Snowblower engine help..

[Zack1978]

Hi everyone,
I am having a small issue with my older Sears snowblower. It is a large blower, with a big 4 stroke motor. The issue is that when it is running, it runs poorly. The engine seems to cycle as if it is going to stall out (well I don't think it will actually stall but that's what it sounds like) , and it backfires a bit as well. These issues are there with the machine warm, off choke, and full throttle. I assume that it is a carb issue, but I don't know what to check or look at... I did change the spark plug, but that did not help. The machine starts perfectly however, usually within two pulls.....it is odd!

Any ideas?


Thanks,
Zack

 

[john_eckels]

I would try to find a carb rebuild kit. The kit for mine was around $10. When you have it apart, take a can of carb cleaner and using the plastic hose, spray all the jets, passages, and any hole you can find.

 

[AJP]

I would try to find a carb rebuild kit.

+1

although I havent personally done a carb rebuild since fixing a 1965 Ford Fairlane carb many years ago. FWIW my little Honda 4 stroke weedwacker ran poorly .. would idle but had no revs... and the repair shop fixed it up like new by replacing hardened rubber (neoprene?) carb parts - or so I was advised. I was also told that some of the soft materials harden more rapidly over time due to exposure to ethanol which "used" to be minimal in fuel ... my opinion is likely your machine - which probably sits idle for 10 months of the year - is suffering a similar problem - at least I would start there first exactly as recommended by John.

 

[D'Animal]

How old is it?

Depending on the age it could be a few things.
It sounds like the points are worn or need readjusted.
The valves may need adjusted.
Or as John mentioned, it just needs the carburetor rebuilt.

 

[Zack1978]

How old is it?

Depending on the age it could be a few things.
It sounds like the points are worn or need readjusted.
The valves may need adjusted.
Or as John mentioned, it just needs the carburetor rebuilt.

I would say it is close to twenty years old......
I have never done a carb rebuild on any engine. I assume a small engine carb I s simple, but given the fact that it is the winter I would not want to mess up the rebuild.....


Zack

 

[Koffer]

Zack ,
You could get a new carb too , I just did this on my new to me https://forum.ih8mud.com/workshop-home-improvement/538302-30-power-washer.html

It was only $40 , I did rebuild the old carb and set it on the shelf for later . Most small engine shops are just replacing the carbs as the price has come down to the point its cheaper to replaced then rebuild with the labor rates now . Take it off spend an hour rebuilding , maybe too corroded to repair or just replace , cheaper then the labor and faster too

 

[Jetboy]

You may be able to order a new carb ready to go with a little tuning for around $50. More $ than a rebuild, but easy to throw on and go.

It's pretty hard to screw up a simple carb like these ones though. There's probably only about 10 parts total, although that would depend on your engine.

 

[Zack1978]

You may be able to order a new carb ready to go with a little tuning for around $50. More $ than a rebuild, but easy to throw on and go.

It's pretty hard to screw up a simple carb like these ones though. There's probably only about 10 parts total, although that would depend on your engine.

Yikes....Sears wants $96.44 for a new carb......I need to look around on the internet to see if I can one cheaper.


Zack

 

[Koffer]

Yikes....Sears wants $96.44 for a new carb......I need to look around on the internet to see if I can one cheaper.


Zack

What motor is on it ?
a B&S or a Tecumseh ? you maybe able to find it alot cheaper by using the Motor # and get it from a 3rd party . heres B&S web site if its one of them and it shows how to look up the parts for it Lawn Mower Parts & Small Engine Parts by Briggs & Stratton
You can always take it apart and see if you can clean it . If its not all corroded you can poss just rebuild it then , Cant break it any more