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

Hello Everyone,

I purchased a 8HP Murray snowblower about threer weeks ago. I really like the features and how it handles. With the cab I added, it is really warm even in our harsh cold and wind up here in NE Wisconsin.

Last night when I went out to blow the 9 inches of snow we received, the blower ran for about ten minutes then just shut down. I could get it started with a couple of pumps of the choke and a single pull. It would then run for about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, then shut down again. After trying this for an hour, I ended up shoveling!!

Anyone have any ideas what is causing this?

Thanks!

First of all, welcome to the forum!

About the shutdown, check the gas cap to make sure it is venting properly. I have had this exact same thing accure many times and this has been the solution or, the problem depending on how you look at it. It could be something else also but check that first.

Thanks, that would be easy. How do I know if it venting properly? Do you think I tightened it too much?

I'm not familiar with the exact cap on it but, being new it's possible it's just defective or it could be plugged up. I guess it would be possibler to have them too tight but I think you would really have to put the hammer on it for that to be the case. Loosen it up real good or just remove it and see if it continues to screw up, if so, that's not the problem.

Thanks Marshall, I will try that after work today.

Also, if you have a gas shut off valve, make sure that is fully open.

Marshall wrote:

I am pretty sure I looked all over for a shut off valve and could not find one. It was dark so I will check in daylight today.

 Ryegge,

Welcome to the forum!!!

Also, you might want to check that your fuel line is not pinched or has a kink in it.

                                                                                                   Fred 

About the gas cap one thing that I did on mine is drilling 2 small hole on the side on the cap and I did took off the seal inside with a plastic one and did  more hole in it so I'm sure when I blow when It's snowing that If snow falls on the top of the cap it still have venting from the side

Goo Luck

ryegge wrote:

Hi Ryegge,

Welcome. 

When you mention you could get it restarted by a few pumps of the choke, I assume you mean the primer bulb.  Whether you are manipulating the choke or primer, neither of these should need to be touched on a warmed up engine.  If you find after checking the gas cap and the problem persists, take a look in the fuel tank with a flashlight and see if anything is floating around in there.  Try to rock the machine if possible when looking.  As someone else mentioned, see if you can check the fuel hose.  Usually they are routed inbetween the engine and tank itself, and certainly can get kinked if installed incorrectly.  Were you able to contact the dealer about this? 

Wow, thanks for all the advice. Sure seems like the problems may be the gas cap. I did look at the cap when I was home for lunch and I noticed it did not have any sort of seal, it was just hard plastic screwing onto hard plastic. I am wondering if something is missing.

I could not try it with the cap off, or look for pinched wires, as I was dressed for work, so I will try those things after work.

Yes, I meant the bulb that I pumped. Makes sense that a warm engine should not need it.

"Richie" I like the animated Toro snowblower in your message!