Snow blower randomly shuts off when working…?

I have a 20-year-old dual stage snow blower. It has worked beautifully until about two years ago when, after working fine for a few minutes, shuts off. I can start it again if I try hard enough, but it's never worth it because it'll just stop again in a minute or two. I was wondering, what's wrong, and is there a simple way for me to fix it? Or do I need to take it in to a repair shop and hope they have 20-year-old parts?

Comments

2 Responses to “Snow blower randomly shuts off when working…?”
  1. Mad Jack says:
    June 27, 2009 at 9:53 pm

    Sounds like an ignition problem. When was the last time it was tuned up? Even small engines require occasional tune-ups.

    Sounds like it could be a problem with the condenser. This is usually part of the ignition points assembly. If it is new enough to have electronic ignition, the ignition module could be failing.

    Either way, you should be able to still get parts for it.

    The ignition system of a small engine is usually located under the flywheel. You may need a puller to remove the flywheel. If it has electronic ignition, you will need to replace the ignition module. If it has points, replace the points and condenser. These ignition parts can usually be purchased as a tune-up kit.

    You should be able to get the parts from a small engine repair shop. Make sure you have the make, model, and serial number of both the snow blower and the engine.

    If you are not very mechanically inclined, you may want to spend the extra money and have the repair shop install these parts for you.

  2. ssg/emt says:
    June 27, 2009 at 9:53 pm

    Could be ignition, the parts are simple and relatively easy to replace, points condenser, wire and plug. Even the magneto coil if you have to.

    If it has a kill switch, make sure that it's not vibrating to the off position.

    You could have a carburetor problem, a sticking float will cause it to use up the fuel in the float bowl and then die until more flows in. If your engine has a fuel pump, it could be weak. Either way make sure the pickup screen in the tank is clean, a slow trickle of fuel will fill the float bowl, allow you to start and run for a minute, but can' t keep up with the demands of full throttle.

    You may even be getting some icing in the carburetor.

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