Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I got an older ariens snowblower last year with a tecumseh engine (7 hp, model is H70). At the start of the winter, it started with one pull after choking and priming. As the winter wore on, it got harder and harder to start, then the last time I used it, it wouldnt start. I've reviewed some forums and found that the culprit was likely the carb, so I took off the bowl, there was no residue and the holes on the screw looked fine. Put it away for the summer and am back at it. I noticed this time when I took off the carb, there was no fuel in it, and when I push the primer I hear air and no fuel comes into the carb. I think the fuel line must be plugged up, but I'm not sure about how to fix it, besides taking the line off the carb on one end and pulling a new line to the fuel tank. Is that it? Also, how does the primer inject fuel into the carb and do I need to do anything with that when I replace the fuel line? THanks.

The primer is a small squeeze bult that squirts gas into the carburettor every time you squeeze it. If you squeeze it too often you flood the carburettor and you have too much gas and too little air.

You didn't mention if you emptied the tank from last year as part of putting it away. You could also have used gasoline stabilizer.

Fresh gas is a good idea, check to see if there is any spark. Make sure the "ignition switch" is working.

Gasoline drying in the carburettor leaves a varnish like coating that causes problems. If that is the problem then you need to clean out the carburetor or replace it. cleaning cn either be by using so clled carburetor cleaner solution which if you are lucky will clean things out once you dump it in the gas. I have a hunch they work best when the engine can be made to run a bit. The other cleaning option is disassembly, part cleaning and replacement.

If you are going to replace the fuel line, replace the line and filter in the gas tank as well.

Good luck.