If recent weather forecasts are accurate, we can expect to see quite a bit of snow here in Fort Wayne. Many are saying that this years snow accumulation will be worse than last year’s Polar Vortex. If that’s true, then you better prepare your snow blower for one heck of a winter!

Did you get your snowblower out this week just to find out that it won’t start? You’re in luck! At Crescent Avenue Gardens, our service team has repaired a great deal of outdoor power equipment over the years, and we have taken note of some of the more common problems that we see in snow blowers that won’t start. If you’re having some trouble starting your snow blower, here are some tips to help you make sure you’ll be clearing your driveway in no time!

Snow Blower Basics

Single Stage Snow Blowers: Snow Blowers that are Single Stage only require one motion to propel the snow into the auger, and out of the discharge chute. Single Stage Snow Blowers are usually smaller, lightweight, and made for handling a lighter load than two stage snow blowers.

Two Stage Snow Blowers: Two Stage Snow Blowers not only direct snow into the auger, but they also require an impeller to throw the snow from the chute after it has been collected by the auger. These types of Snow Blowers often come with skid shoes in order to help lift the auger off of the ground, making this type of snow blower perfect for gravel and unpaved surfaces. Two Stage Snow Blowers are for more heavy-duty tasks, and often require a little more maintenance, because there are more parts.

If your Snow Blower won’t start, before you panic, make sure that these settings are engaged:

• Choke should be Closed
• Ignition should be On
• Carburetor should be primed
• Fuel Valve should be Opened

Common Snow Blower Problems

Once you make sure all of these settings are engaged, try giving the Recoil String a few good pulls. If the engine sputters but doesn’t fully engage, don’t turn it off! Let it run for a minute or so in order to burn off stale gas, and let the engine take in fresh fuel. One of the most common problems is caused by lack of use over spring/summer seasons. Even if you use fuel stabilizer, when winter comes, the gas sitting in your tank can freeze, become stale, and condensate, causing a buildup in your lines. If your snow blower won’t start, first siphon the gas out, and replace it with fresh gas. If you have replaced the gas, and it still won’t start, there are a few simple things we look for in order to pinpoint the problem.

• Check the Oil Level – Make sure you have enough to protect the engine.
• Check the Spark Plug. If it’s old, you might just need to replace it. However, if it is less than two years old, just take a wire brush and give the electrodes a good cleaning.
• If it starts, but the auger doesn’t spin, you may need to replace a belt.

Take it to Crescent Avenue Gardens!

If you’re still having problems after trying the above tips, give Crescent Avenue Gardens in Fort Wayne a call at (260) 483-0911. Our experienced Service Technicians can help you get your snow blower back up and running, so you can be sure that you won’t be snowed in this winter!