Snow blower won’t start after sitting or running issues with your machine? Chances are it’s a dirty carburetor. Follow my quick & steps on how to clean the carburetor on a snowblower.
Without a carburetor, a snow blower engine will not start (even if you follow the correct starting procedure) as it provides the engine with the air and fuel mixture. Cleaner carburetors mean better performance on your snow blower.
So, let’s get going with how to clean a snowblower carburetor.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Snowblower Carburetor Cleaning
Before you attempt any DIY mechanics or maintenance it is important that you refer to your handbook. Although all carburetors do the same job, they can differ in each model and type of snow blower, so get to know your machine.
When To Clean Your Snow Blower Carburetor: Signs To Look Out For
Below I have listed a few of the symptoms that may show when a carburetor is dirty or clogged.
- Starting the engine will be difficult or impossible
- The fuel consumption of your machine may have increased
- Fuel may leak from the carburetor
- Doesn’t idle smoothly and cause you to run using the choke all the time
- The engine backfires, stalling or surging
- Black smoke may come from the exhaust
- You may notice a loss in power
How To Clean A Snowblower Carburetor (Without Removing It)
What you need to clean a carburetor:
- Adjustment tools
- Carburetor brushes
- Cloth
- Sandpaper
- Carburetor cleaner
Carb Cleaner
Although there are many products available on the market, these are a couple of the best carburetor cleaners, that I have found.
Good old trusted WD-40 also supplies a specialist, fast-acting carb cleaner. This carburetor cleaning solution first attacks any carbon build-up. Then it blasts away the deposits and waste with the powerful cleaning spray.
Another good option is the Gunmout Carb & Choke Cleaner. It does an excellent job of removing stuck-on debris, it dries quickly, and also has lubricating properties.
Although using a carburetor cleaner is quite straightforward, please give the operator’s manual a quick check for any specific requirements for your snowblower engine.
Carb Cleaning Kit
Along with the carb cleaner, a carb cleaning kit is a great way to make cleaning your carburetor quick and efficient.
Most kits are made to a universal design and should work for most types of snowblower engines. Again, please make sure you read the owner’s manual and understand the engine assembly of your particular model before you start.
The choice is huge, so here are a couple of cleaning kits that I can recommend:
1. Acarte Carburetor Cleaning Kit: This simple little kit contains 10 cleaning needles and 5 brushes that have good flexibility and, durable bristles to get to those hard-to-reach places.
2. HIPA Carburetor Adjustment Toolkit: Fantastic little kit for all your cleaning and adjustment needs. You couldn’t ask for more.
Step By Step: How To Clean A Snow Blower Carburetor
Before cleaning a snowblower carburetor, check the air filter. If the air filter is dirty and clogged up you may not resolve any problem you have. Your engine relies on a mix of clean air and fuel for smooth running.
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the parts by referring to your owner’s manual. If for any reason you do not have one then all manufacturers should have the manual online.
Step 1
Make sure the snowblower engine is OFF and cool.
Step 2
Remove the fuel jet.
Step 3
Now remove the carburetor bowl.
Step 4
Clean the bowl by spraying on the carburetor cleaner and wiping away any debris with a clean dry cloth.
Step 5
Repeat step 4 with the fuel jet, making sure you clean all the parts and holes you can reach with the cleaning brushes.
Step 6
Use sandpaper to scrub away any dirt that won’t come off but switch back to the cloth once the most stubborn dirt is gone.
Step 7
Find the emulsion tube, float bowl, and needle valve. Spray the cleaning solution, let it sit, and then wipe the emulsion area clean with a cloth.
Step 8
Replace the float bowl if necessary.
Step 9
Reassemble all parts according to the manual’s instructions.
If you want to do an even better job, you can remove the carburetor after step 1. This gives you better access to each part.
General Maintenance Tips
A clean snowblower carburetor doesn’t magically stay that way. You will have to do some maintenance throughout the season.
Regularly check the air filter, change the oil correctly (most importantly, use the right kind of oil). and look up what other maintenance tasks the manual recommends. Maybe your specific snowblower model has extra demands.
Using Fuel Additives To Keep A Carb Clean
Gasoline actually has a very short shelf life and starts to break down quite quickly. Old fuel, especially if it contains ethanol, is the biggest cause of fuel system problems in small engines.
By adding a fuel stabilizer or treatment to your gas container you are able to slow this process down quite substantially. These may also help remove any build-up that may have already occurred.
Personally, I recommend these options.
1. Sta-Bil Fast Fix Small Engine Treatment
Great for snowblowers but also leaf blowers and other yard power equipment. Honestly, this is a bit of a miracle worker, packed in a small bottle.
2. Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment
Use this fuel treatment if you want to keep the snowblower’s good performance. It is a good preventative solution but also works as a cleaner.
3. Sta-Bil Storage Fuel Stabilizer
The best long-lasting fuel stabilizer. Add this to your snowblower’s fuel tank at the end of the season and there won’t be a sign of ethanol problems come next winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Okay, reading the instructions may make it sound simple but there are many parts connected to the carburetor. Take great care to follow the instruction manual or have a professional do it for you.
I will leave you with a few final answers to common questions.
Is it bad to leave gas in a snowblower over summer?
Leaving gas in the snowblower during summer storage can cause problems in the fuel system. You can either, drain the snowblower fuel system at the end of the season. Or alternatively, add a storage fuel stabilizer to prevent any engine issues.
Can you put carb cleaner in a snowblower?
Putting carb cleaner in your snowblower carb and valves to clean will remove any deposit build-ups that may occur with use.
Does seafoam carb cleaner really work?
Seafoam spray helps to break down the debris in engines and carburetors, but it is not the best choice. It can thin out the gasoline which in turn can affect the performance of your snowblower.
How to clean a Craftsman snowblower carburetor?
To clean a Craftsman snowblower carburetor, remove the fuel jet, carburetor bowl, and float bowl. Apply carburetor cleaner generously on each part and start to clean away all the gunk and debris.
Conclusion
Although cleaning your carburetor can be done reasonably easily, prevention is better than cure. Regular maintenance, fuel stabilizers, and the use of fresh gas will save you both time and money in the long run.
