John Deere Snowblower won't throw

dannymacc · 12-23-2008, 08:07 PM

This single-stage unit worked last winter, and is running this year, but doesn't seem to have the power it had last year. Engine runs, and reel turns. Every now and then, the engine will crank up to the pitch I remember hearing last year, and then the snow will fly, but that's a rare thing. I've run the machine out of gas twice to make sure it's clean. The gas I'm putting in is mixed with oil. I'm not much of an engine guy. Any thoughts?

MrChooks · 12-23-2008, 09:33 PM

Hi & welcome to TSF.

Question - is your engine a 2 stroke?? if not - it shouldn't have oil in the fuel

If it is a 2 stroke - then it must have oil in the fuel

Maybe your plug is getting tired / old. Plugs are cheap - suggest as a 1st step, you take the old one out and replace with a correct spec new one. Take the old plug and the engine description with you and any good out door equipment shop should be able to supply you with an appropriate plug. See how your machine performs with a new / clean plug

dannymacc · 12-24-2008, 07:37 AM

Oh yeah, key point, yes, the engine is a two stroke, so should have oil in the fuel. I'll try the spark plug today. I'm also going to try to locate the air filter and take a look at it. Could a dirty air filter keep the engine from revving up to where it's supposed to be?

MrChooks · 12-24-2008, 12:27 PM

OK - the oil / fuel is the correct mix - NEVER run your engine on straight gasoline

To your question - Absolutely- anything that impedes airflow and / or fuel flow will affect engine performance.

As your engine starts OK, I am suspecting either plug or maybe some muck in the carb / fuel system.

As you say.... "I am not much of an engine guy" ... let's see if we can get you going without too much complicated stuff - like stripping carburettor etc.

Just one last easy thing to check - are the throttle cable / linkages etc all moving correctly and to their full travel?? - Sometimes any stickiness their can be fixed with a good squirt of spray lube.

**K-B** · 12-28-2008, 07:01 PM

Snowthrowers don't usually have air filters, so that's one less thing you have to worry about. Like MrChooks said, I'm also thinking a fuel related problem.

12-23-2008, 08:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
dannymacc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2 OS: Mac OS 10.4	John Deere Snowblower won't throw This single-stage unit worked last winter, and is running this year, but doesn't seem to have the power it had last year. Engine runs, and reel turns. Every now and then, the engine will crank up to the pitch I remember hearing last year, and then the snow will fly, but that's a rare thing. I've run the machine out of gas twice to make sure it's clean. The gas I'm putting in is mixed with oil. I'm not much of an engine guy. Any thoughts?

12-23-2008, 09:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
MrChooks Gearhead Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 613 OS: Windows XP Home SP 3 My System	Re: John Deere Snowblower won't throw Hi & welcome to TSF. Question - is your engine a 2 stroke?? if not - it shouldn't have oil in the fuel If it is a 2 stroke - then it must have oil in the fuel Maybe your plug is getting tired / old. Plugs are cheap - suggest as a 1st step, you take the old one out and replace with a correct spec new one. Take the old plug and the engine description with you and any good out door equipment shop should be able to supply you with an appropriate plug. See how your machine performs with a new / clean plug

12-24-2008, 07:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
dannymacc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2 OS: Mac OS 10.4	Re: John Deere Snowblower won't throw Oh yeah, key point, yes, the engine is a two stroke, so should have oil in the fuel. I'll try the spark plug today. I'm also going to try to locate the air filter and take a look at it. Could a dirty air filter keep the engine from revving up to where it's supposed to be?

12-24-2008, 12:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
MrChooks Gearhead Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 613 OS: Windows XP Home SP 3 My System	Re: John Deere Snowblower won't throw OK - the oil / fuel is the correct mix - NEVER run your engine on straight gasoline To your question - Absolutely- anything that impedes airflow and / or fuel flow will affect engine performance. As your engine starts OK, I am suspecting either plug or maybe some muck in the carb / fuel system. As you say.... "I am not much of an engine guy" ... let's see if we can get you going without too much complicated stuff - like stripping carburettor etc. Just one last easy thing to check - are the throttle cable / linkages etc all moving correctly and to their full travel?? - Sometimes any stickiness their can be fixed with a good squirt of spray lube.

12-28-2008, 07:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
K-B Moderator, Linux Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NY Posts: 2,878 OS: Vista, Ubuntu My System	Re: John Deere Snowblower won't throw Snowthrowers don't usually have air filters, so that's one less thing you have to worry about. Like MrChooks said, I'm also thinking a fuel related problem. __________________