahead for ease of basic maintenance for sure. Another great video and always educational And I do love your down to earth way of describing your thoughts on each situation and detail in how and why your doing what you’re doing too. Thank you for another good one Merry Christmas and A Happy New Years Wish for you and you’re family🎄
Owners manual has maintenance procedures to keep things running smooth and how to remove parts to proceed. Online with model number is available free for manual.
I learn so much from your channel. Unfortunately after recommending to my brother to get an Ariens snow blower he came home with one of these jewels. First time, second season he went to fire it off, sure enough no start…. Yep, Plugged carburetor
Great video, glad you got it to run. 😊 The pilot jet on the carb is often the cause of surging. It is usually located under a small rubber cap on the carb. Donyboy73, Elimimator Performance, and Doublewide 6 are great resources for snowblower repairs.
Much of what we 'know' is based on the building blocks of other knowledge. Funny Bre that you didn't know that snow blowers don't have air filters but it does seem odd until you think it through and realize that there just isn't dust 'n dirt snow blowing in the winter! A couple of years ago I retired my 15 year old MTD snowblower with the Tecumseh Snow King engine. I now have a Husqvarna ST227P. Nice machine with power steering and heated hand grips! For an old guy with a 75' driveway in the Northeast, a snow blower is an important tool, especially with the heavy stuff in the apron! 🙂
I have a 2018 Troybilt 2890xp that I couldn't start this season. I was nervous to remove the main fuel jet so I cleaned what I could and put it back together. I started it up and it would only run at idle then I watched your video today and after seeing you unscrew the main jet I took it all apart again and clean it per your video. It's back up and running like new! Thank you!
Nice job! Persistence always pays off. Just a word of caution, please be careful of the spinning impeller and auger, they can continue to spin for a while after you shut down the engine. I know a few people who have gotten injured with those working on snowblowers.
I have one exactly like this one, and I use it every snow in winter here in KS. I did install a fuel shut off so I can run it out of fuel after each use, without having to drain all the fuel. It runs like a top and I only used the electric start once. By the way, you hook an extension cord from a wall outlet into the plug on the side to use the electric start--there is no battery or anything. Just uses household electric power to the starter. Thanks for the excellent video, did not know about the crazy fuel filter.
I had the same surging problem with my first snowblower (a Powermore from Lowes). Was a complete novice, just messing with it for a friend to save her money. Cleaned the carb, which was awful after sitting full of gas for three years (big snow when she bought it, no snow since until that Winter), but it kept surging. Pulled up a manual online, looked at the exploded view and . . . turned out there was a round plastic piece on top of the carb that seemed to be a stop for the throttle, so it wouldn't go too high. But, you unscrew that plastic piece and there was another jet inside!! Pulled that out and cleaned it, put it all back together and it was perfect. Some jerk once told me if I don't know what I'm doing I have no business working on small engines but I did my research, figured it out, and learned something for next time, so screw him. Yay!
I agree! External fuel filter and a shut off if you can get it in. I used to live in the "Snow Belt" of NW Indiana, 3 miles from the south end of Lake Michigan. I had a similar MTD machine, with a Techumseh engine. I also had a plow blade for my yard tractor.
ROFLMAO !!! Poor Sweetheart, it's so much fun watching you work on something you aren't familiar with. I wrench on these things constantly, they are certainly a different animal to work on. Thanks for all your awesome videos and keep up the great work.
You rock, you are so down to earth and straight forward with your knowledge. I always learn new ideas in troubleshooting. GOD bless you, your husband and family. Keep the content rolling. Your awesome!!!
I have the same Troybilt unit and it works fairly well. It was $700 new 5 years ago. A new carburetor is close to $100. I always use the electric start to save time and shoulder pain. It is easy to start with the pulley once it is warmed up. I'll look for that mini fuel filter!
You, Donyboy, Steves Small Engine, Mustie, 65Ford (sp?) and recently a young guy with channel called Eliminator Performance - all in my Small Engine bookmarks. Anything that can go wrong with these small engine will, but you guys have all the answers. Thanks for helping us all. Stay gold.
Growing up in Arkansas, I laughed at your wonderment working on a snowblower for the first time. I work on these snowblowers now that I live in Colorado. An ultrasonic cleaner is a must for these carburetors. I really enjoy your videos! Thanks.
Same snowblower, same problem. Cleaned the carb once, ran great, a month later it won't run for shit. Did not know about the filters, thanks for that. Good thing we haven't had any snow here in Detroit yet.
Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B
Hi Bre ! Up here in Quebec (Canada), snow throwers are as common as lawn mowers and I’ve worked on a lot of them. First, there is no need for an air filter as they operate in a dustless environment. In fact check the inside of a Stihl leaf blower air filter box and you’ll find a flap with a snowflake setting that bypasses the air filter when used in Winter to clear snow. There are 2 possible culprits for surging after carb cleaning. First and foremost is that infamous screen filter inside the carb behind that pressed-in fitting. All MTD do not have one but those found should be removed at first service and an inline filter added as you did. Second and much rarer is a an air leak at the intake. Spraying carb cleaner at connections and listening for a RPM change is the telltale. Take care and be merry !
Mine surges a bit but runs with choke part on. Maybe ill find it on my second attemp🤞🤞
Hi there there electric start you plug 🔌 in from extension cord
@@allanleech5926 My Simplicity did that when I used Ethanol gas with that Star additive. I switched to Ethanol free and now it runs smoothly with the choke pushed all the way in. It's a little more expensive and I have to drive about 40 miles but I just have four 5 gallon cans that I use for it so I only run up there about twice a year. Well worth it!
There is a lot of dust in clean air. Look at your furnace filter in the winter.
@@craigsmith8217 There is not a lot of dust when it's snowing, the dirt is covered by snow, there is no pollen, no leaves, no insects that could get past the air filter. It would probably end up with ice blocking the airflow for those who leave it outside.
Aw bless your heart. Snowblowers up north are important as a mower. Without one you can't leave your property. Especially if the big plows dump the end of your driveway shut with feet of snow from the road. You did awesome for your first snow blower. Congratulations !!!!!!!!
I've made the mistake of buying a snow blower that couldn't handle the tough jobs.
@@robertknight4672 I have not one but two 8hp 26" two stage blowers. Oldest is from 1999 and newest from 2006. I love the old one more and just added electric start to it not that it needed it 2 pull starter since day 1.
Snowblowers are a mandatory necessity in the Midwest! Usually they break down on the coldest day of the year when you don't have a heated shop to work on them 🙂
Right, that's why I have two of them.
I have 2 and a truck with an 8' plow!
LIfe works like that, sigh. It is kinda cold here(11f) and I am out buying weedeaters and whatnot and thinking about ways to heat my garage.
@@boondocker7964 I also have two. Last storm neither would start.
@@lorrinbarth1969 Get some ether, both have electric starters I assume? I use only high octane gas, I keep it in a can that I have put Sta-bil in.
Great videos! I’m in Minnesota and use a snow blower every year. The surging comes from the pilot jet restricted or needs adjusted. Aonother add on is an inline fuel shut off. At the end of the season I shut off the fuel while running till engine kills. Next season turn on fuel, prime and it usually will start in Two pulls. I do mix stable with the gas. For the electric start plug in an extension cord 120volts.( no battery).
I do the same with my blower too. Always run it dry!!
Third. A fuel shutoff is more important than a filter. I would have just thrown away that tiny inline filter.
No air filter needed, snow not dust:) Use high test fuel only with stabilizer.
Main jet is dirty causing surge.
From Canada, the great white north.
You have a lot more patience than I do. I would have dragged out back and used it for target practice.
I heard that “ sta-bil “ is not that good - it lasts for a while,then sours the gas , I use “ sea foam “ in all my small engines-
I remember when I lived in the DC area, there was a pretty bad snow storm. I read in the paper about a guy from Alaska, who moved to a Cul De Sac in Virginia. He had an Alaska sized snowblower that he never got around to selling before he moved. Since Cul De Sacs are plower last if ever. He ended up, clearing out the snow from neighbors driveways, the street and all the roads to the main road
That must have been a serious snow blower!!
You are such a talented mechanic, it was fun to see you humbled (but perfectly understandable) by a snowblower. I laughed when you said the starter probably isn't charged and when you kept looking for the air filter. I felt sorry for you taking that mess apart 3 times to get to that carburetor. I will share your pain when I fix my Troybilt snowblower that surges.
Your videos are great and deliver everything you promise.
Thank you!
One tip I use, the hole in the primer bulb will accept the straw from your carb cleaner can. You squirt into the primer bulb hole and “prime” it with carb cleaner to test fire to see if you have timing and ignition.
Good tip i will have to try that out buddy.
Thanks! That info will come in handy for sure.
The hose for that primer flows directly into the carb bowl. The air from the bulb causes fuel to get "burped" out of the venturi tube. You're just mixing carb cleaner with fuel. Also carb cleaner weakens and swells rubber. I work on this style at work all winter, if you have a no start you can pry off the red choke knob and there's just enough room to get the straw between the shaft and the plastic shroud that's around it. That'll funnel cleaner directly into the carb barrel.
@@jhirsch4415 Thanks for the information but it should prime the unit to start it and the carb cleaner should not affect the rubber for a one shot deal unless your using brake cleaner. I use Gumout by Permatex which does not seem to make the rubber swell.
My experience which is not as extensive as yours has taught me that snow blowers & out board motors do not have air cleaners. After pondering it I understood. Have fun.
As a Minnesotan I am absolutely loving this video and probably not for the reasons that you want. I give you 100% for effort every new piece of equipment is a learning experience
We get some snowblowers in our shop. Since the carbs are cheap and labor to get to them intense, we always throw a new one on. We also remove the tank filter and install an inline one. We also suggest using non ethanol fuel and proper long term storage. Great video.
