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

Hello all,

So i purchased an almost new (like 4 months old) Ariens Deluxe 30 for only $500 this weekend from someone. It's vitually in perfect shape with almost no signs of wear.   Downside, can't get it to start.  I think it's because the starting key is missing.  Can someone tell me what this key is suppose to look like?  The slot for the key isn't a normal slot I shaped slot.  Instead, it looks like a capital I (or I guess a wide "H" on it's side) shaped slot (see below for crude illustration).  It's currently in the "up/verticle" position.  The engine is a Briggs and Stratton Snow Series 1450.  Can someone help me out and tell what this key is suppose to look like?  Does anyone know of anything like a key with an I shape?  I think that's all it will take to start the engine but not sure.

If no one knows, is there a way to open up the cover and change the position of the switch/key so that I can start the machine anyways?

Thanks in advance for your help.

midfi

Shape and position of slot:

XXXXXXXXXX

          X

          X

          X

          X

          X

XXXXXXXXXX

Please see the manual per

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/5f/5fbfd1b3-ccb5-4955-b614-cf9b3172828a.pdf

We will need to buy an ignition key that is on the engine (see page 15/42).  It is possible that Homedepot may sell a spare key or call Ariens.

Take some photos near your engine so we can see.

The key either opens or closes a circuit.  Take a look under the housing where the key goes and pull the wires.  Should be two of them.  Try to fire it up with the wires off and not contacting each other.   If it doesn't fire up, connect the wires together and try again.  It will have to work one way or the other.

If it is missing just the key and you got it for $500 - way to go!  Nice deal.

Here's what my key looks like if you can't do the hot-wire thing.  We share the same owner's manual, page GB - 15.  Maybe the key is the same style too.

Wow that is a great deal.  Sounds like too great a deal, almost like it could be a stolen unit, did you get a B.O.S or some kind of proof of purchase?

Mike

 Hey guys, thanks for your responses.   Here are some pictures of the blower and the key slot.  NOTMUCHMONEY, it looks like a different slot than the one on your machine.  Can you please let me know if yours looks like this?  I think the reason this machine was so cheap is because there is a very messy divorce/restraining order involved.  It was originally $900, I made a deal for $700, then said $500 once it wouldn't start.  The machine looks like it was barely used, just some scratches, VERY small rust spots here and there, but still a beautiful machine!

Thanks!

midfi

Having trouble posting a  picture, how do you do that here?  I don't get the standard "browse" when trying to post a picture...

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=6102571009/PictureID=309553840009/a=54605288_54605288/

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=6102571009/PictureID=309553841009/a=54605288_54605288/

http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/slideshow/AlbumID=6102571009/PictureID=309553842009/a=54605288_54605288/

Here you go, two close-ups at a better angle.

midfiman wrote:

Thanks for posting your pictures!  I couldn't get the pictures to post so I added three links above.  I hope that you guys can see these!  As you can see, the slot is quite different than yours.  Strange!  I would have thought the engine on the Deluxe 28/30 would be almost the same if not identical...

I have your type of key needed for the Deluxe 30.

Thanks Britmti, I appreciate you taking the time to put the pictures up.  Do you know if I should just go into an Ariens dealer and ask for that, or is there part number I should ask for?  I don't have the manuals with this purchase, otherwise I would just look up the part number and order.

Thanks!

midfi

Don't know how these new ones work but in the older Tecunseh models the key inserted kept a set of contacts open so the engine would run. When you pulled the key the contacts closed and shorted the coil to the block preventing spark from reaching the plug. I've replaced some with switches on my Tecumsehs. Not sure where the connections are on the BS engines.

So, i'll be picking up the key today.  Looks like the local dealer near me has it!

I'm very excited hoping that this is all that's needed to get this blower up and running!  That being said, I'm assuming that the following method should be used to start it:

1.  Check to make sure gas/oil is good to go

2.  Turn the infamous key to the starting position (to it's side)

3.  Push the primer 3-4 times

4.  Set the choke to the choke position

5.  Set the engine speed level to slow (or fast, not sure about this one...?)

6.  Pull the cord or press the electric start button

Then what?  If the engine speed bar is on low, do I slowly move it over to fast, or should I first move the choke lever over to run first and then do that?

Then I'm assuming to turn it off I just slide the engine speed lever over to STOP, yes?

And the only difference on a warm engine is that there's no need to choke, yes? 

Thanks again guys.

midfi

You can get the manual online from Ariens.

BriMtl wrote:
http://apache.ariens.com/manuals/04135800_ENG.pdf

Thank you, appreciate the help.

I have an Ariens Platinum 24 from last year and I start it with the throttle full on.  When the engine catches, I back off a tiny bit on the throttle..  About the same time I have to turn my choke down a click.  Even on the cold days, full choke seems to be too rich for the engine. I let it run only 30 seconds or so before I go back to full throttle and zero choke.

Even after the engine is fully warm, I can't back off the throttle too much or the engine turns off.  I'd say, if the throttle slides a total of 3 inches (and full power is full right on the throttle), if you back it up an inch or so the engine turns off.

BTW, you are supposed to run these engines at full throttle whenever you're blowing snow or even having it motor along without the augers spinning.

amazer98 wrote:

Thanks for the heads up.  Yeah, I got home, inserted the key and it fired right up just like new!  I ran it on full throttle while blowing snow and it was great.  All I have left is slush and it was throwing it at least 25'.  I can only imagine what it will do with powder!

I turned down the throttle while it was just sitting for a few and it purred like a loud kitten!

Wow, $500 (plus $2 for the key) for a 4 month old Ariens Deluxe 30.  I'd say I got a steal of a deal!!!

midfiman wrote:
Oh yeah, that's right!  I forgot to say YOU SUCK!!  Heckuva gloat!

...just wait til you find out it was stolen!

amazer98 wrote:

Eh doesn't matter to me!  I have a bill of sale from the person I bought it from.  I'm innocent I tells ya!  I doubt it's stolen.  It has some little nicks here and there and very very very minor rust spots that show it was definately used.  i believe the people who sold it to me.