As a homeowner in a snowy climate, you understand the need for a dependable and efficient snow blower to tackle the daunting task of clearing your driveway and walkways. When choosing a snow blower, the Ariens brand stands out as a reputable manufacturer offering a wide range of models to meet your specific needs. To ensure your Ariens snow blower performs optimally, it is crucial to master the proper starting procedure. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to start your Ariens snow blower effortlessly, ensuring you are well-prepared for the winter season.
To initiate the starting process, gather the necessary tools and materials, including the owner’s manual, fuel, oil, and a spark plug wrench. Before proceeding, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the snow blower’s control panel and levers. Locate the ignition switch, throttle lever, and choke lever. Understanding their functions will simplify the starting procedure. With the necessary items within reach, you can proceed to the next step of preparing your snow blower for operation.
Priming the Engine
Preparing the engine for starting requires priming, a process that ensures a sufficient fuel supply to the carburetor. Follow these steps to prime your Ariens snow blower:
- Locate the primer bulb. It’s usually a small, rubber bulb attached to the fuel line near the carburetor.
- Press the primer bulb repeatedly. Pump the bulb until you feel resistance, indicating that fuel has reached the carburetor.
- Hold the primer bulb down. Keep the bulb pressed while starting the engine to ensure a continuous fuel supply.
Here’s a table summarizing the priming process:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the primer bulb. |
| 2 | Press the primer bulb repeatedly until resistance is felt. |
| 3 | Hold the primer bulb down while starting the engine. |
Connecting the Spark Plug
To connect the spark plug to the engine, follow these steps:
- Remove the spark plug wire from the engine. Grasp the rubber boot of the spark plug wire and pull it straight up off the spark plug. Do not pull on the wire itself, as this could damage it.
- Inspect the spark plug. Check the spark plug for any damage or wear. The electrode should be clean and free of any build-up. If the spark plug is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Apply anti-seize compound to the threads. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of the spark plug. This will help to prevent the spark plug from seizing in the engine.
- Thread the spark plug into the engine. Screw the spark plug into the engine by hand until it is finger-tight. Then, use a spark plug wrench to tighten the spark plug to the specified torque. The torque for most snow blowers is between 15 and 20 ft-lbs.
- Reattach the spark plug wire. Push the rubber boot of the spark plug wire onto the spark plug. Make sure the wire is fully seated on the spark plug.
| STEP | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| A | Locate spark plug behind housing. |
| B | Snap wire from previous plug. |
| C | Apply a thin film of grease to threads of the spark plug recommended by the manufacturer. |
| D | Screw in the new plug by hand; then snug it down with a wrench. |
| E | Attach the wire onto the new plug. (See previous for picture) |
Starting the Engine
To start the engine, follow these steps:
1. Check the Oil Level
Before starting the engine, make sure to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the “full” and “add” marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add oil until it reaches the correct level.
2. Connect the Spark Plug Wire
Make sure the spark plug wire is properly connected to the spark plug. The spark plug wire should be pushed on firmly until it clicks into place.
3. Turn on the Fuel Valve
Turn on the fuel valve to allow fuel to flow to the carburetor.
4. Set the Choke
If the engine is cold, set the choke to the “closed” position. This will help to enrich the fuel mixture, making it easier for the engine to start. Once the engine has started, gradually open the choke until it is in the “open” position.
5. Engage the Starter
Pull the starter cord or press the starter button to engage the starter. The engine should start within a few seconds. If the engine does not start, repeat steps 1-4 and try again.
Here are some additional tips for starting the engine:
- If the engine does not start after several attempts, allow it to cool down for a few minutes before trying again.
- If the engine still does not start, check the spark plug and make sure it is clean and gapped correctly.
- If the engine starts but runs rough, adjust the carburetor settings.
Troubleshooting Starting Issues
1. Check Fuel Level and Quality
Ensure there is sufficient fresh fuel in the tank and that it is the correct type specified in your owner’s manual. Old or stale fuel can cause starting problems.
2. Inspect Spark Plug
Remove the spark plug and check it for damage or fouling. If the spark plug is faulty, replace it with a new one.
3. Verify Spark
Hold the spark plug wire near a metal surface on the engine and pull the starter cord. You should observe a spark. If not, check the ignition wire and coil for damage or loose connections.
4. Clean Carburetor
A clogged carburetor can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Remove and clean the carburetor using carburetor cleaner. Ensure all jets and passages are clear before reassembling.
5. Check Compression
Use a compression gauge to measure the engine’s compression. Low compression can indicate engine wear or damage, which may require professional repair.
6. Inspect Recoil Starter System
The recoil starter mechanism comprises several components, including the starter rope, recoil spring, and pawls. Inspect each component for wear or damage. If necessary, replace faulty parts or adjust the tension on the starter rope.
| Component | Troubleshooting Tip |
|---|---|
| Starter Rope | Check for fraying or breakage. Replace if damaged. |
| Recoil Spring | Inspect for kinks or broken coils. Replace if necessary. |
| Pawls | Ensure proper engagement with the flywheel. Lubricate if necessary. |
Safety Precautions
Read the Manual Carefully
Familiarize yourself with your snow blower before operating it. The manual will provide important information on safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Dress Appropriately
Wear warm, waterproof clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
Inspect the Area
Before starting the snow blower, inspect the area for obstacles such as rocks, branches, or other debris. Remove any potential hazards to prevent damage or injury.
