New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

[SamalotCj]

My father was running our new Craftsman snowblower for the first time this season after buying it. It was running lousy he says (not sure what that means). It had 2 month old fuel in it, and I told him that was most likely the cause. He ran it a while more (ugh) until it was almost out of fuel, then filled it with fresh gas.

After a few more minutes, it began to run lousy again, then stalled suddenly. We could only start it by holding WOT until it started to kick over, then immediately close the throttle.

After a few more times, it just wouldn't start again. I took the carburetor off and cleaned it, checked for spark, and took a fuel sample. Everything seemed fine.

However, I feel that the spark may be took weak, because it will backfire when trying to start it sometimes, and starting fluid doesn't have any different affect on it.

ALL input is encouraged! Thank you.

Chris

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

This is a brand new snowblower?? Take it back. I can't really think of a reason a new B&S would do that. Is there a fuel cutoff valve? All the way open? Is there snow, ice, around the air intake? It could either be restricting the airflow or melting and getting pulled into the engine. 2mo. old gas shouldn't be the problem unless it had water in it. Good luck.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

My guess is the keyway might be starting to shear and it is throwing the timing off. Craftsman? Take it right back to Sears..... they have a very liberal policy on returns.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

Sounds like the flywheel key is sheared. There is nothing wrong with 2 month old gas. A weak spark can cause it to run poorly but it WILL run if there is spark, fuel, and compression. (at the right time) The flywheel key determines the ignition timing, and if that's off it will cause poor running, followed by no starting, and backfiring.

More importantly, if it's 2 months old, it still has a warranty, so let someone else deal with it.

 

[SamalotCj]

Re: New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

My concern is that they may not accept it, if they can deduce that I took the carburetor apart. Regardless of my familiarity with them.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

Sears will take it back. You're allowed to take the carb. off.

 

[SamalotCj]

Re: New Snowblower no-start, 8hp Briggs&Strat Engine!!!

Great, thanks for everyones help.