If you have to pull start a Backup Generator, a Lawnmower, a Lawn Trimmer, Boat Motor, Rototiller, or in this case a Snow Blower, knowing the basics of how to pull start a small gasoline engine can be useful.
Electric engine starters may be better, but they are usually a bit more costly and the electric start is one more thing that can break. However, If you have a hybrid off-grid solar system where the generator turns on automatically, then an electric auto start would be your best option.
This snowblower I bought second-hand from a mechanical repair friend I met that lives close to me. I got a great deal on it, they don't build consumer small engines like they used to. He agreed to service it for the season if there were any troubles. He came out to the property yesterday morning in -10'C temperatures to replace the old belt that it had thrown from heavy snow. Good Deal.
Here's a quick run down of a small engine. Starting at the top right of the picture above you can see the red gas cap. You can unscrew it, make sure that there's gas in there (some engines might require an oil or other type of additive, be sure you know which type of gas your engine needs). To the left of the red gas cap you can see the white portion of the spark plug, the spark plug creates a spark that ignites gas fumes in the engine combustion chamber. To the left of the spark plug is the rusty muffler where the combustion in the engine exits - the exhaust. At the bottom middle of the picture above you see the black handle for the Pull Cord. The pulling the pull cord is what jump starts the engine combustion and cranking process.
In the picture below at the top-right you can see the black rubber push Primer Bulb, below the primer bulb you can see the red handle of the Throttle adjuster. The throttle controls how much gas the engine is receiving, more gas equals faster engine speed. To the left of the throttle and push primer is the Choke Switch, mine is missing a knob I'll find one for it in the spring.
To Pull Start a Small Engine:
1 - Turn ON the Engine On/Off switch.
With this snowblower the throttle slider includes the on/off switch. Also check to be sure the gas line is switched to ON.
2 - Move the Throttle to the High position.
Generators and other engines may not have a throttle adjuster.
3 - Switch the Choke to the ON position.
If the choke is a slider, slide it all the way to Full choke. The Choke restricts the amount of air that the carburetor mixes with the gas for combustion. This increases the amount of gas in the combustion mixture making the engine easier to start.
4 - Push the Primer Bulb gently a couple times.
Generators and other engines may not have a primer. The Primer Bulb draws gas up to the carburetor for easier starting. If the primer bulb is pushed too many times, the carburetor my become flooded with gas and harder to start. A couple gentle pushes are usually plenty.
5 - Grasp the Pull Cord by the handle, give it a Pull.
Make sure the engine and your footing is in stable and secure position. The engine may take many pulls to start depending on how cold the engine is. Pull Starting my generator in -30'C temperatures takes about 3 sets of 10 pulls.
6 - Switch the Choke to the OFF position.
After the engine is started and has warmed up and the engine sounds have smoothed out, turn OFF the choke. If you notice darker smoke coming out of the exhaust, it's a good indication that the Choke needs to be switched OFF.
Click the picture below to Watch the Video demonstration of Pull Starting a Snowblower.
I admit the snowblower was still warm from earlier. I had to turn the choke off quick, you could already see the darker exhaust.
Click the picture below to watch the Video of the Snowblower in action.
Preventative Measures: If your engine is new to you, be sure to check the oil level of the engine. Bring it to the correct oil level with the proper oil. Check the oil level after each use for the first few times using the engine to be sure there are no oil leaks. Low or no oil will ruin an engine quick.
Be Very Careful when pull starting any size engine.
Have a great day!
This previous post may be of interest to you: