MTD Snowblower Wont Pull Start

[CrowRiverRat83]

I've got a 8hp MTD snowblower that will not start using the recoil pull start. It has electric start on it, and pops right off using that. Otherwise I just pull and pull. All necessary keys, choke, and throttle adjustments are in position. Any ideas?

[Surface Tension]

Spark, fuel, & compression.

One could be on the weak side.

1st thing I would do is pull the spark plug and inspect.

is it wet, dry, soot black, black and oil soaked.

New spark plug, hows it start.

Next check compression.

Do you have a fuel shut off and do you use it. You should, why, because if your

inlet valve(needle and seat) leaks, fuel will run into the engine while sitting.

Check the oil and its level. Is it high or look washed out with fuel?

Drain and replace the oil.

Do you have a drain on the bottom of the carb bowl? If so drain it the bowl. Sometimes that is enough for debris to flush out of the valve along with any water trapped in the bowl.

[Walleyehooker]

I would check the ignition switch for loose wire etc. Seems like you are only getting spark when ignition is turned to electric start. Pull plug and check for spark while pull starting and electric start to find out.

[witgey&water]

I had the same thing on my 5hp. It was the exhaust valve not closing all the way.

I heard that this is a common problem with the snow king motors. Over time the exhaust valve seat gets pushed deeper into the head and then the valve does not close tight. Spinning the motor with electric start lets you build up enough compression to get it to start. I pulled the exhaust valve and ground a little off and now it starts by hand and runs perfect.

[delcecchi]

That's interesting. I have a 8 hp Ariens with Snow King motor. I couldn't pull start it even when brand new, at least if it had been sitting a while.

My theory was that the recoil starter was geared down so much to make it easy to pull that it wouldn't turn the motor over enough times or fast enough to get spark and fuel. Doesn't the magneto require a certain speed to make a good spark?

[witgey&water]

I don't know if the magneto needs a certain speed to make good sprak but highly doubt it. Here is a link to a video talking about valve adjustment.

[CrowRiverRat83]

Thanks guys. Definetly gave me some things to check out.

[Look-A-Like]

I have an 8hp Murray and have the exact same problem trying to pull start. My neighbor runs a small engine repair business and I took it in to him today and he says that these engines have a problem with the primer bulb connection breaking off at the carb. He repaired it and now it starts right up after a couple of pulls.

[Cheers]

Had the same problem with a generator. Put in a thinner oil and problem solved. Seemed with heavy oil I wasnt getting it to turn over fast enough

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

I've finally gotten to the age where all I use is the electric start!!!

[Kyhl]

I've finally gotten to the age where all I use is the electric start!!!

I can appreciate that. I haven't gotten there yet though. I'm still using a late 80's tank of a John Deere 8hp.

I get a grin when that puppy starts chugging through plow rows. You can almost feel the concussion of each pop out of the exhaust when the governor kicks in when it hits the heavy stuff and just keeps on going.

[aanderud]

I can appreciate that. I haven't gotten there yet though. I'm still using a late 80's tank of a John Deere 8hp.

Besides just building stuff better back then, I think they reduced the average 'throw' distance on new models, compared to the 80s. I imagine this was some lawsuit or liability thing, but it does seem like the older units could throw snow about 2x as far.

[Kyhl]

Besides just building stuff better back then, I think they reduced the average 'throw' distance on new models, compared to the 80s. I imagine this was some lawsuit or liability thing, but it does seem like the older units could throw snow about 2x as far.

That is not true with mine. Mine doesn't throw as far as I'd like, or any farther than the neighbors newer machines.

It does have plenty of power though and every year I think about changing the pullies (gear ratio) to get it to throw farther. But I never do. It is something I'd want to do in the summer and the snowblower is the last thing I want to work on in the summer.

[RebelSS]

I have an 8hp Murray and have the exact same problem trying to pull start. My neighbor runs a small engine repair business and I took it in to him today and he says that these engines have a problem with the primer bulb connection breaking off at the carb. He repaired it and now it starts right up after a couple of pulls.

Easy fix guys, just replaced mine. Primer bulb assy pops straight out of engine cover, then remove 2 carb cover screws in front, loosen top cover screw, and pull red choke knob straight off. Let cover hang down.(Ground wire will still be attached.) Facing carb, primer hose connects on left side of carb throat to the brass tube. Replace with same size fuel line (Available at any good hardware store or small engine shop)Slide over carb tube, run back up to primer bulb, reverse procedure. You're set. Took me a shade under 3 minutes.

[delcecchi]

Besides just building stuff better back then, I think they reduced the average 'throw' distance on new models, compared to the 80s. I imagine this was some lawsuit or liability thing, but it does seem like the older units could throw snow about 2x as far.

Roger that. My new Ariens is puny compared to my old simplicity from around 1970. I always figured it was due to the lawyers, given how the old one would fling a rock.