Stalling snowblower

[Frank Rosenbaum]

Hi, all. I have a problem with my Yardman/Tecumseh snowblower stalling. It
was run out of gas in the spring and worked ok for the first two times this
year. Now, sometimes it will run for 20 or 30 minutes and then stall other
times it won't even run long enough for me to get back to the handlebars. It
always restarts if I push the primer button, but doesn't always stay
running. The gas cap was dropped and the rubber part and the foam part came
out. (Am I missing any pieces?) I think I put it back together the right
way. (Foam on the post then covered by the rubber funnel with the wide part
inside the cap and the narrow part facing into the gas tank). I have also
run the blower with the cap loose. There is fresh gas in the tank. When the
blower stalls, it almost sounds as if it isn't getting enough gas. I am not
at all familiar with engines so I don't know where to start. I don't want to
take it apart myself, but I will if it can be fixed by a DIY.

Can anyone help??


Thanks

Frank in Snowy Michigan

[ds549@webtv.net]

take the nut off the carb fuel bowl,there is tiny passageway in it
clean it out useing a tag wire or needle. running your blower out of
gas leaves some gas in the carb that turns to gum over the summer. lucas

http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm

[Mike]

Depending on the age of your blower, it sounds like your carb might be
dirty. Especially when you say it starts fine with the primer. You already
ruled out the possibility of it being a "gravity" feed problem by loosening
the cap, so that shouldn't be the issue.

Do you have an inline filter going to the carb? I'd check that to make sure
it's not clogged. If you want to attempt repair by yourself, it shouldn't be
too much of a challenge. I would pick up a repair manual for your model
Tecumseh so you can get an idea of the work involved before you start. As
long as you have a socket/wrench set, screwdrivers, and regular and needle
nose pliers. If there are jets in the carb that can be taken out with a
screw driver, make sure your screwdriver is the right size, otherwise you
may end up stripping it (I've done this many of times). Just make sure the
screw driver is snug with the jet.

I think the Tecumseh engines have a fixed jet in the bowl (again, depending
on age). You may get lucky just by blowing the jets with compressed air (I
assume you have an air compressor).

Have you tried running a bottle of Gumout carb cleaner through the tank?
Pick up some of that and mix it in proportion (one bottle treats a tank full
in a car!). This shouldn't be too critical since it's combustible and is
somewhat like a fuel.

The theory of carburetors isn't difficult, so learning a little about them
definitely may pay off for you in the future and save you lots of money.
Knowledge learned now can be applied to your other pieces of equipment (weed
wacker, chain saw, etc.). I've been in the small engine repair business for
years, so feel free to ask any questions.

Mike

"Frank Rosenbaum" <farosenbaum1@charter.net> wrote in message
news:HeYmf.13362$tQ7.228@fe04.lga...
> Hi, all. I have a problem with my Yardman/Tecumseh snowblower stalling. It
> was run out of gas in the spring and worked ok for the first two times
> this year. Now, sometimes it will run for 20 or 30 minutes and then stall
> other times it won't even run long enough for me to get back to the
> handlebars. It always restarts if I push the primer button, but doesn't
> always stay running. The gas cap was dropped and the rubber part and the
> foam part came out. (Am I missing any pieces?) I think I put it back
> together the right way. (Foam on the post then covered by the rubber
> funnel with the wide part inside the cap and the narrow part facing into
> the gas tank). I have also run the blower with the cap loose. There is
> fresh gas in the tank. When the blower stalls, it almost sounds as if it
> isn't getting enough gas. I am not at all familiar with engines so I don't
> know where to start. I don't want to take it apart myself, but I will if
> it can be fixed by a DIY.
>
> Can anyone help??
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Frank in Snowy Michigan
>

[Mike]

I would refrain from sticking anything through jets with the risk of
damaging them. Use compressed air instead.

<ds549@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:8088-439C5161-10@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> take the nut off the carb fuel bowl,there is tiny passageway in it
> clean it out useing a tag wire or needle. running your blower out of
> gas leaves some gas in the carb that turns to gum over the summer. lucas
>
> http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm
>

[Frank Rosenbaum]

Thanks for the advice. This is its second winter. It was new last year. I
forgot to add that I put some gumout in the fuel. How long does it take to
'work'? (Should I just try to let it run out of this tank of gas and refill
it again?) {Even at $2.25 a gal. Gas is still cheaper than a trip to the
repair shop.}
There is no easily removable air cleaner. There is a shield next to the
exhaust that covers the throttle, choke and 'key'. But the choke knob does
not seem come off easily, if at all, and I am hesitant to force it. I could
not find a model number for the engine. It is a 4 stroke I think it is a 5
horsepower two stage blower.