I just caught this video. I had a smaller snow blower with an MTD engine and I gave up on it. I found an older Airens snow blower at a garage sale for $200. I cleaned up the carb, replaced the fuel, changed the oil and it has started right up each year. I only use ethanol free fuel, shut off the fuel and let the carb run dry until the engine stops. Your video has inspired me to tinker with my old snow blower. Thanks
yeah, electric start "is probably not charged up..." with out the extension cord 🙂 and air filters are not usually needed in snowy weather. A lot of snowthrowers don't have fuel filters unless they are inline with the tank and exposed for easy cold weather removal. cold weather engines are tuned to run in a different environment and often don't run well in warm weather (> 40 F). All the shrowding is to keep the heat 'envelope' closer to the engine so there won't be any freezing of the fuel system in extreme cold operating weather. Love your channel, Keep showing us cool stuff !!
I was waiting for you to find the fuel filter in the gas tank! That thing is the bane of my snow blowing season….. every year. Ethanol free is a MUST for these engines!!
So if you use 100% gasoline like I use when I mix my chainsaw gas it will make it run better & longer without maintenance to the fuel filter and jets every year.
Still has plastic on it….
@@bigbert2508mine too! Lol
Went through the exact same thing with my blower about a month ago when I was getting it ready for the season here in NY... mine has the same MTD motor, just a yellow paint job. The first time I tried to get to the carb, I hit the same "What the..." moments, stopped, looked at my manual, then hit TH-cam. Then I cleaned and reinstalled 3 more times. But the blower ran great this week when I needed it.
I've gained quite a bit of confidence from watching your channel... how things should work, what to look out for and what to avoid. Thanx for your videos!
30 year Submarine Missile Technician here. Love your work ethic and insight explanations.
Can you fix a snowblower with a knowledge?
@@jonyoung6405I wonder what is a knowledge?
@@hairycods2273 I have
" a knowledge" to fix a snowblower. Do you want my 30 year resume ( CV) ?
@@jonyoung6405 yes and all other proof of said “knowledge”!
Chickanic,
You are fearless and amazing! Do not ever quit, I need you. Because of you I'm about to pull apart an echo string trimmer that won't start. I bought a carb rebuild kit in case I need it. First I'm gonna check the muffler, then spark as I already have fresh gas. Hoping for the best.
Snowblower. $1,000.
Repair. $ 875.
Successful repair in AR…..Priceless!!
Agreed. Nobody around here owns one. Our snows usually melt away within 48 hours or less.
Except that one time…. Snow Apocalypse! February 2021!!!
It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
Loved watching a southerner searching for the air filter when none is needed as with snow dust is nonexistant. Thanks for the comedy, I needed that today! A few older blowers did have air filters, but the engineers soon learned the reality. Some other tools run without air filtration even some winter chain saws used by JD Irving and their sub Dead River Logging.
Did you ever discover where the start battery was? It is the same place as the air filter, not designed into it, the electric start is 110v AC, not a DC starter, no battery as you did see the plug just below the fuel tank. Now you could have had some fun by spreading 2 or 3 inches of peatmoss or sawdust on your driveway then blowing it on to your lawn. I have had several of those blowers with Tecumseh, and other motors the worst was a 33" that would throw both belts about once every hour it ran or more often! The best is that 24" unit they give about 6 years of use before they get expensive to own. I'd be wary of buying a used one as most people tend to use hardened bolts instead of the sheer pins which kills the pastic gears in the gear box. The drive which is almost unkillable is a disc and wheel transmission similar to those 20" snapper mowers!
Another brand to get screwey is Honda as those inline fuel filters are a common frustriation! Those are common on their 216 commercial mowers! Of course I gave up using Honda crap, I use Kawasaki powered Toro which is 10 years of commercial use unlike 2 to 4 for Honda.
Glad you got it running- I though i was the only person who cleaned a carb 3 times to get running right. Thanks.
Great video, I believe the Kohler lawnmower engines and almost all of the powermore engines from MTD are using those types of in tank filters now. I also dislike them. 2 things I noticed to make it a bit easier the next time you work on one of those; the removable plastic pilot jet can be oversized using a micro drill bit to 0.018" - 0.020" (I think they're like 0.017" from the factory), and it usually always fixes the surging idle. I'm oversizing all pilot jets now, even on brand new carbs, no one has ever come back for a surging issue. Also, Donyboy73 has an excellent video showing another hidden screen in behind the fuel inlet on that carburetor. You need a wrench to break it lose and remove it. I'd post the link, but the comment would be flagged. Just search "Donyboy73 hidden screen" and it should come up. Like a clogged fuel filter, it can also cause surging due to limiting the flow of fuel into the bowl, this causing a lean mixture.
