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

A couple years ago when starting our Ariens ST524 for the season's first snow fall, I had a heck of a time trying to get it to run with the electric start (which never happens).  When it finally did start, the engine raced at several hundred rpm higher than normal.  It was turning so fast I thought for sure it was going to blow up.  The throttle control had no effect but luckily the key did.  I let it sit for a while as the foam dissapated from the oil and then proceeded to pull-start it.  It ran fine and I've been afraid to use the electric start ever since.  What would have caused the over-revving with the electric start?

Thanks!

My Guess it had nothing to do with  the electric start..  The engine throttle shaft most likely gummed up in a postion higher than idle...   Maybe not full speed, (thats why it was harder to start), but ungoverned throttle past idle..   This  will over-rev the engine if it 's without load, if the engine is placed under load in such a state it will die.. Mainly because the throttle can't open (because it is gummed up with fuel deposits) and the govener can't  react the throttle to maintain the speed..

It will likely run fine now.. or after a few minutes of stitting after running because of the dishwasher effecto the main nozzel has with fuel spray on the throttle shaft and plate..  This fuel spray has dissolved the gummy deposits and allowed the throttle to move more freely.

Good Luck,

Friiy

That makes sense, especially since I've never used a fuel stabilizer and it was the first start of the season.  Normally I run the fuel out of the system but if I remember right, I just shut it off that year.

Thanks for the help!