6 Steps for Snow Blower Survival
11/19/2013 6:00:00 AM
It’s here. This time of the year means one of two things: fluffy white landscapes reflecting a season of merriment or months of wet blizzards with blinding, wind-driven snow. Whatever your feelings about winter, you don’t want to get caught in the storm unprepared.
If you’re notorious for waiting until the last minute and wake up one day to strong winds, flurries and freezing rain, here’s a quick emergency survival guide for a snow blower that won’t start. Start from the top of the list and move down until any snow equipment problem is remedied.
Check Fuel Tank
Look to see if it is low or empty. When gasoline is stored over a long period of time and no fuel stabilizer is added, it loses volatility. As gasoline ages it turns into a varnish like coating in the carburetor, blocking fuel from the engine and preventing start.
If this occurs, take your Sno-Thro to your local Ariens servicing dealer to clean your carburetor or replace it.
If the fuel is from last winter, summer, or fall season and/or no fuel stabilizer was added before storage, drain the system through the carburetor. Once drained, pour in known fresh fuel (purchased within 30 days) and a fuel stabilizer.
Check Fuel Shutoff Valve
Check if the engine switch is in the OFF position. If it is, turn the switch to the ON position.
Check Engine Switch
Many of the engines on Ariens Sno-Thro units have a “key switch” and a red toggle switch. Ensure that the red plastic key is properly inserted into the holder and the red toggle switch is in the “run” position. If either is not in the correct position, the engine will not fire causing the chance of flooding.

If the temperature is above 32 degrees, priming the carburetor may flood the engine easily so try only choking the engine.
- On a Briggs engine: Turn the choke knob all the way Counter-Clockwise for Full Choke (or starting position).
- On an Ariens AX engine: Turn the choke knob all the way Clockwise for Full Choke
Check Throttle Position

Check Spark Plug

If all of these items are checked and the unit will not start, take your unit to an Ariens servicing dealer. Take a look at our extended dealer family to Find an Ariens Dealer near you.