No air cleaner! Ha! You crack me up. When you have a foot of snow on the ground there is no dust in the air. I hate those tiny in-tank fuel filters they hide from you. The other hidden one in the fuel fitting on the carb is a pain too. Did you mention a battery not being charged for the electric start? No battery. You use an extension cord and push the button. Those are actually good. It was fun watching you discover all the odd stuff on snow blowers.
I purchased an Airens snowblower in 1987. Still have it. It's a beast!
I see the latest Airens models at "Casa de Depot" stores and have to tell you they are cheap looking.
Great video, thanks for sharing.
So true. My Ariens is 1970, with all manuals and work file. It’s a spare but I can’t part with it as it won’t quit.
Older Ariens feel like commercial grade to me. Supremely constructed and well designed. Well worth maintaining and keeping if youve got one.
Stay gold.
I got one of the last ariens that runs a 13hp tecumseh on it, has an actual battery start, not a 120v. Heated hands, electric actuated chute. You'll never believe how much I paid, it was $0. Widow was getting rid of it with an old dead 80's machine. All I had to do was add a fuel shutoff.
No battery required, plug into 120volt ac cord, push start button, great system. I have one on Toro blower, never need it because if maintained properly it starts on one or two pulls. Merry Christmas and Happy New year from a snowy blowing winter state.
I don't use my electric skirt either but that's just because my garage is far away from the house and there's no electricity there.
Due to those being used in non dusty environment, they do not use air filters. Some do have a filter screen in the tank. I clean quite a few of those. Sometimes I have to make the main jet a smidge bigger using a micro drill bit to stop the surging. Good video!!
Air filter collect water and freeze!!!
@@tomessary4099
Yep.
I don't see these in Texas and never thought about it. My boat didn't have an air filter either, and I always figured it was because it had an aftermarket air scoop, but now I am thinking differently
Right snow dust can be hazardous to internal combustion eng. Lol
@@joepacheco4038 Snow dust... wouldn't that be water? Lol
OK, I'm a year late. This is the best fixit video I have ever seen. She shows her approach to a machine see has never seen. That, plus the information and tips in the comments, make this a winner!
In the last year of watching your videos , I have learned a lot . I never found a filter like the one you found . I always run my engines dry at the end of the season before storing . Ps 2 years ago I was given a huge snowblower . All it needed was a double drive pulley . Thank you for what you do . Merry Christmas
Got any gas in it
My first time seeing this video. I did have a good laugh at the charging of the starter. I have learned so much from your channel. There is no better way to learn than to just dig in and do the work. Great job.
Living in the rust belt we work on them plenty. But no they don’t have air filters cuz of they would freeze and they surge because they’re lean. Most fixes Is just hogging out the pilot jet a fuzz to make them run smooth. It’s a pretty known thing. That’s a great idea to put a external filter on. I’ll be doing that today or tomorrow as I’m getting ready for snow myself
I watch a ton of your videos and learned so much. I live in NY and we get some snow here. I happen to have the exact same snow blower as in the video and last season the blower was starting to surge. Before it gets too cold here I’m going to take a crack at cleaning the carb and fuel system. Now that I saw your video I have a good head start on repairing it. TY!👍
My old snow blower would surge like that and I couldn't get it right, so I just revved it up and tackled the driveway. It was annoying but it worked. Lol great job.
I had one of those too. An old craftsman that surged . I nursed that thing for about 14 years. I got it through stuck valves, and cylinder full of water. Mouse nests in the gearbox. I finally got rid of it when the blower housing rusted through and basically fell off. Lol. My new craftsman looks exactly like this one she just repaired.
Snowblowers do not have air filters. There's no dirt/dust to worry about when there is snow covering everything. They just keep the intake buried under a cover so it doesn't suck in a cylinder load of snow when a wind gust blows a big cloud back on the machine.
I've loved snowblowers since my dad finally bought one back in 1967. Jacobson two-stage blower with an 8hp Tecumseh. I was 13 and my older brother had graduated high school and left home. My younger brother was only 8 so the 400 foot driveway and 200 foot path to the barn fell to a single shovel, mine. Dad knew that wasn't going to work. I got the hang of it quickly and spent a lot of hours out blowing snow in the cold darkness. I grew to enjoy it and I still do!
But I'm in a suburb now, not out in the sticks, and my driveway is only about 90 feet long. I blew out our first decent snowfall today. Fifty-seven years later and every time I run my snowblower I can visualize that old white and orange Jacobson.
The snowblower is a marvelous invention, and literally a lifesaver. With their popularity today I'd guess that the lowly snowblower probably saves a thousand deaths a year, just from avoided heart attacks alone!
Minnesota winters are almost tolerable with a snowblower. Add a snowmobile and it's a vacation destination. Almost. 😅
First snowblower - must be a Arkansaw leaf blower - lol
Good video , glad to see I'm not the only one who has had to take a carb off a couple times to get it working right 😀
I believe they make a special edition Arkansas tiller attachment for this snow blower.
