jagr

the angle of the plug in place does not allow enough room for a socket  beneath the side of the tank. The tank def. has to be loosened to get a plug wrench in place.

I never thought of rust as that brown lube or oil was present right from when I bought the unit new.

I'l changed the fuel and see what happens. Then the plug if need be.

Thanks again..

thanks for taking the time to reply....

I tried the two links but they don't seem to be active.

I already have the owners manual for my blower. What I'm searching for, is some info from a shop manual as to tank removal to get at the spark plug.  I tried to get a shop/service manual from an Ariens dealer but couldn't get one.

It seems an awkward design to have to remove the gas tank just to change plugs. 

From what I've read these blowers seem to have a good rep for durability.

I had a few issues with bolts coming loose when I first got it. Also my wheels always seem to be oozing a brown lubricant from the outside hub after every use. Not sure if this is normal or possibly a seal leak.

I took a chance and spent more on this brand as most others seemed to have a lot of plastic parts ( chute, levers etc)

I guess time will tell, but for now I just what to get this problem over with.

I'm hoping that changing the plug will solve the backfire and loss of power issue. I'm hoping it's not the motor.

Thanks again ,

Jim

I'm new here and trying to figure out what the heck happened to my blower.

Today was our first big snow of the season, and I had just finished changing the oil.

Fresh gas and away I went. After awhile the engine started to back fire then would quit after a bit. I let it sit for awhile but it is still doing it.

I do remember tilting the blower upwards at quite an angle when it was running to get it over the bank. Could the plug be fouled ??

I wanted to check the plug but it seems I've got to take the fuel tank off to get a socket in at the proper angle.

Final question....  is ther any online locations to access a service manual for this unit ??

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jim

Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia