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

Can you help ?

I had to replace the shear bolt on the impeller shaft and did so by tiling the blower fully up on its front end.

I noticed later that afternoon that it was slowly leaking gas from somewhere near the carbuerator.

I turned off the gas value and ran it till it stopped thinking that all the gas was used up.

Later today I again noticed a gasoline smell and think it was still coming from the bottom of the carbuerator.  There is a small spring loaded button on the bowl, I pushed the button and a small amount of gas came out - I think it was coming from there.  I think this is to allow someone to fully drain the bowl?

It's never done that before - any thoughts on why it started leaking and how I might fix it (if it's that push pin) or do you think it might be something else?  Your help would be most appreciated.

Why don't you run your snowblower for about 10-15 min and let it fully warm up.  Please do this outside so you don't get CO poisoning.  I think everything should be okay tomorrow as you are seeing residual gas from the tilt during your shear bolt change.  Let us know how it goes.

Do as MN Runner says.  Chances are that the fuel you're smelling is residual. 

Next time you tilt the machine, turn the fuel valve off, run the engine until it stops.  That will drain the carb.   leave the fuel valve closed until you're finished working on the machine and turn it back on before you use it again. 

Thanks everyone ....  I'll be travelling for a few days and will do as you suggested on Thursday.  I'll post the results.

By the way, the impeller belt was slipping and I found that there was a second mounting point for the idler pulley.  So I moved the idler pulley to the cl;oser in slot and it no longer slips.  I've ordered a replacement belt, but they seem to be on back order everywhere.  I love this machine !!

I was very lucky.  I previously had a Toro 5 HP - it lasted about 20 years and then the worm gear failed.  I found this one on Craigs List last year, a guy was selling it for his father who couldn't handle it any longer - it was a few years old and in perfect condition - $450.00 I think was a bargain !!

Perfect !!  I ran the machine for about 10 minutes.  Shut it down and "voila" No Leak !!   Thanks for your expert advice !!  Marty

It's always a good idea to turn off that gas valve every time you are done using the machine.  Ever wonder why there are so many garage fires?