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!

Hi...

...and welcome to the OPE forum...!

If it is a vented gas cap... it's possible the vent hole was/is frozen over... bring it in to thaw... hairdryer...

Also... make sure there's enough gas in the tank... especially if the snowblower was on an incline...

Next... make sure the spark plug is not loose... and the spark plug wire is secure and not grounding out...

Finally... check all the "deadman" safety controls... properly adjusted...


Dave...

ryegge wrote:

Hi Ryegge,

I have the software and ability to make such a thing, however, this one was borrowed from Toro.  Didn't feel the need to reinvent the wheel.  Thanks.

WELCOME- Just a thought crossed my mind in the post above on drilling new vent holes:( not to be taken wrong please) but, be sure if you drill your cap..do it on a bench and not while it is on machine, filings..ect..    Gene 

Geno,

good suggestion, you hope people are smart enough to know that, but I know a few who would not know it.

Ryegge:

Here is my two cents worth...I don't think that your problem is with the gas cap.  I would look for the following:

1) Does you blower have a fuel filter? If so it might be clogged.

2) If it does not, perhaps some crap got carried up into the carburator and is plugging a passage.

3) I know I will hear some feedback on this one...Possibly the fuel line and tank has some water in it....A small amount of isopropyl fuel deicer might do the trick.

Does the blower start today?  Also, you did not mention this is it a new machine?  If so, you might want to just bring it back and let the mechanics mess with it.

bbwb

Hi Ryege-

 Loosen the fuel cap and see if it will keep running. If it does the vent was clogged, probably with ice. I would leave the cap alone. The clogging of the cap while running is a common occurence and easily cured by loosening. I RESPECTFULLY submit that drilling the cap will serve to alow more moisture to be absorbed into the tank . This is not a good thing. It is the reason that gas cans are sealed.

If your MTD has a Teumseh look under the gas tank for an inline fuel valve. You should make it a practice to close it after using the machine. That way the fuel can't drain into the carburetor if the float sticks. If it is Briggs powered the shut off is a lever on the carb shroud next to the other carb controls. Of course you will have to remember to turn it on the next time you use it which is something I always forget.

Marc  

there are no vent holes in any snow engines less than 20 years old...

there are however many problems with the tecumseh gas caps .we sell about 25 of them every year.

this year they changed the design on the new ones so maybe they will actually work.

the problem with them is that there is a little aluminum disc inside the cap that retains a rubber flap with 4 spaced notches in it there is also a small piece of sponge above the rubber.

the cap vents by using the threads of the tank,nice idea and it works until the aluminum disc falls off and the rubber and sponge fall in the tank.

if you dont notice it the engine will only run a few minutes and will quit every time .

look at the inside of the cap ,if the disc and rubber is there then you have another problem.

later chris

     

bbwb wrote:

Robert,

Sounds like a great suggestion to me

I would think when the snow melts around those holes that have been drilled, water will get into the tank.  Unless it is a very small hole, like a pin hole.  I haven't seen a drill bit that small.

In all of my years with the tecumseh engines, I have never had a problem with the gas cap.  My hunch is that something has blocked the fuel supply to the carb, such as float sticking, or a jet getting plugged.  By pushing the primer bulb and pressurizing the carburator bowl, indicates that fuel is not making up into the carb on its own.

Now for the stupid question, what is the fuel level in the tank?  If it low, and the blower is on an incline, it might have just plain run out of gas.

Many of the new tecumseh engines do not come with a fuel filter or fuel shut off.  It depends on the manufacturer of the blower and their specifications.  I had to add both to my blower.

bbwb

Thank you to all who responded to my original question.

Yes, it did turn out to be the gas cap. The cap that came with thesnowblower was missing the insert inside the cap. Once they gave me a new cap, it worked just fine. I am really glad as I had to use it last night for the new snowfall we received.

I had the same problem and posted here:

http://www.abbysguide.com/ope/discussions/7953-0-1.html

You'll likely find some presents consisting of an aluminum disc and other materials sloshing around in your tank.