Older Craftsman snowblower running issue... (1 Viewer)

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I am having an issue with my Craftsman snowblower. The machine is a 2 stage blower , with a 26 inch cutting width .(http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...-equipment-Parts/Model-536886281/0247/1507200)


The issue is that at times the engine will bog down hard, almost to the point of stalling out while blowing snow. If I stop blowing snow, the engine will recover and return to normal, then I can proceed again. It does not matter how much snow you are blowing at the time when it happens, it it totally random. Other times the machine will blow the snow without any issues.....all within the same use period. I would also say that the idle is a bit "choppy".
The machine always starts perfectly fine, usually on the first pull. I was thinking there is a carb issue, but if so would it not do it at all times? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Zack

 

[wxm]

Hi everyone,
I am having an issue with my Craftsman snowblower. The machine is a 2 stage blower , with a 26 inch cutting width .(http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...-equipment-Parts/Model-536886281/0247/1507200)


The issue is that at times the engine will bog down hard, almost to the point of stalling out while blowing snow. If I stop blowing snow, the engine will recover and return to normal, then I can proceed again. It does not matter how much snow you are blowing at the time when it happens, it it totally random. Other times the machine will blow the snow without any issues.....all within the same use period. I would also say that the idle is a bit "choppy".
The machine always starts perfectly fine, usually on the first pull. I was thinking there is a carb issue, but if so would it not do it at all times? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Zack

Make sure the chute is clear from ice. If the auger could not move the snow, the engine will stale (suppose it a safety to prevent damage the gear.

 

[tag3]

I'm going with junk in the float bowl of the carb. My moto does the same after sitting awhile, rebuild and clean and runs fine.

 

[se2000]

I just replaced the carb on a 10 y.o. craftmans because the float stuck. The new one wasn't much more than a rebuild kit. And it went on and worked with no adjustments just in time to clear a foot of snow.

 

[Zack1978]

I picked it up this afternoon from the shop. The shop rebuilt and adjusted the carb and replaced the spark plug, all to the tune of $81.00.
When I got home I unloaded it, and let it run for a bit while I moved my trailer. It ran great for about the first ten minutes, then the problems returned. The engine is once again surging, and it is seemingly ready to stall. The exhaust also smells awful.
I will call the shop on Monday, but in advance what else could be going on? Are there any electrical parts that may fail?
This is a very frustrating problem!


Zack

 

[tag3]

Maybe the governor is not working properly. Sticking. It is like a rev limiter.

 

[Zack1978]

In my original post I mentioned that it only happened while blowing snow. Well that is not the case, it does it at regular idle while not under load. This situation is very odd.

Zack

 

[se2000]

That is part of why I got a new carb. How good a job did they do? Maybe spend the $30 and replace it yourself and maybe you are done with it. It is no the time of year to do without.
I spent 3 2hour shifts hand doing mine before I got the part. With the part on less than 2 hours for the entire job.

 

[Whileemptyheadsdream]

Sounds like a needle and seat Issue, under load you empty out the bowl before the vibration unsticks the needle. Bowl fills and cycle repeats itself. I also have solved this problem with the metering screws If seat is not sticky. It is common with these part time used gas engines,varnish is the enemy. Hope this helps.

 

[hkeller]

I had this happen on a snow blower I used last week that a friend let sit for three years with gas in it. There is an additive they make to remove the ethanol gel/varnish. I added this to the tank. Threw in a new spark plug, and had to drop the carb bowl and clean the carb with B-12 Chemtool 3 times. After that, it ran like a champ.

Edit: Here is the stuff I added to the gas - http://www.amazon.com/Star-Enzyme-Treatment-Formula-Engines/dp/B00EXIVUMM

 

[se2000]

I looked at my old one and the float was not moving freely. The hinge pin was wedged one side. Realigned and float works great. you could probably do this on the machine. Explains the surging.