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!

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