I did not see any filters in the gas line between the tank and where it
disappears into the engine body.

The tube seems to be creased where it bends from the tank to the body, but
since it is a soft tube, I don't think that is the problem.

What else can I add?

Thanks again

Frank

Still in snowy Michigan with about 4 more inches predicted by tomorrow

"Mike" <nospam@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:g_Odnd6sSawCyAHenZ2dnUVZ_sKdnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Depending on the age of your blower, it sounds like your carb might be
> dirty. Especially when you say it starts fine with the primer. You already
> ruled out the possibility of it being a "gravity" feed problem by
> loosening the cap, so that shouldn't be the issue.
>
> Do you have an inline filter going to the carb? I'd check that to make
> sure it's not clogged. If you want to attempt repair by yourself, it
> shouldn't be too much of a challenge. I would pick up a repair manual for
> your model Tecumseh so you can get an idea of the work involved before you
> start. As long as you have a socket/wrench set, screwdrivers, and regular
> and needle nose pliers. If there are jets in the carb that can be taken
> out with a screw driver, make sure your screwdriver is the right size,
> otherwise you may end up stripping it (I've done this many of times). Just
> make sure the screw driver is snug with the jet.
>
> I think the Tecumseh engines have a fixed jet in the bowl (again,
> depending on age). You may get lucky just by blowing the jets with
> compressed air (I assume you have an air compressor).
>
> Have you tried running a bottle of Gumout carb cleaner through the tank?
> Pick up some of that and mix it in proportion (one bottle treats a tank
> full in a car!). This shouldn't be too critical since it's combustible and
> is somewhat like a fuel.
>
> The theory of carburetors isn't difficult, so learning a little about them
> definitely may pay off for you in the future and save you lots of money.
> Knowledge learned now can be applied to your other pieces of equipment
> (weed wacker, chain saw, etc.). I've been in the small engine repair
> business for years, so feel free to ask any questions.
>
> Mike
>
> "Frank Rosenbaum" <farosenbaum1@charter.net> wrote in message
> news:HeYmf.13362$tQ7.228@fe04.lga...
>> Hi, all. I have a problem with my Yardman/Tecumseh snowblower stalling.
>> It was run out of gas in the spring and worked ok for the first two times
>> this year. Now, sometimes it will run for 20 or 30 minutes and then stall
>> other times it won't even run long enough for me to get back to the
>> handlebars. It always restarts if I push the primer button, but doesn't
>> always stay running. The gas cap was dropped and the rubber part and the
>> foam part came out. (Am I missing any pieces?) I think I put it back
>> together the right way. (Foam on the post then covered by the rubber
>> funnel with the wide part inside the cap and the narrow part facing into
>> the gas tank). I have also run the blower with the cap loose. There is
>> fresh gas in the tank. When the blower stalls, it almost sounds as if it
>> isn't getting enough gas. I am not at all familiar with engines so I
>> don't know where to start. I don't want to take it apart myself, but I
>> will if it can be fixed by a DIY.
>>
>> Can anyone help??
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Frank in Snowy Michigan
>>
>
>

[Frank Rosenbaum]

Thanks, but I have no idea where the carb bowl is on this machine.
In fact, I couldn't even find the model number for the engine.

I liked the song at your link. Gives me the chills every time I hear it.


<ds549@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:8088-439C5161-10@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> take the nut off the carb fuel bowl,there is tiny passageway in it
> clean it out useing a tag wire or needle. running your blower out of
> gas leaves some gas in the carb that turns to gum over the summer. lucas
>
> http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm
>

[Mike]

I'm surprised to hear this is happening on a machine that is two years old.
Did the machine ever sit for a long period of time with old gas? Snow blower
engines don't usually have air cleaners on them (mine doesn't; I've worked
on many that didn't). The whole reasoning with that is the season they're
used for is not dusty. Winter air is somewhat clean.

If the gumout doesn't help in a tankful, then there's a good chance it will
require some manual cleaning. Do you know the model and make of your blower?
I can try to find out what engine it is.


"Frank Rosenbaum" <farosenbaum1@charter.net> wrote in message
news:x0Zmf.4286$Xx3.620@fe03.lga...
> Thanks for the advice. This is its second winter. It was new last year. I
> forgot to add that I put some gumout in the fuel. How long does it take to
> 'work'? (Should I just try to let it run out of this tank of gas and
> refill it again?) {Even at $2.25 a gal. Gas is still cheaper than a trip
> to the repair shop.}
> There is no easily removable air cleaner. There is a shield next to the
> exhaust that covers the throttle, choke and 'key'. But the choke knob does
> not seem come off easily, if at all, and I am hesitant to force it. I
> could not find a model number for the engine. It is a 4 stroke I think it
> is a 5 horsepower two stage blower.
>
> I did not see any filters in the gas line between the tank and where it
> disappears into the engine body.
>
> The tube seems to be creased where it bends from the tank to the body, but
> since it is a soft tube, I don't think that is the problem.
>
> What else can I add?
>
> Thanks again
>
> Frank
>
> Still in snowy Michigan with about 4 more inches predicted by tomorrow
>
> "Mike" <nospam@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:g_Odnd6sSawCyAHenZ2dnUVZ_sKdnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>> Depending on the age of your blower, it sounds like your carb might be
>> dirty. Especially when you say it starts fine with the primer. You
>> already ruled out the possibility of it being a "gravity" feed problem by
>> loosening the cap, so that shouldn't be the issue.
>>
>> Do you have an inline filter going to the carb? I'd check that to make
>> sure it's not clogged. If you want to attempt repair by yourself, it
>> shouldn't be too much of a challenge. I would pick up a repair manual for
>> your model Tecumseh so you can get an idea of the work involved before
>> you start. As long as you have a socket/wrench set, screwdrivers, and
>> regular and needle nose pliers. If there are jets in the carb that can be
>> taken out with a screw driver, make sure your screwdriver is the right
>> size, otherwise you may end up stripping it (I've done this many of
>> times). Just make sure the screw driver is snug with the jet.
>>
>> I think the Tecumseh engines have a fixed jet in the bowl (again,
>> depending on age). You may get lucky just by blowing the jets with
>> compressed air (I assume you have an air compressor).
>>
>> Have you tried running a bottle of Gumout carb cleaner through the tank?
>> Pick up some of that and mix it in proportion (one bottle treats a tank
>> full in a car!). This shouldn't be too critical since it's combustible
>> and is somewhat like a fuel.
>>
>> The theory of carburetors isn't difficult, so learning a little about
>> them definitely may pay off for you in the future and save you lots of
>> money. Knowledge learned now can be applied to your other pieces of
>> equipment (weed wacker, chain saw, etc.). I've been in the small engine
>> repair business for years, so feel free to ask any questions.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> "Frank Rosenbaum" <farosenbaum1@charter.net> wrote in message
>> news:HeYmf.13362$tQ7.228@fe04.lga...
>>> Hi, all. I have a problem with my Yardman/Tecumseh snowblower stalling.
>>> It was run out of gas in the spring and worked ok for the first two
>>> times this year. Now, sometimes it will run for 20 or 30 minutes and
>>> then stall other times it won't even run long enough for me to get back
>>> to the handlebars. It always restarts if I push the primer button, but
>>> doesn't always stay running. The gas cap was dropped and the rubber part
>>> and the foam part came out. (Am I missing any pieces?) I think I put it
>>> back together the right way. (Foam on the post then covered by the
>>> rubber funnel with the wide part inside the cap and the narrow part
>>> facing into the gas tank). I have also run the blower with the cap
>>> loose. There is fresh gas in the tank. When the blower stalls, it almost
>>> sounds as if it isn't getting enough gas. I am not at all familiar with
>>> engines so I don't know where to start. I don't want to take it apart
>>> myself, but I will if it can be fixed by a DIY.
>>>
>>> Can anyone help??
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Frank in Snowy Michigan
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

[Frank Rosenbaum]

Well, it sat over the summer, but I had run it out of gas before I put it
away. I have used this proceedure for all my gas equipment ever since I got
my first mower.

The Tecumseh manual that came with it has LH195SA (HSSK50-55)
Four Cycle engine Horizontal Crankshaft Air cooled.
It also came with an electric starter (120 volt)

I was able to take the protective cover off over the choke opening, but had
no clue what to do with it.
Is there any way to bypass the ''key" for testing purposes?


