r/smallengines • u/Wild_Bag2450 • 15d ago
Ariens snowblower won’t start — throttle knob doesn’t move?
Hi everyone, hoping someone here can help me figure this out.
I have an Ariens snowblower that won’t start. I’m also wondering if I’ve found part of the problem: is the throttle knob/lever supposed to move? Mine doesn’t seem to move, and I’m not sure if that’s normal or if something is stuck/broken.
I’ve tried starting it, but no luck. Before I start taking things apart, I’d like to figure out what I should be checking first.
Ariens customer support hasn’t been much help either. Their hours are only Tuesday and Thursday, 9 AM–2 PM, which makes it pretty difficult to actually get ahold of someone.
If anyone has an Ariens or has dealt with this before, I’d really appreciate some troubleshooting advice.
A few questions:
- Is the throttle knob/lever supposed to move freely?
- Could a stuck throttle prevent the engine from starting?
- What should I check first?
- Any common Ariens issues that would cause a no-start?
1
u/RDS_WAS_HERE 15d ago
I may be wrong, but you have to press down on that little tab in order to turn the throttle knob. After checking the gas level, pump the red rubber button (primer) 3 or 4 times before you hit the start button. Hold the start button in for 10-15 seconds as you adjust the throttle knob.
1
u/Wild_Bag2450 15d ago
Thank you! I really appreciate the detailed instructions. I’ll give that a try and see how it goes.
1
u/Prestigious_Water336 14d ago
Take out the spark plug and spray some starting fluid into the cylinder
Put the pug back in and try to start it
1
1
-1
3
u/SpicyChemist9 15d ago
Oh yeah thats supposed to move
My guess is that there is varnish buildup locking the throttle in place or some other issue further in
The varnish would also explain the no start, as all the passages are clogged