How to Prime a Snow Blower so it Runs Smoothly

The snow blower needs to be primed before it will start.

Snow Blower Only Runs When Primed

A snow blower is a handy tool for clearing snow from driveways, paths and other outdoor spaces. However, it can be vexing when the snow blower does not start as expected. For example, many snow blowers require the user to “prime” them before they will run. Priming the engine ensures that the required fuel is going to enter the combustion chamber before the sparkplug ignites it for combustion. This article provides an overview of how to prime a snow blower so that it runs reliably and effectively during winter. By understanding the importance of priming a snow blower as well as how to go about accomplishing this task correctly, you will be able to benefit from having a reliable, effective and safe machine to manage winter’s snows.

Troubleshooting the Prime Function

When a snow blower only runs when primed, it is usually due to an issue with the primer. The primer is a bulb-like device that pumps fuel from the fuel tank into the carburetor. This ensures that the engine starts and runs smoothly. To troubleshoot this issue, its important to identify the problem and then check for any blockages or other issues.

First, inspect the primer for any signs of damage or wear. If it appears to be in good condition, then check for any blockages in the fuel line leading from the tank to the primer. If there are no blockages present, then try replacing the primer itself as this may be causing a restriction on fuel flow.

If replacing the primer does not resolve the issue, then inspect other components such as air filters and spark plugs for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, check all connections in order to make sure they are secure and properly connected.

Resolving Start-Up Issues

Start-up issues can also cause a snow blower to only run when primed. This could be due to a faulty starter motor or worn out spark plugs. In order to resolve these issues, its important to first replace any parts that are worn out or damaged. This includes spark plugs, air filters, and starter motors if necessary.

Once these parts have been replaced, inspect all connections in order to make sure they are secure and properly connected. Additionally, adjust any settings on the carburetor such as float height if needed in order to ensure proper fuel delivery during start up.

Fuel Delivery Issues

If a snow blower only runs when primed and there are no start-up issues present, then its likely that there is an issue with fuel delivery from the tank to the carburetor. In order to resolve this issue, first inspect all connections in order to make sure they are secure and properly connected. Additionally, adjust any settings on the carburetor such as float height if needed in order to ensure proper fuel delivery during operation of your snow blower engine.

If adjusting these settings does not resolve your issue, then you may need to replace certain parts of your carburetor such as jets or passages if they have become clogged or blocked with debris over time. Its also important to replace air filters regularly as these can become clogged with dirt and debris over time which can affect fuel delivery performance significantly if left unchecked for too long of a period of time.

Clogged Carburetor Issues

Clogged carburetors can also lead to a snow blower running only when primed so its important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary in order to keep them running at peak performance levels year round. First off, replace your air filter as this can become clogged with dirt and debris over time which can affect fuel delivery performance significantly if left unchecked for too long of a period of time.

Once your air filter has been replaced you should inspect jets passages inside your carburetor for signs of blockage from dirt or debris buildup over time . If you find that these are blocked then use compressed air or some other type of cleaning solution in order clean them out thoroughly before attempting start up again .

Electric Starter Issues

Electric starters can also cause a snow blower only running when primed so its important that you inspect all connections related them periodically for signs of wear and tear . Additionally , check wiring on electric starters themselves , making sure none of it has become frayed or damaged over time . If either of these issues is present , then its recommend replacing either faulty connectors , wiring , or both before attempting start up again .

Reinstalling Governor Springs

If the snow blower only runs when primed, it could be due to a damaged governor spring. The governor spring is responsible for controlling the engine speed when under load and maintaining the engines RPM. To reinstall a governor spring, first remove the old spring and replace it with a new one. Ensure that the new spring is of the same size and specifications as the old one. After installing the new governor spring, make sure to adjust it properly so that it provides proper tension and control of engine speed while running.

Checking For Other Deficiencies

In addition to replacing or reinstalling governor springs, there are other parts that may need to be inspected if your snow blower only runs when primed. These include checking fuel hoses for leaks or obstructions, spark plug maintenance and inspecting impellers for wear or damage.

Detecting Leaks Or Obstructions In Fuel Hoses

Fuel hoses are responsible for transferring fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor or injectors of an engine. If these hoses have any leaks or obstructions, they can cause your snow blower to only run when primed. To detect any leaks or obstructions in fuel hoses, start by removing them from their connections and inspecting them visually for signs of wear or damage. If there is any visible damage, replace these hoses with a new set of hoses that match in size and specifications with those originally installed on your snow blower.

Spark Plug Maintenance

Spark plugs are responsible for delivering an electric current from the ignition system to the combustion chamber of an engine in order to ignite air-fuel mixtures inside an engine’s cylinders. If spark plugs become dirty or worn out due to age and usage, they can cause your snow blower to only run when primed. To fix this problem, start by cleaning dirty spark plugs using compressed air or wire brushes as necessary before replacing them with new spark plugs if they are too worn out for cleaning purposes.

Inspecting Impellers For Wear Or Damage

Impellers are responsible for pushing air through an engine’s intake system in order to provide adequate cooling while running at high speeds. If an impeller becomes worn out due to age and usage, it can cause your snow blower to only run when primed. To inspect an impeller for wear or damage, first remove it from its housing and check it visually for signs of wear such as cracks or chips in its blades. If there is visible damage on an impeller, replace it with a new impeller that matches in size and specifications with those originally installed on your snow blower before reinstalling it back into its housing properly.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the process for troubleshooting a snow blower that only runs when primed?
A: The process for troubleshooting a snow blower that only runs when primed involves identifying the problem, checking for any blockages, replacing parts in the primer, troubleshooting other components, adjusting the float setting, inspecting and replacing related parts, replacing the air filter, cleaning out jets and passages, inspecting connections and wiring, replacing faulty components, reinstalling governor springs, checking for other deficiencies, detecting leaks or obstructions in fuel hoses and replacing damaged or worn hoses.

Q: How can I resolve start-up issues?
A: To resolve start-up issues you should first check any blockages before replacing parts in the primer and then troubleshooting other components.

Q: What steps can be taken to address fuel delivery issues?
A: To address fuel delivery issues you should adjust the float setting and inspect and replace any related parts.

Q: How can clogged carburetor issues be resolved?
A: Clogged carburetor issues can be resolved by replacing the air filter and cleaning out jets and passages.

Q: What is involved with electric starter issues?
A: Electric starter issues involve inspecting connections and wiring as well as replacing faulty components.

The cause of a snow blower running only when primed is most likely due to a fuel line blockage or a fuel filter that needs to be replaced. It is important to ensure that the fuel lines and filter are in good condition so that the snow blower runs without needing to be primed each time. If all else fails, it may be necessary to have the machine serviced by a qualified technician.