MTD snowblower won't start

I've got an 8 HP MTD snowblower w/electric start. This summer I started it without a problem and let it run for about 5 minutes. I shut it off and put it back inside. Now, it won't start. It doesn't even give any indication of firing. I changed the spark plug and it has what I think is a good spark when I took it out, grounded it and checked. I don't think it is getting any gas into the cylinder. I thought maybe I could spray a little starting fluid in the carb. But I guess it doesn't have one. At least I couldn't find one. Anyone have any ideas for me?

 

Please post all of the engine numbers so we know what we are working with. All engines have carburators. Begin by draining all gas from gas tank and replacing with fresh fuel from pump not your can. You can remove spark plug and spray some starter fluid in hole, replace plug and attempt to start. Report back results. Do you have a gas shut off under your tank? If so be sure it is open.

 

It's a Tecumseh 8HP. Model # HMSK80 55545U (H) 6208R.
I tried what you suggested without any luck. I did notice quite a bit of rust on the flywheel(?), where the pull starter is. It is getting spark, though. Also, it wouldn't fire with the starter fluid.
Thanks for your help.

 

Rust on flywheel should not be an issue. Try removing spark plug and putting small amount of gas in spark plug hole (tsp) replace plug and see if it starts for a moment. If it does the problem is with your carburator. It will need to be cleaned and/or rebuilt.

If it does not start with gas in the cylinder and spark then you have a compression issue. I doubt this is the case if it ran fine last time used before storage. My bet is on carb, but try the gas and be sure throttle is not in stop position which would ground coil and prevent spark.

 

I tried putting some gas in the plug hole and it will run for about a second and then die. I did this 5 or 6 times and it started each time, but it only runs about a second.

 

This concurs that the problem is with you carburator. It needs to be cleaned/rebuilt. A rebuild kit is $12-$20. Not rocket science but need some mechanical ability and preferably an air compressor.

Let us know if you would like to tackel it and we can give some advice. Looking at $75-$100 in a shop

 

What do I need to do to clean it? I can give it a try. If all else fails I can then take it to someone for the big bill.
Thanks for all your help....

 

I finally figured out where the carb is at. I was confused because it doesn't have a breather on it..... I took the bowl off and sprayed everything inside and out really good with carb cleaner and eventually got it started. It took a while for it to run ok, though and after it sits a few hours I have to spray carb cleaner into it again to start it. It came in handy clearing the 14 inches of snow we got Monday night. I'll tackle tearing it apart later.
Thanks for all your help. I really appreciated it.

 

I would never, never use carb cleaner on these little carbs because it will eat the seals.

I would suggest the following:
Remove the main jet on the bottom of the bowl. On the side of the nut is a tiny metering pinhole. Use a tiny wire to make sure this hole is clear. It oftens clogs up after the machine has sat for several weeks; months.
The bowl itself will likely stay in place after removing the nut. Gently remove the bowl from the gasket and observe if the float inside drops when the bowl is removed. If the float drops, the bowl fills with fuel OK. If the bowl does not drop, the fuel inlet valve is stuck. Gently pull the float down a bit until it frees up then put the bowl back on and install the nut. Do not over tighten. Screw the jet all the way in, then back it out 1 1/2 turns. That should get you started and you can fine tune after the engine is running again.

On the side of the carb is a small idle jet. Remove the jet and spray WD-40 into the inlet under full pressure. This should clear the idle bore, most of the time. Install the idle jet all the way in, then back out 1 1/2 turns. This should give you decent idle until you can fine tune with the engine running.

Everybody has their own history of experience. For myself, 19 out of 20 snowblowers non-starts is due to lack of fuel. (If it fires with a tablespoon of gas directly into the spark plug hole, that proves the ignition is fine; the problem is lack of fuel).

The above is the procedure I use to restore fuel flow to and through the carb.

 

Regular automotive spray-type carb cleaner won't hurt the carb or seals. I suggest using it, but to each his own.

 

Saddlebum13 - I recently had similar problem - Had to replace carbeurator seat and needle. Service manual can be found at: http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf

Good Luck

 

I now have an understanding of what is not happening with it and what I can do to correct it. I've learned a lot in the last week or so.
Everyone, thanks for all the help.

 

Snowblower wouldn't start after last winter, just shoved it in the inlaws barn, backyardwonders carb advice did the job.

It had fresh gas, no gas line blockage and started with a little gas in the spark plug. A google search later and I found this post and backyardwonder's

The idle jet tube was blocked I think as the WD40 did the job. Thanks buddy, I also now know how a carburetor works!Beer 4U2

 

I'm you got it going.

I have the same engine. A few years ago, I had trouble keeping it running. I found that the primer tubing had cracked and affected the carb operation.

 

I had the snow blower running but I did tilt it going off the side of the driveway. Now it won't start again. I don't know if I flooded the carb. Should I wait a while before trying to restart it.

 

Hello,

My neighbor recently gave me a older model Yardworks snowblower . It was left outside all last summer uncovered .
I tried to pull it over but it was extremely hard and the cord only goes back in half way . Just wondering how to proceed , besides the obvious changing of gas/oil/plug etc...Thanks

 

Just about all the sugestions in this thread should get your machine going, as for the recoil, remove it, ethier by itself, or if it is rivited to the fan shroud, take off the shroud. If you are lucky. a little liquid wrench or a couple drops of oil on the center mounting of the spring and rope assy, and work it back and forth, by hand or with the pull rope, you might be able to free it up. Also check the dogs that engauge the flywheel, make shure thier'e free.
Sid