Clay

Paul7 wrote:

I have another snow thrower that I did consider for a while.  This is my next unit.  Now just to find a place to park it???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exBrz5aQ9Hg

I started this thread on Jan 7th last year but haven't check in this whole season.  The reason why I haven't checked in is that the machine is running so well I haven't had any issues.  It is a true brute.  Some of you might not remember but I first bought a Craftsman unit, then an Ariens and finally ended up with the John Deere all within a few weeks.  The JD is a keeper.  It's been fun to read through the posts that I have missed and see the mods that have been done to the machines and how everyone is enjoying their machine.  If I had to do it all over again the JD would still be my machine of choice. 

Rick

While I'm not a mechanic and my very basic idea on gas engines consists of spark, gas and air there are people on here that have a very good understanding of engines - much better than I and they will know where to go next.  At least you moved forward in the fact finding mission.  Something simple is make sure that the spark plug wire is fully seated at both ends.  Just guessing but it could be as simple as a new wire or spark plug.  I think that these engines have magnetos but now I am getting out of my comfort zone.  You are farther ahead than you were this morning.  Sorry that I can't be more of a help.  You could also find an on line manual for your specific engine and check the trouble shooting section of that manual.  Some one here more talented than I will give you a push in the right direction soon.  Good luck to you.

Sometimes the spark is tough to see that's why I said take it in a dim area like your garage and don't try it in direct sun light.  You sometimes have to give it a place to spark too.  Clean up the spark plug with some sandpaper or scrap the carbon off of it with a utility knife.  After you reconnect the spark plug wire, place the spark plug next to a metal object so that you can see the spark.  Note:  Don't hold on to the plug wire unless you want to get zapped harder than you think that a snow thrower will zap you.  Don't ask how I know.

If you have spark that is half the battle.  Knock them off or your list one by one to see what the problem is.  Even if you can't see a spark, clean the plug, get some starting fluid and give it a try.

There is a safety key on the unit that needs to be in place before it will run.  Make sure that it is positioned properly.  Might sound funny, but many problems with electrical devices can be solved by asking if the unit is plugged in. 

After that it is a matter of 3 things, spark, fuel and air.

Remove the spark plug, reconnect the spark plug wire in a dim spot and turn it over.  Do you have spark?

If yes, get some spray starter fluid.  Spray into the spark plug open hole and replace the spark plug and turn it over.  It might run here, but if it continues to die you might have an issue with fuel delivery.  Make sure that you are getting gas into the carb and that the gas is fresh. 

Remove air filter and replace if you haven't in a while. 

Many times you can get some carb cleaner and spray the carb and it will clean up the varnish deposits.  Next time you store it.  Store is dry (run it out of gas) or put stabil in the tank.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.