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

I purchased a 9 HP Craftsman snowthrower 2 weeks ago. I filled it with fresh gas, added oil, and did not get the expected snow. I just started it up today, had smoke coming out of the muffler area and a strong smell. I checked the oil and it appears to be gummed up for lack of a better word. This is my first snow blower, just want to ensure everything is ok prior to using. Expecting snow tonight.

Thanks

  Is this a brand new machine or a used machine?  If it's used,  It's not unusual for an engine to smoke a bit  when it is started after a period of sitting.  The age of the oil has nothing to do with the engine smoking at start up.  New oil burns just as well as old oil.  If the engine smokes just on start up, that's not an issue.  If it smokes all the time, keep your fingers crossed.  It might be on it's last legs.  If this is a used machine that is new to you, change the oil and the fuel.  You have no idea how old it is.  I'd put in fresh oil and gas and couple ounces of Seafoam into the fuel tank.  Let us know how it goes.