Spark Plug
The spark plug is a removable component in the combustion chamber that contains the spark electrode to ignite the fuel mixture and drive the piston. Replace the spark plug when it gets fouled and won’t spark.
Carburetor
The carburetor mixes air with fuel in the proper proportion to produce a combustible gas. That gas/air mixture then moves into the cylinder where the piston compresses it and the spark plug ignites it. Replace the carburetor when it gets clogged or damaged and won’t mix fuel and air properly. In some situations, you can rebuild the carburetor using a carburetor rebuild kit as shown in our Rebuilding a Carburetor on a Snowblower DIY YouTube video.
Engine Starter
Snowblowers typically have either an electric starter or a recoil starter. The starter spins the crankshaft to start the engine.
The electric starter attaches to the engine crankshaft and includes a cord that plugs into an electrical outlet to provide the starter motor with power. You plug the electric starter into an electrical outlet and push the button on the starter motor to spin the crankshaft and start the engine. Replace the electric starter if it won’t spin the engine when you press the start button.
The recoil starter is a starter system mounted on the engine that consists of a rope and spring-loaded pulley system. The person operating the snowblower pulls the starter rope, which rotates the spring-loaded pulley and spins the crankshaft to start the engine. Replace the recoil starter if it binds up or breaks.
Stop Switch or Ignition Switch
The engine stop switch—also called the ignition switch--prevents the engine from starting unless you insert the key. The spark plug doesn’t get electric current when you remove the key. Replace the engine stop switch if it prevents the spark plug from getting electrical current with its key inserted.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter attaches to bottom of the fuel tank and connects to the fuel line. It filters particles from the gasoline as fuel moves from the tank to the carburetor.
Keep your snowblower engine running smoothly by tuning it in the fall. Our Snowblower Tune-Up video shows you how.
Control Parts
The control parts govern auger spinning and ground movement of the snowblower. Levers and cables let you control the snowblower when clearing snow. Replace these control parts when they are worn or damaged: