Snow Blower Won't Start? Step-By-Step Repair Guide

If your snow blower won’t start, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common small engine repair issues—especially after long storage or during the first snowfall of the season. The good news? Most snow blower starting problems are easy to diagnose and fix at home with basic tools.

This step-by-step snow blower repair guide will walk you through the most common causes and solutions so you can get your machine running again fast.

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Common Reasons a Snow Blower Won’t Start

Before diving into repairs, it helps to understand what usually goes wrong. Most snow blower problems fall into one of these categories:

Old or bad fuel

Dirty carburetor

Faulty spark plug

Fuel delivery issues

Ignition or safety switch problems

Let’s go step by step, starting with the easiest fixes.

Step 1: Check the Fuel (Most Common Cause)

Old gasoline is the #1 reason a snow blower won’t start.

What to Look For

Fuel older than 30–60 days

Gas that smells sour or looks dark

Fuel left in the tank over the summer

How to Fix It

Turn off the fuel valve (if equipped)

Drain the old gas from the tank and carburetor bowl - with this oil pan.

Refill with fresh ethanol-free gasoline. Here's a link to canned 4-cycle gas. Or buy 2-cycle gas here. Check your manual to see which gas is required in your snowblower.

Add fuel stabilizer to prevent future problems

💡 Pro Tip: Always use ethanol-free fuel if possible. Ethanol attracts moisture and clogs carburetors. This is called recreational fuel and is available at most gas stations or you can buy canned gas.

Step 2: Inspect and Replace the Spark Plug

A bad spark plug can prevent your snow blower from firing at all.

Symptoms of a Bad Spark Plug

Engine cranks but won’t start

No ignition sound

Plug looks black, wet, or worn

How to Fix It

Remove the spark plug wire

Use a spark plug socket to remove the plug

Inspect for carbon buildup or damage

Replace with the correct spark plug (check your manual)

Reattach the spark plug wire firmly

This is one of the easiest and cheapest snow blower repairs you can do.

Step 3: Clean the Carburetor

If your snow blower starts and dies or won’t start at all, a dirty carburetor is likely the issue.

Why Carburetors Get Clogged

Old fuel dries inside the carb

Ethanol leaves varnish residue

Storage without draining fuel

How to Clean a Snow Blower Carburetor

Turn off the fuel valve or clamp the fuel line

Remove the air filter housing

Take off the carburetor bowl

Spray carburetor cleaner into all jets and passages

Clean the bowl thoroughly

Reassemble and turn the fuel back on

If the carburetor is heavily corroded, replacement may be the best option.

Step 4: Check the Choke and Primer

Improper choke or primer operation can stop cold engines from starting.

What to Check

Choke fully closed during cold starts

Primer bulb not cracked or leaking

Primer actually pushing fuel

Primer hose not cracked or broken

How to Fix It

Set choke to FULL before starting

Press primer 2–3 times (check manufacturer specs)

Replace cracked primer bulbs or hoses

Many snow blower won’t start issues are simply due to incorrect starting procedure.

Step 5: Inspect the Fuel Line and Fuel Valve

Fuel must reach the carburetor for the engine to run.

Symptoms of Fuel Flow Problems

Engine won’t fire at all

Carburetor bowl is dry

Fuel leaks

How to Fix It

Check fuel lines for cracks or clogs

Replace brittle or leaking lines

Make sure fuel shut-off valve is open

Verify fuel filter (if equipped) isn’t clogged

Step 6: Test for Spark (Ignition System)

If you’ve checked fuel and the engine still won’t start, test for spark.

How to Check Spark

Remove spark plug

Reconnect it to the plug wire

Ground the plug against engine metal or use a coil tester

Pull the starter cord

Results

Bright blue spark: ignition is good

No spark: possible coil, kill switch, or wiring issue

Ignition coil failures are less common but do happen in older snow blowers.

Step 7: Check Safety Switches and Controls

Modern snow blowers have safety features that prevent starting.

Common Problem Areas

Ignition key missing or damaged

Safety lever not fully engaged

Faulty kill switch wiring

Make sure everything is in the correct starting position before assuming a major repair is needed.

Step 8: Perform a Compression Test (Advanced)

If nothing else works, the engine may have internal damage. Get a compression tester here.

Signs of Low Compression

Starter cord pulls too easily

Engine never tries to fire

Loud air hissing sounds

Low compression can be caused by:

Worn piston rings

Stuck valves

Cylinder damage

Blown head gasket

At this point, professional small engine repair may be required.

Prevent Future Snow Blower Starting Problems

Preventative maintenance saves time and money.

Snow Blower Maintenance Tips

Drain fuel or add stabilizer before storage

Run engine dry at end of season

Clean carburetor as needed

Replace spark plug every season

Store in a dry location

When to Repair vs Replace a Snow Blower

Consider replacement if:

Engine has low compression

Repair costs exceed machine value

Parts are unavailable

Most starting issues, however, are cheap and easy DIY repairs.

Final Thoughts

If your snow blower won’t start, don’t panic. In most cases, the problem is bad fuel, a dirty carburetor, or a worn spark plug. By following this step-by-step snow blower repair guide, you can diagnose and fix the issue without an expensive shop visit.

🔧 Need more help? Check out our other small engine repair guides for lawn mowers, pressure washers, and outdoor power equipment.