Excellent range of videos well done, I just had the same issue on a chonda powered generator, had to pull the carby off twice & put it through the ultrasonic cleaner & clear out the pilot jet, to stop hunting and surging 👍🏻thanks again for empowering everyone who wants to save some time, money & frustration
I have one of the same units, good to know about that little fuel filter. Crazy design. They are a must here in western MA. Iv'e had to have mine serviced for clogged fuel before, it can be fussy for sure. I always thought it was a flaw not to have a fuel shut off, especially for the end of season shut down. Electric start is nice to have, you just need to attach an extension cord to it and push the button to tun it over. Keep up the great content!!
I'm in Mass. too. I have a Cub Cadet 3 stage blower which is the same as Troy Built and Craftsman, (all MTD). I love my electric start although mine starts so easy with the pull start that I seldom use it. Just be sure not to use too long of an extension cord because the longer the cord, the more voltage drop to the starter and low voltage cranking will burn the starter motor up.
Snowblower do not use air filter no dirt in air working snowblower 30 years where I live we got a lot of snow ❄️
There is a plastic screw on the carb that looks like your idle adjustment well if you remove that screw it is holding a idle jet under it if you take a flat blade screwdriver and pop it out there is a brass jet that can become clogged poke it out spray it with carb cleaner and reinstall it and it helps with the idle. Just Saying (Suburban Small Engine) Darien, Illinois
Just got through working on my son and laws , sat for two years, had to replace the carburetor, great Video Chickanic
I run my snowblowers for a few minutes in the summer. My carburetors love me .
I add an inline filter and shut-off valve to all my small gas engines.
Just treat the last tank of the season with Sta-Bil, shut off the fuel and let the carb run dry.
I hardly ever have a gummy carb problem.
Love tearing into something I've never worked on. You are just the gal to do it for me while I sit here and watch and drink coffee. 😁
You’re getting good at them. I fix a tone of the here in Alberta, Ca. Yep snowblowers have no air filter, they run in a clean environment and would also plug up from snow. Good job
Never thought I'd see this teardown on your channel Bre but happy you got one in. I have this exact model and have only done the bare minimum to maintain it between seasons. At least now I have something more than an exploded drawing if I ever need to repair. Cheers!
Couldn't help but chuckle a bit when you started the hunt for an air filter! Never really thought about it until last year when I realized my Ariens doesn't have an air filter, and apparently no snow blowers have them. Love your vids, thanks taking the time to show your work.
not much "outdoor" dust in the winter as it's all frozen to the ground and within the snow.
second reason, light powdery snow will get sucked into the filter, making it wet, clogged and even freeze solid! it ingesting a tiny bit of snow powder here and there wont hurt the engine any.
I've got the same snowblower. The instructions specifically state that when priming make sure your finger covers the hole in the center of the button. I had a hard time getting it to start when first new. In an extremely rare move, my wife had read the instructions instead of myself. She walked over to start it, carefully covered the hole and bam it was running on her first pull. It was a couple of uses later that she finally told me what I was doing wrong. I don't know how that affects the priming, but it does on this machine.
And a side note, part of which has already been discussed. As well as snowblowers, outboard motors don't have air filters either.
It's a guy thing. We aren't programmed to read instructions. 😂
I had the exact same thing going on after assembly. I had to increase the sized of the main jet 7 yrs ago. Haven’t had a problem since.
After coming in from cleaning out the first blowable snow of the year here in Maine, you made my day with this video. By far your best although I didn't learn much I did get some good laugh out of it.👍👍
Love it! One thing I found is the electric start ( plug into an extension cord) is the way to start a cold motor. Saves all that pulling. Love / watch all your videos.
I retired from MTD; snow throwers do not have air filters. You were fortunate that the bottom of the bowl wasn't rusted, I have seen that with employee units after they sat with gas for a year.
My grandpa was a manager at a Homelite plant in the ‘60s and ‘70s. They made snow throwers, in Mississippi, of all places. That’s like making humidifiers in Florida!
What a great video. I loved your honest newbie starting point. Nice to see a professional show that things don't always work the first time. Thank you. May you never need one, from Canada 👍🇨🇦
My snow blower fires up on one pull after sitting for a while. Yes they don't have air filters. Great video!!!
Thanks! Snow blowers are a truly fascinating machine. But in my part of Florida...well, lets just say "Not Applicable." Love the show. Hope you don't go on strike like the left coast. Entertainment money well spent.
We can all thank the EPA for requiring snowblowers and lawnmowers to have teeny tiny little idle jet openings. The lowest root cause of surging is stock size of that idle jet hole, which clogs very easily.
I've never worked on a snowblower either so I was on the edge of my seat anticipating something earth moving and spectacular!! Lol ! Was starting to wonder after the 2nd cleaning and was happy to hear it run smoothly!
Quick fix to the idle surging issue is to remove the idle circuit jet(black plastic) under the idle adjustment stop and clean it with air and carb cleaner.
You are correct. Don't need to take carb off. I have two friends that only used there new machines for less than one hour. Next year both surging. Showed them how to clean the plastic idle jet. Back to working like new again.
