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

So with the first reports of snow falling north and west of the city I have the snow blower loaded in my fathers van ready to go to the dealer. Do I just have it serviced and continue to try and sell it (really dont want to invest more $$) or do I have them install the 11HP engine?

The dealer wants 120.00 + any parts to do the service. Now if they swap the shortblock this 120 gets washed away as they need to do an oil change, new plug, adjust belts, etc once they install the new engine block.

What do you think I should do?

Why don't you just tune it up YOURSELF. Check your belts or replace them YOURSELF.  Change your own oil.  Replace your own spark plug.  You will save allot of money.  If you are willing to spend $120, you can Replace all your belts. change your oil , replace your spark plug. And install clarence's impeller kit for less money.  It is not hard to do at all .  I'm sure everyone here can help you if you get stuck.  There are many u-tube videos too  It may take you 2 hours tops. Why give your money to the snow blower man.  You know how it ran last year. If you do the above i'm sure you will be impressed . You will be proud of yourself too .

I hear ya I am actually quit handy but the problem is it was running a bit rough last year. The last few weeks of the season I drained the gas out and put fresh gas in but the same thing. The other day I put some gas in for the first time with a new plug but it was the same......Plugs and oil are childs play....... but carb adjustments im lost! As far as belts go I probably could have done that as well but I figured let me get everything checked out......last season I ran a ton of crap over including the outdoor carpet which stopped the motor, about 25' of 10/3 extension cord & a 2lb steel ashtray which shut the motor down as well. A screw rattled loose on the black cover which covers the belt.........figured it couldnt hurt to get it checked out! Trust me I didnt want to cough over 120! As long as I dont run anything over this season this will be the last time this thing sees the dealer!

Do they make service manuals for theset things? Would like to know which carb screws adjust what, as well as how much tension should be in the belts........

True enough, they don't. But in the this snowpocalypse, I was clearing my driveway in the dark and we had no electric power for the postlamps.

I couldn't have moved  snow that night without the large powerful headlight on my Toro 826OE. It also lighted the whole yard as I chainsawed downed tree branches, and I aimed it into the garage when I needed to go in there.

Well, I suppose I could have struggled through with a Walmart headstrap light, but it would have been slow. I sure appreciate that big 250 cc powered halogen headlight now.

I don't look at a headlight as a gizmo, it's good for safety both for you and so people will see you in the dark. I also have reflective tape on the front lip of the bucket. Maybe I should put some on teh sides and back as well.....

Heated grips are a gizmo as is electric start.

Steve_Cebu wrote:

My neighbor has gizmo, heated grips on his MTD. Problem is; they are too hot to use, even with gloves!

And with proper storage and care, OPE will start on the first pull. So my electric starter cords make nice little extension cords for the house and shop.

Yes, the headlight is essential safety equipment, when motoring up the street in snowy conditions, to do my neighbor's drives.  I am considering wiring in a tail-light as well (using a motorcycle mirror arm) for rear visibility.