Ariens 520 - Won't Start

schwim3x6

Joined: Dec 9, 2005
Points: 2

Ariens 520 - Won't Start
Original Message Dec 9, 2005 10:39 am

The Chicago area gets dumped on and I'm all ready to use my snow blower to clear my walks and driveway. Unfortunately, my Ariens 520 won't start. I recently changed the oil and had it running only a few months ago, but nothing I do will get it to start. This isn't the first time I've had problems starting this unit. It works great once it is running, but getting it started can waste more time than it saves. Any suggestions before I put this POC up for sale and buy something more reliable? My back is killing me. Thanks.

- Schwim3x6

PCPC

Honda 1132 snow thrower, Simplicity 1060 snow thrower, RedMax EBZ8000 leaf blower, older Snapper self propelled mower, Echo weed wacker, 20 + year old 16" McCulloch Chain Saw, wheel barrel with a flat tire, and a rusty shovel!

Joined: Nov 26, 2005
Points: 26

Re: Ariens 520 - Won't Start
Reply #3 Dec 14, 2005 3:01 pm

You may be having a compression problem. Sometimes when an engine sits too long, the oil around the rings runs off, reducing the compression greatly. The more you try to start it, the fuel, washes the cylinders down even more. If it happens again, you should try, removing the spark plug, squirting some oil into the cylinder, and also try shooting a little starting fluid into the air intake. Once you get it started, and use it regularly, it should be ok (if that's your problem). Usually, just starting fluid will get it going enough to seal the rings again. If it sits too long, this could happen.

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