Toro Powerflite snowblower problems

[veteranchuck]

I have a 1994 Toro Powerflite snow blower that I couldn't start last winter. I hate troubleshooting things in the cold, so I waited until summer to check it out. I was supprised how easy it was to access the carbuerator, and discovered that the primer hose had swollen and was no longer a tight fit. I clipped a 1/4 inch off the hose, cleaned the carbuerator bowl, stuck the hose back on, primed it, and it started on the first pull. Then this fall, on the first snowfall, I tried starting it, and it would run a second or two and then quit. I found that by pushing the primer ball as it started to stall I could keep it running, until it kept running on it's own. But, it only runs good on full choke. Since, I have added Sea-foam to the gasoline and today, in a near blizzard, I was still had to use full choke for it to run properly.
I really liked that little snow blower, light weight, great for clearing decks, and, up until the last two years, it was and easy starter. Cause I'm getting "long in the tooth" and tired of constantly pulling on that starter cord, I've been looking for one with an eledtric start. But, lo and behold, manufacturers had to mess with a good thing. Now those snow pups come in the 21 and 22 inch range instead of the 16 inch, like the Powerflite. And that makes them a little heftier for lifting around. Too much for me anyhow. Thanks for listening. And if you have any good advice let me know. And, by the way, I have ordered a new primer hose.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

From what you're describing I'm assuming you have the Tecumseh engine? If so I had the same problem with my Toro Powermax the last two winters. What I needed to do was remove the bolt that holds the fuel bowl onto the carb., if you look closely at the bolt you will see it has holes around the sides of it. You need to clean those holes out, I used a little pin that folks use for holding stuff together when they sew it. Once that was clean my engine started great and I no longer had to use the choke to keep it running when in use. I can't remember what they call that part but I ended up cleaning it 2 yrs ago and when it clogged back up I purchased a new one last year, now I just keep swapping them and I clean the one I remove. Don't overtighten the bowl when you put it back together , it's aluminum and will bend easily. Good luck.

 

[veteranchuck]

Thanks, I'll check it out. Just what I'm looking forward to doing after a near blizzard today and a high temmperature or 1 degree forcast for tomorrow.

 

[DIXIEDOG]

I hear you, that's when mine always gives me problems too.