MTD snowblower ?'s
#1
12-16-16, 05:05 PM
MTD snowblower ?'s
I'm working with an MTD 31A-2M1A762 snowblower. Trying to get it running for my girl, right now it wont start. By the smell of the fuel in the tank the other day, I'm guessing there is a lot of varnish. Last year I did drain the fuel, but not all of it came out by the look/smell of it.
My plan is to do the basics, check the plug, take the bowl off the carb and try to clean it up as much as I can, new fuel, etc. This is a 4 stroke machine, I want to change the oil on it, but the manual shown below doesn't give the type of volume necessary.
I'd like to find an engine manual and a manual for the machine. I found one, but it is more like an unpacking manual.
Does anyone have any luck with these machines? So far I'm not a big fan, but this specific one hasn't been cared for so well. I did use it last year, but it did not work very well.
Outdoor Power Equipment Parts: Use the Part Finder Tool from MTD
My plan is to do the basics, check the plug, take the bowl off the carb and try to clean it up as much as I can, new fuel, etc. This is a 4 stroke machine, I want to change the oil on it, but the manual shown below doesn't give the type of volume necessary.
I'd like to find an engine manual and a manual for the machine. I found one, but it is more like an unpacking manual.
Does anyone have any luck with these machines? So far I'm not a big fan, but this specific one hasn't been cared for so well. I did use it last year, but it did not work very well.
Outdoor Power Equipment Parts: Use the Part Finder Tool from MTD
#4
12-17-16, 08:11 AM
Group Moderator
I have had an MTD snowblower for about 15 years-ish. I have never had any problems with it although mine is a larger 2 stage model with a Tecumseh motor.
It looks like you may be able to get a whole new carb for it for about $25 https://www.amazon.com/Stens-520-850.../dp/B009S9AJ3M if you don't want to take the time to clean it.
It looks like you may be able to get a whole new carb for it for about $25 https://www.amazon.com/Stens-520-850.../dp/B009S9AJ3M if you don't want to take the time to clean it.
#6
12-17-16, 01:52 PM
It is quite clear to me why this thing doesn't run now.
Holy cow, smells like a can of Min Wax urethane, choke blade moves, other than that, nothing.
Plug is black....
I know pretty much nothing about carbs, but I do know the throttle blade and linkages need to move.
The auger is beat, paddles and shot, I think it has seen better days.
But, I just want to get it to run again just to see if I can...
Holy cow, smells like a can of Min Wax urethane, choke blade moves, other than that, nothing.
Plug is black....
I know pretty much nothing about carbs, but I do know the throttle blade and linkages need to move.
The auger is beat, paddles and shot, I think it has seen better days.
But, I just want to get it to run again just to see if I can...
#7
12-17-16, 03:29 PM
I saw that carb for sale as well, I figure I can try to clean it today and see what happens.
If it works, then I can run a tank of fuel through it.
If my cleaning attempt doesnt work, then I may try a new carb, or just get a new blower.
I think this one needs guides, paddles, etc..etc...
Might be better off to start over.
If it works, then I can run a tank of fuel through it.
If my cleaning attempt doesnt work, then I may try a new carb, or just get a new blower.
I think this one needs guides, paddles, etc..etc...
Might be better off to start over.
#9
12-17-16, 06:21 PM
Yeah, I took the carb off and it was really a wreck. I did clean it up quite a bit and did what I could. Put a new plug in it as well. When I put it together again, it doesn't fire off when pulling to start. I used starting fluid down the throat of the carb and it will fire, so that tells me it isn't getting fuel still.
I took it down again, and removed the bowl to expose the float, the bowl is full, and with the float being exposed it does fill correctly. So, I'm guessing that the problem is that the fuel is not getting from the bowl to where it needs to go. I need to figure out what is in there keeping it from flowing. It is a Mogwai or something carb...
I took it down again, and removed the bowl to expose the float, the bowl is full, and with the float being exposed it does fill correctly. So, I'm guessing that the problem is that the fuel is not getting from the bowl to where it needs to go. I need to figure out what is in there keeping it from flowing. It is a Mogwai or something carb...
#11
12-17-16, 07:45 PM
Group Moderator
I'm sure the jet is clogged. When cleaning carbs I will soak them in cleaner and then blast them with compressed air to clean the little holes out.
That is a nice manual. Good find!
That is a nice manual. Good find!
#13
12-18-16, 04:01 PM
I dug a little deeper last night since I had that manual to reference. Most of the jets in my carb are gunked up and closed. I am going to take them to work tomorrow and try to use compressed air, and maybe soak them in the ultrasonic cleaner and see what happens.
#14
12-19-16, 06:52 PM
It runs!
After cleaning the carb and whatever tiny tiny holes I could find on it.
Stuck the carb in the ultrasonic cleaner for just a few minutes with alconox, which is fairly corrosive.
But, stuck it back together and then on the blower tonight.
One pull, no primer, fires right up....
I guess now I can put it all back together and see if it will move snow.
Hopefully it will do the job just for the next few months.
After cleaning the carb and whatever tiny tiny holes I could find on it.
Stuck the carb in the ultrasonic cleaner for just a few minutes with alconox, which is fairly corrosive.
But, stuck it back together and then on the blower tonight.
One pull, no primer, fires right up....
I guess now I can put it all back together and see if it will move snow.
Hopefully it will do the job just for the next few months.
