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

Hi

I've got an old snowblower that will not start even though we emtied all old gas from it , checked the spark-plug- ignition! and the new gas entered the carburettor but obviously not the cylinder why it didn't start. The snow blower is old but not much used 3-4 winters and for two years ago there was no problem whatsoever.

It is an ARIENS ST 504 motornumber HS 50670080 and serialnumber 93338.

We got a tip to change the diaphragm but does anyone know anything else we can do. The snow is coming in Sweden and I don't like showelling.

Trouts:

I use Varsol (paint thinner).  It doesn't perform miracles but with a bit of Varsol and a toothbrush, it cleans carb parts quite well and it's not expensive.  I prefer low odour Varsol.  Regular stuff is very strong smelling.  If I'm going to clean a carb, I drop the whole thing into a coffee can and just cover the carb in Varsol to let it sit for a while.  I clean the crud off of the exterior first then take the carb apart.  I go through every jet, gallery and orifice with a very, very thin piece of copper wire, give them a shot of WD-40 then compressed air.  Works perfect every time.  I have yet to even have to install a carb kit.  If you don't tear a gasket, the carb should go right back together and work as good as new.   

Hi Stig,

How are you? All of us want to know how you made out. Did you get it running?

FROM TECUMSEH MANUAL

 Fuel Recommendations

Today’s fuels have a short shelf life and it is recommended you buy no more than a two week supply at a time.

SHORT TERM STORAGE

TecumsehPower recommends using ULTRA-FRESH or Fuel Saver Plus Gasoline Stabilizer plus Fuel System Cleaner as an acceptable method of minimizing formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. This product is available from your Authorized TecumsehPower Servicing Dealer.

Always follow mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Failure to do so may result in equipment damage.

It is not necessary to drain stabilized gas from carburetor.

FUEL TREATMENT

1. Add fuel stabilizer according to manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach carburetor.

3. Instead of using a fuel preservative/stabilizer, you can empty the fuel tank as described under "Extended Storage”.

 FROM MY JOHN DEERE RIDING MOWER MANUAL

 Storing Engine:  Use TY6295 John Deere Gasoline Storage Stabilizer or equivalent in fuel tank.  Follow directions on can. Gasoline storage stabilizer must be used when storing riding mower to prevent carburetor varnishing and partial plugging of carburetor jets. Either of these conditions could cause the engine to run lean and result in piston seizure and engine failure.