How to Clean a Snowblower Carburetor

If your snowblower is running rough, or not starting at all, there may be an issue with the carburetor. This part is responsible for mixing fuel with air for the engine’s internal combustion system. If the carburetor is clogged, you’ll run into a number of issues when it comes to running your snowblower. In this article, we’ll explain the different symptoms you may have, how to clean your snowblower carburetor, and maintenance tips to keep your equipment running efficiently all winter long.

How to Tell if a Snowblower Carburetor is Clogged

Leaving old fuel in your snowblower can cause the carburetor to gum up, and you will end up with issues when trying to start and run the machine. If the carburetor in your snowblower is clogged, it won’t be able to provide the correct ratio of air and fuel to run your machine efficiently. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues with your snowblower, the carburetor is likely to blame:

• Snowblower is difficult to start.
• The engine runs rough (sputters, surges, or stalls).
• Black smoke is coming from the exhaust.

How to Clean a Snowblower Carburetor

To clean your snowblower carburetor, you will need a few different tools. A flat head and Phillips screwdriver, socket or nut driver set, and needle nose pliers will all be needed to access, remove, and disassemble the carburetor. You will also need a can of carburetor cleaning spray, and if the part is extremely dirty, an ultrasonic cleaner will do the best job. Other items that will make the job easier are clean rags, a drip container, and a carburetor repair kit to replace any worn out parts like gaskets.

How to Remove the Carburetor from a Snowblower

The steps may vary slightly depending on your model of snowblower, but the instructions below will walk you through the general process to disconnect the carburetor and remove it from a snowblower.

1. The first step is to remove the spark plug wire so the engine cannot start while you are working on the snowblower.
2. Removing the engine panel by unscrewing any mounting bolts to gain access to the carburetor
3. Then clamp the fuel line and disconnect it from the carburetor. You will want a container handy to catch any fuel that may leak out when you disconnect the fuel line.
4. Disconnect the primer line by carefully prying it off the carburetor.
5. Remove the two mounting bolts and carefully pull the carburetor off the engine. Be careful not to rip or tear the gasket if you plan to reuse them after cleaning the carb.

How to Disassemble a Snowblower Carburetor

1. Put the carb on a clean work surface with a drip tray beneath.
2. Remove the backing plate and peel off old gaskets. If the gaskets are torn, or feel brittle, they should be replaced with new ones when you reassemble the carburetor.
3. Spray the outside of the carburetor with the cleaning spray to remove any debris. This will prevent anything from getting into the internal components.
Remove the bowl by removing the bowl screw and let any gas drain into your container. With the bowl removed, we can now take apart the internal components of the carburetor.
4. Remove the hinge pin with a pair of needle nose pliers, then lift the float and metering needle away from the carburetor.
5. Next using a flat head screwdriver, remove the main jet that’s threaded inside the tube attached to the base of the carburetor. Depending on your model, your snowblower carburetor may have a second jet that will also need to be removed and cleaned.
6. Push out the emulsion tube (also known as the nozzle) by inserting a screwdriver into the venturi and pushing the nozzle out through the same tube where the main jet was.
7. Finally, remove the bowl O-ring.

How to Clean a Snowblower Carburetor

1. With the carburetor now disassembled, spray the carburetor cleaner into every small passage, the emulsion tube, jet, float area, and through the venturi.
2. If the buildup of fuel residue is heavy, soak the metal parts in an ultrasonic cleaner. Run multiple short cycles until all the components are clean.
3. Remove the parts from the ultrasonic cleaner (if used) and use compressed air to blow all the components dry.
4. Inspect the O-ring, gaskets, float, needle tip, emulsion tube and the jet threads. If any of these components are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
5. Reverse the disassembly steps from above to rebuild your carburetor.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Snowblower Running

Whether you perform these tasks before storing your snowblower in the spring, or before starting it up again in the winter, these will help keep your snowblower engine in top working condition.

• Before storage, either drain the fuel from the tank, or add fresh fuel and a stabilizer to help prevent it from breaking down and clogging up your carburetor.
• Replace the spark plug once per season.
• Change the oil at least once per season. If you use your snowblower frequently, you may need to check and change the oil more than once.

Tackling snowblower carburetor problems yourself not only saves money on repairs but also keeps your equipment in peak condition. By taking the time to perform simple seasonal maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your snowblower and ensure it’s always ready when a winter storm hits.