Craftsman Snow Blower Won't Start? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When winter hits and the snow starts to fall, nothing is quite as valuable as a Craftsman snowblower to keep your driveway and other areas clear. However, when the first snowfall comes, what if your machine doesn’t start? You’ll have to troubleshoot the problem and see how to fix it.

The most common reasons why a Craftsman snowblower won’t start are a faulty spark plug or carburetor. Changing a spark plug on a snowblower is relatively easy, but putting a new carburetor on it can be somewhat complicated. Other potential issues could be the ignition coil or bad gasoline in the tank.

This article will outline each of these causes and their solutions in detail so that you won’t be stuck with a non-working snowblower this season.

Most manufacturers recommend changing this component every season, particularly because snowblowers have to endure a lot of environmental wear and tear. So, if it’s been a while since you’ve changed it (if ever), follow these steps. You will need a spark plug socket and a gap tool before getting started, so if you don’t have these tools, buy them first.

Step One: Locate the Spark Plug. Fortunately, snowblower engines are small, so you don’t have to search too far to find each component. The plug is on the left side of the motor if you’re facing it from behind. Refer to your owner’s manual if you have trouble locating it.

Step Two: Remove the Plug. You will have to disconnect the spark plug wire from the engine. You will see the tip of the plug sticking out. Use a spark plug socket to loosen the piece and pull it out. If you use a regular socket, it could damage the component. Even though you’re changing it, you could damage the new one, which will force you to start over.

Turning left will loosen the plug while turning right will tighten it. If the plug doesn’t come out easily, don’t force it as it could break. Instead, spray some WD-40 or penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes.

Step Three: Gap Your New Plug. You’ll see two electrodes on the end that goes into the motor. One of the electrodes is bent over the other. The gap between is crucial for fast and efficient starting. If the space is too wide, the spark may not connect. If it’s too close, it could wear the plug down faster.

You must buy a replacement plug that matches the original exactly. By doing this, you don’t have to gap the new model much, if at all. Simply fit the tool between the electrodes – if there is slight resistance when pulling it out, you don’t have to do anything. Tap on the end if it’s too wide or use the tip of a screwdriver to pry it open if it’s too tight.

Step Four: Install the New Spark Plug. Set the component into the engine and then tighten it with your spark plug socket. One half-turn should be good enough. If you over-tighten the plug, you could crack it or make it harder to remove next time.

Step Five: Start the Snowblower. If the blower starts immediately, then you know that the plug was the problem. If it is still having trouble, move onto the next section.

You will need to buy some carburetor cleaner to do this job, and you’ll need a socket wrench set and a towel. It also helps if you use a small air hose to get into the carburetor’s nooks and crannies. We also recommend buying a carb replacement kit, which will have new pieces to replace any old ones that are rusted or excessively dirty.

Step One: Remove the Carburetor Cover. This piece is on the left side of the engine. You will need a socket wrench to pull it off.

Step two: Pinch the Fuel Line. You will want to make sure that gas doesn’t get into your carb while you’re working on it.

Step Three: Remove the Carburetor Bowl. On the bottom of the carb is a metal bowl that allows fuel to collect. There is a single bolt holding this in place, so you just have to loosen that to pull the component off. Inspect it to see if it is full of sludge and grime. If so, you will want to soak it in carb cleaner before putting it back.

Step Four: Spray the Carburetor. Unless this component is caked with sludge, you should be able to clean it thoroughly without removing the whole thing. Use a thin spray nozzle to get inside the carburetor to clean out any debris. After spraying it, you should let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a towel.

Step Five: Scrub the Carburetor. You can use a small piece of sandpaper to remove any rust or grime. You will want to get all visible surfaces as clean as possible before resetting your engine.

Step Six: Replace the Bowl. Reattach the bowl using the bolt and nut.

Step Seven: Un-Pinch the Fuel Line. Make sure that there are no cracks in the line afterward.

Step Eight: Replace the Carburetor Cover. It’s also a good idea to scrub this piece down if there is any rust or dirt on it.

Step Nine: Start the Blower. If the machine still doesn’t start, move onto the next section.

Related Questions

My snowblower starts then dies; what’s wrong with it?

The carburetor is likely to blame, but the spark plug could be faulty as well. If your model has a fuel filter, that could also get clogged, which doesn’t allow gasoline to flow through the engine.

Are all snowblower models identical?

As a rule, most small engines are similar. The placement of specific components may shift, but the types of parts inside these motors won’t change. All snowblowers use an ignition system, a carburetor, and a pull cord.