Small Honda EU series generators same thing. Black plastic idle jet gums up.
This is the comment I've been looking for it's way easier than they think😂
OMG as a northerner watching you try to start a snowblower for the 1st time was. Let’s just say awesome. The couple short pulls then the hard pull. Yep you were clearly out of your comfort zone. Awesome on you for filming something way out there and putting it on the tube. Your refreshing true self filming is incredible to watch. Thank you thank you thank you. Keep the good videos coming!😊
Good job! I fix snowblowers for friends. In a snow environment no need for an air filter and the exhaust is near the intake to melt snow and ice as air enters . An extension cord powers the electric start . I believe that engine was made by LCT ( they bought Techumseh) , made in China. Cheers!
@ Jon Young The engine is most likely a Loncin OHV(Honda Clone).
MTD says its their own design, really just a few tweaks, end of the day its a Chonda.
I used to fix snowblowers and the best tip I can give anyone is to install a fuel shutoff and shut the fuel off after completing your days work and let the carb run dry. Tkhis will keep the fuel from plugging the jets but also running the engine for a couple of minutes will keep the starter dry and prevent damaging the electric starter. I live in central Canada and we get a lot of snow.
@@dennishunter5034
I wish they made snow blowers that run on LPG small tanks like fork lifts.
Might solve a few problems.
I have the vary same snow blower . I got it from someone that could not start it with some research I found where to start looking and yes dirty gas left in it over the summer so like you took the carb off cleaned it and yess it started !! The one thing i liked what you did is put a inline filter on it so im going to run down and get one today and put it on. Awesome idea 💡 and a other thing i do is run racing fuel thew it it a little better and smells awesome. And at the end of the winter i run the fuel out of the snow blower.👍👍👍👍 I enjoyed this video i can relate with the problems with this blower. Thank you
About 6 or 8 years ago, I dropped a grand on a new Craftsman very similar to this one,when we got 8 inches of snow. I have only used it one other time, since. We just haven't got enough accumulation to justify using it again. But that's fine with me. Best Investment I Ever Made ! 😅
I have the Craftsman version of this snow thrower and it surges like the one you just fixed. I run it with about 1/8 choke on after start until it gets warm and then the surging stops. I'm going to clean the carb and rework the fuel filter - those are great tips.
First this is a poplar style of snowblower since so many of these are the same, with different names. I have a 24 year old Craftsman ( MTD ) snowblower. I have never had the carb off yet, but I have replaced the drive and auger belts, sled runners, shear bolts and a drive engagement cable. I run it dry on gas every year and haven't had any problems. Mine has an electric start that I plug in to use, there is no battery. It's been a goody so far. I clean my drive and my neighbors.
Many Snowblowers have no airfilter, otherwise they clogged up with snow. I love the old Toros with the Tecumseh engines. Those are solid machines that will outlast you.
@@bobbydazzler6990 The Air Filter will FREEZE OVER due air velocity on a Cold Day.
@@bobbydazzler6990 I think an air filter might be close enough to engine heat to melt any snow that would hit it and then possibly freeze therefore restricting air flow. I do agree that it is not d
@@bobbydazzler6990 A vehicle air filter is not exposed to the snow in the way a snowblower filter would be. Screw 32 F, it's going to be sub 0 F in Wisconsin.
U conquered the blower!!!! I just did a 2 cycle that sat in a barn for a year an a half. After cleaning out the nasty gummed up gas tank, I tried to clean the carb, no luck it was a mess. Ordered a Tecumseh aftermarket carb an gasket, installed a new priming bulb assembly. Primed it 4xs two pulls, fired up. Great video u did with all the in-depth work an explained perfectly. Nice job 👍😘
Thanks
Thanks
From the great white north I hear this constant surging of these - I have pin drills to clean the tiny hole in a jet(?) under a cap in top of carb and yes never an air filter - not much dust when a a foot of snow on the ground - great job
I bought the same model used but looked brand new. It had been sitting about five years with gas in the carb. (really gummed up) Replaced the carburetor and also plumbed in a shut off valve so I can run it out of gas when finished using it. I think they all should have a shut off on them.
Thanks very much for your videos they are very educational.
I did not think I would ever get to see you do a snow blower.
No air filters on snowblowers. The air is clean and pleasant up north!
Take a trip anywhere up north and anytime of year that you prefer, it’s a treat!
Snow blowers have no air filter
Like my Grandpa. Can't take him anywhere, he's so embarrassing.
You're right
@@chrisbrown7362 good one 😂🤣🤣😭
Winter gas engine don't need air filters. I've been running old engines without air filters for years. Craftsman lawn tractor 8 years running, no air filter.
I would find a way to put one on it .. this is Idaho, even our snow is dusty
My MTD rototiller surges when it first starts. When It goes under load it smooths right out. After it gets good and warm (Texas down by the Rio Grande) the engine smooths out and I can idle it down. Of course it only gets used a few times a year. I've just been living with the quirks. After seeing this I will take it down and see what filter system it uses. If I go with the inline filter that hidden screen is going to go away.