"Mike" <nospam@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:4badncKfmYs1TwHenZ2dnUVZ_sKdnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> I'm surprised to hear this is happening on a machine that is two years
> old. Did the machine ever sit for a long period of time with old gas? Snow
> blower engines don't usually have air cleaners on them (mine doesn't; I've
> worked on many that didn't). The whole reasoning with that is the season
> they're used for is not dusty. Winter air is somewhat clean.
>
> If the gumout doesn't help in a tankful, then there's a good chance it
> will require some manual cleaning. Do you know the model and make of your
> blower? I can try to find out what engine it is.
>
>
> "Frank Rosenbaum" <farosenbaum1@charter.net> wrote in message
> news:x0Zmf.4286$Xx3.620@fe03.lga...
>> Thanks for the advice. This is its second winter. It was new last year. I
>> forgot to add that I put some gumout in the fuel. How long does it take
>> to 'work'? (Should I just try to let it run out of this tank of gas and
>> refill it again?) {Even at $2.25 a gal. Gas is still cheaper than a trip
>> to the repair shop.}
>> There is no easily removable air cleaner. There is a shield next to the
>> exhaust that covers the throttle, choke and 'key'. But the choke knob
>> does not seem come off easily, if at all, and I am hesitant to force it.
>> I could not find a model number for the engine. It is a 4 stroke I think
>> it is a 5 horsepower two stage blower.
>>
>> I did not see any filters in the gas line between the tank and where it
>> disappears into the engine body.
>>
>> The tube seems to be creased where it bends from the tank to the body,
>> but since it is a soft tube, I don't think that is the problem.
>>
>> What else can I add?
>>
>> Thanks again
>>
>> Frank
>>
>> Still in snowy Michigan with about 4 more inches predicted by tomorrow
>>
>> "Mike" <nospam@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:g_Odnd6sSawCyAHenZ2dnUVZ_sKdnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>> Depending on the age of your blower, it sounds like your carb might be
>>> dirty. Especially when you say it starts fine with the primer. You
>>> already ruled out the possibility of it being a "gravity" feed problem
>>> by loosening the cap, so that shouldn't be the issue.
>>>
>>> Do you have an inline filter going to the carb? I'd check that to make
>>> sure it's not clogged. If you want to attempt repair by yourself, it
>>> shouldn't be too much of a challenge. I would pick up a repair manual
>>> for your model Tecumseh so you can get an idea of the work involved
>>> before you start. As long as you have a socket/wrench set, screwdrivers,
>>> and regular and needle nose pliers. If there are jets in the carb that
>>> can be taken out with a screw driver, make sure your screwdriver is the
>>> right size, otherwise you may end up stripping it (I've done this many
>>> of times). Just make sure the screw driver is snug with the jet.
>>>
>>> I think the Tecumseh engines have a fixed jet in the bowl (again,
>>> depending on age). You may get lucky just by blowing the jets with
>>> compressed air (I assume you have an air compressor).
>>>
>>> Have you tried running a bottle of Gumout carb cleaner through the tank?
>>> Pick up some of that and mix it in proportion (one bottle treats a tank
>>> full in a car!). This shouldn't be too critical since it's combustible
>>> and is somewhat like a fuel.
>>>
>>> The theory of carburetors isn't difficult, so learning a little about
>>> them definitely may pay off for you in the future and save you lots of
>>> money. Knowledge learned now can be applied to your other pieces of
>>> equipment (weed wacker, chain saw, etc.). I've been in the small engine
>>> repair business for years, so feel free to ask any questions.
>>>
>>> Mike
>>>
>>> "Frank Rosenbaum" <farosenbaum1@charter.net> wrote in message
>>> news:HeYmf.13362$tQ7.228@fe04.lga...
>>>> Hi, all. I have a problem with my Yardman/Tecumseh snowblower stalling.
>>>> It was run out of gas in the spring and worked ok for the first two
>>>> times this year. Now, sometimes it will run for 20 or 30 minutes and
>>>> then stall other times it won't even run long enough for me to get back
>>>> to the handlebars. It always restarts if I push the primer button, but
>>>> doesn't always stay running. The gas cap was dropped and the rubber
>>>> part and the foam part came out. (Am I missing any pieces?) I think I
>>>> put it back together the right way. (Foam on the post then covered by
>>>> the rubber funnel with the wide part inside the cap and the narrow part
>>>> facing into the gas tank). I have also run the blower with the cap
>>>> loose. There is fresh gas in the tank. When the blower stalls, it
>>>> almost sounds as if it isn't getting enough gas. I am not at all
>>>> familiar with engines so I don't know where to start. I don't want to
>>>> take it apart myself, but I will if it can be fixed by a DIY.
>>>>
>>>> Can anyone help??
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>> Frank in Snowy Michigan
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>