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!

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