I know this video is six months old, but it's news to me! Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Chickanic family from Wayne and Jake at Eliminator Performance. Just wanted to say it was a real HOOT to watch a video on someone that has never seen a snowblower before i believe this is a first for me. I really broke down when you mentioned the electric starter was not charged LOL! Just a tip for your viewers: it is important to use the electric starter periodically so the drive mechanism does not get rusted and seized which stops it from engaging and disengaging properly. Additionally the electric extension cord should not be more than 10 feet long or you take the chance of burning out your starter due to amperage loss from excessive cord length. Normally these carbs also have a pilot jet that sometimes needs opening to stop surging, there is a plastic screw that sets the throttle plate and the pilot jet is held in by this. Be careful when removing you do not damage the two O rings. This jet is extremely small like 0.012 to 0.013 inches and we normally open them to the next micro drill bit size before reinstalling. Not sure if this carb had one because i could not pick it up in the video but it should be there it controls the low idle. Anyways i enjoyed this video and we get these machines in for service on a regular basis her in Southern Ontario, Canada.
Great comment Wayne.
@@mtwseneca Thank you very much we enjoy watching Chickanic and i guess there are a lot that have never seen a snowblower but i would rather see them then tornadoes and hurricanes that is for sure.
@@waynestefinashen239 We in the downwind side of Lake Erie just got another snow dump, and as much as I hate it, there is no comparison to the two disasters you mentioned. Mike
Chicks if,I love your show and your diagnosis of simple 4 stroke engines.
Dropping jets and other small parts into an ultrasonic cleaner after you get most of the sludge off might be helpful too. I hate working on my snowblowers because it's always when its like 0 degrees outside and doing repairs with heavy gloves on is a real pain.
Yup. Being from Massachusetts and dealing with snowblowers, no air filter needed. No dust created from all the snow. Lol I was confused the first time I did a tune up. Great video! Thanks.
Living up here in canada I work on them alot just need carburetor work
I have a mid 1980's Craftsman 8hp snowblower. It probably has less than 25 hours on it in 40 years. However, here in western PA, we don't often get deep snow but when we do, a blower is a lifesaver. My 25 hp garden tractor with snow blade will push 8 - 10 inches of snow but more than that overwhelms it. The snowblower in lowest drive speed will eat through deeper snow. Now that I'm 70 yrs old, the snow blower got an electric starter upgrade but since the last carb rebuild, I haven't needed it. Ya gotta love those old Briggs engines.
No. You just could not beat the Tecumseh Snow King engines. At one time, 99.9% of all snow throwers had the Snow King engines including the major manufacturers ie: John Deere, Toro, Ariens, MTD, Craftsman etc. The engine of choice because the y performed and ran forever. Mine going on 32 years; hope I get another 32 years.
Bre
Another great video.
Your work ethic is amazing and I truly appreciate the way you are willing to impart your knowledge.
I put my line trimmer in for service. Lacked power. Was told three week delay before they would look at it.
All the best to you and your family for Christmas.
Kind regards
John
Adelaide, South Australia 🇦🇺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌞
P s
It's summer here in Australia
No fuel filter, the electric start is 110 not D.C. . Welcome to the world of snowblowers. Have great day. Love your work.
Being from Wyoming and repairing snowblowers for years it’s just a staple here everyone owns one here lol I guess I never thought about the fact that some small engine mechanics don’t ever see them lol it was funny that you were looking for an air filter and when ya said it’s not charged up not making fun just was amused and still surprised by the fact you’ve never had them in your shop I guess but very entertaining nonetheless
Install a fuel shut off & run the carb dry after every use - My rule of thumb -gas today starts to break down after about 90 days . In the spring empty the tank dry put what ever is remaining in the car and start with fresh gas in the lawnmowers
Depends on how much snow you need to clear. And snowblower use equals less stress on your body. There will be people this year that will either die from a heart attack or be laid up in the hospital from one. So the older one is, having one is not that bad of a idea.
She already mentioned that there is very little snow where she lives; so pay attention.
I agree with Enbermist69......Even one snow removal a year is worth the $300-$400 bargain price I bought my snow thrower from HomeDepot 4 years ago. BUT, with all gas engines, fuel issues are a pain.
i was given a snow blower that sat about 3 years. After cleaning the carb. it ran the same way. I used a fuel system cleaner in the tank let it run for a while. Starting it the next day it smoothed out and ran right. From Northern Indiana
Third times always the charm as that old saying goes Ms Chickanic
Geez the engineer/designer of those machines sure weren’t thinking ahead for ease of basic maintenance for sure.
Another great video and always educational
And I do love your down to earth way of describing your thoughts on each situation and detail in how and why your doing what you’re doing too.
Thank you for another good one
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Years Wish for you and you’re family🎄
Owners manual has maintenance procedures to keep things running smooth and how to remove parts to proceed. Online with model number is available free for manual.
