I'm into my 4th season with this snowblower. It starts but when it runs the motor seems to oscillate rather than run at a steady rpm, especially with choke completely off. I have to turn the choke on 1 click out of the 4 or 5 to make it run somewhat smoothly. Is the fuel line starting to build up deposits and maybe starve the engine a bit? I put stabilizer in the can every time I buy gas for the blower or mower. Or, is this just to be expected with Briggs engines? I bought this particular blower because it was one of the few with a cast iron block. I think it's a 208cc, but I'd have to check. After how many hours is it time for some engine/carb adjusting/cleaning? I think I've used it about 40 hours.

Hey guys, I have an older Ariens snowblower with a Tecumseh engine, most likely from the seventies. I have use it a couple of times this year but when I did it would backfire at idle. the last time I tried to start it, it would not go. I talked to my boss who used to sell and service ariens and he said it sounded like the point and condenser. I took it all apart and went to change the points. the last guy had stripped the screw holding the points on, so I took the point plate off so I could put it in the vise. Needless to say I did not mark where the plate went on. I have put it back in relatively the right place but I can't be sure. I have the points gapped and cleaned and it still will not catch. When I pull the rope I get that one easy pull like it wants to go but it will not catch. I have had the flywheel off three or four times checking the points and I had to replace the recoil rope and the key in the crankshaft. I am tired of hitting my head up against the wall. Could you help me please. How critical is the point plate placement and how would I get it back where it should be. I don't have any fancy tools like a dial indicator and I need to get this thing running. Help please.