fabianfledge

We have an eight year old Ariens at work that does the same thing.  We took it to the dealer for a tune up in the fall and told them about the primer bulb.  They said it is supposed to do that.  I don't believe that for one minute, and immediately decided I wouldn't take my snowblower to that dealer.  I tend to agree with the stuck float diagnosis.

It could be possible that moisture got into the float bowl area when your father in law turned the gas off and ran it dry.

If I had to do it all over again I would probably looked for an older Ariens and spend the money to rebuild it.  It would probably still be cheaper then the $1600 I paid for my 926PRO.  I bought the Pro because it was supposed to be "built like Ariens used to build them" but that is not the case.  It does appear like everything else....they don't make them like they used too.

brjl,

  My model number is 926004 and has the techumseh engine.  It was a one piece baffle.

Paul7,

  Mine has the techumseh and has the same problem.   Ariens makes baffle kits for Briggs and Techumseh equipped blowers. It just doesn't sound like the Tecumseh blowers happen as frequently as the Briggs machines.  My drive systems acted up on mine three times in about 20 snow blowing sessions this season so far.  A lot of it depends on what type of snow you are blowing , and if it gets all over the snow blower while you are doing it.  I am hopeful this is the fix I have been waiting for.

I installed the kit today.  It wasn't difficult.  I just have to wait for snow to see if it works.  It may take several blowing sessions to determine if it is fixed,  but I will post back to let you know.