I learn so much from your channel. Unfortunately after recommending to my brother to get an Ariens snow blower he came home with one of these jewels. First time, second season he went to fire it off, sure enough no start…. Yep, Plugged carburetor
Great video, glad you got it to run. 😊 The pilot jet on the carb is often the cause of surging. It is usually located under a small rubber cap on the carb. Donyboy73, Elimimator Performance, and Doublewide 6 are great resources for snowblower repairs.
Much of what we 'know' is based on the building blocks of other knowledge. Funny Bre that you didn't know that snow blowers don't have air filters but it does seem odd until you think it through and realize that there just isn't dust 'n dirt snow blowing in the winter! A couple of years ago I retired my 15 year old MTD snowblower with the Tecumseh Snow King engine. I now have a Husqvarna ST227P. Nice machine with power steering and heated hand grips! For an old guy with a 75' driveway in the Northeast, a snow blower is an important tool, especially with the heavy stuff in the apron! 🙂
I have a 2018 Troybilt 2890xp that I couldn't start this season. I was nervous to remove the main fuel jet so I cleaned what I could and put it back together. I started it up and it would only run at idle then I watched your video today and after seeing you unscrew the main jet I took it all apart again and clean it per your video. It's back up and running like new! Thank you!
Nice job! Persistence always pays off. Just a word of caution, please be careful of the spinning impeller and auger, they can continue to spin for a while after you shut down the engine. I know a few people who have gotten injured with those working on snowblowers.
How long is a while? Seconds? Minutes?
Mine is off in a second or two…
Shouldnt spin at all if the clutch lever isn't held down.
No way can you walk from the operator position around to the front, before the auger/impeller stops if the machine is in good working condition
I have one exactly like this one, and I use it every snow in winter here in KS. I did install a fuel shut off so I can run it out of fuel after each use, without having to drain all the fuel. It runs like a top and I only used the electric start once. By the way, you hook an extension cord from a wall outlet into the plug on the side to use the electric start--there is no battery or anything. Just uses household electric power to the starter. Thanks for the excellent video, did not know about the crazy fuel filter.
I had the same surging problem with my first snowblower (a Powermore from Lowes). Was a complete novice, just messing with it for a friend to save her money. Cleaned the carb, which was awful after sitting full of gas for three years (big snow when she bought it, no snow since until that Winter), but it kept surging. Pulled up a manual online, looked at the exploded view and . . .
turned out there was a round plastic piece on top of the carb that seemed to be a stop for the throttle, so it wouldn't go too high. But, you unscrew that plastic piece and there was another jet inside!! Pulled that out and cleaned it, put it all back together and it was perfect.
Some jerk once told me if I don't know what I'm doing I have no business working on small engines but I did my research, figured it out, and learned something for next time, so screw him. Yay!
Correct
I'd call that "Persistence," which Bre demo'd in this vid!
I agree! External fuel filter and a shut off if you can get it in. I used to live in the "Snow Belt" of NW Indiana, 3 miles from the south end of Lake Michigan. I had a similar MTD machine, with a Techumseh engine.
I also had a plow blade for my yard tractor.
Bravo! On the final try did you enlarge the hole of a jet?
ROFLMAO !!! Poor Sweetheart, it's so much fun watching you work on something you aren't familiar with. I wrench on these things constantly, they are certainly a different animal to work on. Thanks for all your awesome videos and keep up the great work.
First time I took my snowblower apart, I was surprised there was no air filter.
You rock, you are so down to earth and straight forward with your knowledge. I always learn new ideas in troubleshooting. GOD bless you, your husband and family. Keep the content rolling. Your awesome!!!
We don’t get dust in the winter in the snow-belt!
Instead of changing my carburettor, I just used Startron and it started right up, smoothly and continuously.
I have the same Troybilt unit and it works fairly well. It was $700 new 5 years ago. A new carburetor is close to $100. I always use the electric start to save time and shoulder pain. It is easy to start with the pulley once it is warmed up. I'll look for that mini fuel filter!
You, Donyboy, Steves Small Engine, Mustie, 65Ford (sp?) and recently a young guy with channel called Eliminator Performance - all in my Small Engine bookmarks. Anything that can go wrong with these small engine will, but you guys have all the answers. Thanks for helping us all.
Stay gold.
There's no air filter because they're only used during the snow season
I use mine in the summer too to clean off my gravel driveway. I aim the chute at the neighbor’s house. I don’t like him very much. lol 😆
Growing up in Arkansas, I laughed at your wonderment working on a snowblower for the first time. I work on these snowblowers now that I live in Colorado. An ultrasonic cleaner is a must for these carburetors. I really enjoy your videos! Thanks.
You go girl.... showing up the men left and right !!!❤️🇺🇲👍
Same snowblower, same problem. Cleaned the carb once, ran great, a month later it won't run for shit. Did not know about the filters, thanks for that. Good thing we haven't had any snow here in Detroit yet.