Keep Children and Pets Away
Snow blowers can be dangerous for children and pets. Keep them a safe distance away while operating the machine.
Use Proper Fuel
Use only the fuel specified in the manual. Never use gasoline in a diesel-powered snow blower or vice versa.
Operate on a Level Surface
Do not operate the snow blower on slopes or uneven surfaces. This can increase the risk of tipping or loss of control.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Never operate the snow blower in an enclosed space, such as a garage or shed. Carbon monoxide from the exhaust can build up and cause serious health problems.
Warm-Up Procedure
Before starting your Ariens snow blower, it’s crucial to perform a warm-up procedure to ensure optimal performance and extend its lifespan.
1. Check Oil Level: Before starting the engine, check the oil level using the dipstick. Ensure the oil level is within the recommended range.
2. Clean Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and affect engine performance. Remove the air filter and inspect for any debris or dirt. Clean or replace it if necessary.
3. Check Spark Plug: A worn spark plug can cause hard starting or engine misfiring. Inspect the spark plug for any damage or wear and replace it if required.
4. Check Fuel: Ensure the snow blower has sufficient fuel in the tank. Use fresh gasoline with the appropriate octane rating for your model.
5. Choke the Engine: When starting a cold engine, engage the choke lever to provide a richer fuel mixture. This helps the engine start more easily.
6. Primer the Engine: If your snow blower has a primer bulb, press it several times to fill the carburetor with fuel. This primes the engine and makes it easier to start.
7. Start the Engine: Pull the starter cord or turn the ignition key to start the engine. Hold the choke lever engaged until the engine runs smoothly.
8. Adjust the Choke: As the engine warms up, gradually release the choke lever. If the engine stalls or runs rough, re-engage the choke slightly until it runs smoothly without the choke.
| Procedure | Details |
|---|---|
| Check Oil Level | Use dipstick to ensure oil is within specified range. |
| Clean Air Filter | Inspect for debris, clean, or replace if necessary. |
| Check Spark Plug | Inspect for damage or wear, replace if required. |
| Check Fuel | Ensure sufficient fuel in tank, use fresh gasoline. |
| Choke Engine | Engage choke lever for easier cold starting. |
| Prime Engine | Press primer bulb (if available) to fill carburetor with fuel. |
| Start Engine | Pull starter cord or turn ignition key. |
| Adjust Choke | Gradually release choke lever as engine warms up. |
Throttle and Choke Control
The Ariens snow blower has an intuitive throttle and choke control system that ensures easy starting and optimal performance.
Throttle Control
The **throttle control** lever regulates the engine speed. It is located on the right-hand side of the control panel.
**When starting the snow blower:**
– Pull the throttle lever to the “FAST” position.
**During operation:**
– Adjust the throttle lever to control the engine speed. Faster speed increases snow-throwing capacity, while slower speed conserves fuel.
Choke Control
The **choke control** lever enriches the fuel mixture to provide a richer air-to-fuel ratio for starting a cold engine.
**When starting the snow blower:**
– Move the choke lever to the “CHOKE” (fully closed) position.
**As the engine warms up:**
– Gradually move the choke lever to the “RUN” (fully open) position.
Additional Tips
- If the engine floods, pull the choke lever to the "OPEN" position and crank the engine for a few seconds to clear out excessive fuel.
- Keep the choke lever in the "RUN" position during operation to ensure proper fuel flow.
- The carburetor may need adjustment if the engine stalls or runs rough. Refer to the snow blower’s owner’s manual for carburetor adjustment procedures.
| Throttle Position | Engine Speed |
|---|---|
| FAST | High speed for maximum snow-throwing capacity |
| RUN | Medium speed for normal operation |
| SLOW | Low speed for conserving fuel |
Ariens Snow Blowers How To Start
Ariens snow blowers are a popular choice for homeowners who need to clear their driveways and walkways of snow. They are known for their durability, reliability, and ease of use. However, even the best snow blowers can be difficult to start if you don’t know how to do it properly.
Here are the steps on how to start an Ariens snow blower:
- Make sure that the snow blower is on a level surface.
- Turn the fuel valve to the “on” position.
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “start” position.
- Hold the choke lever in the “closed” position.
- Pull the starter rope until the engine starts.
- Once the engine is running, release the choke lever slowly.
- Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes before using the snow blower.
People Also Ask About Ariens Snow Blowers How To Start
How do I troubleshoot a snow blower that won’t start?
If your snow blower won’t start, there are a few things you can check:
- Make sure that the fuel tank is full of fresh gas.
- Check the spark plug to make sure that it is clean and gapped correctly.
- Clean the carburetor if it is clogged.
- Check the air filter to make sure that it is clean.
- Make sure that the drive belt is properly tensioned.
How do I winterize my snow blower?
To winterize your snow blower, follow these steps:
- Drain the fuel tank and carburetor.
- Remove the spark plug and add a few drops of oil to the cylinder.
- Pull the starter rope several times to distribute the oil.
- Clean the snow blower thoroughly and store it in a dry place.
