My 5 hp Sears snowblower (model 536886440 - engine 143015005 Tecumseh, although it says Craftsman) wouldnt start, so I replaced the spark plug and then took apart and cleaned the carburetor. I left old gas in so figured that was the problem.

When I reassembled the carb tonight and tried to start, the pull cord was almost impossible to pull, and then oil (not gas, but straight up black engine oil) started coming from the top of the carb, from the tube that the choke valve opens and closes at the end. Sorry I dont know the official name for these parts, as this is the first time I have ever attempted engine repair.

I had the snowblower almost upside down for a couple of days from when I took the carb parts off until when I replaced them today, so I assume something bad happened during that time and the oil leaked into somewhere that it shouldnt.

Any ideas why the pull cord might have seized up and where the oil is coming from or how I can stop it?

Assume these are related and sorry for amateur hour - but could really use help before the next storm arrives.

 

When you turn an engine upside down oil will get into the carb through the vent line for the crankcase. You should be able to clean it with a carb cleaner spray into the carb, while you crank over the engine with the spark plug removed. After 10 or 20 pulls it should be clear enough to try to start it, if not you might have to clean the carb again. Check the oil level in the crankcase also.
Sid

 

Thanks for the reply - would the fact that the oil has drained out of the normal repository also be the reason it is so hard to pull the crank right now? If I refill that to the appropriate level, should the pull cord get easier again?

 

You need to do what sidny said. Pull the plug and flush the cylinder with starting fluid to dry it up. It is likely hard to roll the engine through because the cylinder has oil in it and cannot roll through.

Networker

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