If you live in a snowy region, a snowblower can be an indispensable tool to clear your driveway or sidewalk after heavy snowfall.
But if you haven't used one before or have recently purchased a new model, you might be confused as to where the air intake is located. So, here I am to help you figure that out.
Now, without further ado, let's begin!
The Purpose Of An Air Intake On A Snowblower
Before learning about where the air intake is located, it is essential to understand what exactly its purpose is.
A snow blower is a gas or electric-powered machine designed to scoop up snow from the ground and remove it to the side. It works efficiently on both paved and unpaved surfaces, including pathways, sidewalks, and driveways.
Although there are different types of snowblowers, all of them require starter fluid which allows the engine to start, and that is where the air intake comes in handy. While other similar machines like lawn mowers come with an air filter for spraying in the starter fluid, it is absent in a snowblower.
Hence, you need to spray the starter fluid into the air intake. which allows the air to flow more freely into the engine. And compared to air filters, an air intake offers certain advantages, such as not getting clogged easily with dirt and not requiring frequent replacements. The air intake is a part of the carburetor, which supplies the snowblower engine with a mixture of fuel and air.
When you spray the starter fluid into the air intake, it combines with air, which is required by the spark-ignition engine used in the snowblower. This allows the engine to start when you push the start button or pull on the starting rope, depending on the type and model of the snowblower.
Where Is The Air Intake Located On A Snowblower?
To start a snowblower, you will need to spray the starter fluid into the air intake, which is not accessible from the outside since it is covered by a plastic cover. It is located near the choke lever and will require you to open the cover to get to it.
How To Access The Air Intake?
In most cases, you will need to remove the cover on the air intake to access it for filling up the snowblower with the starter fluid. To do that, first, locate the choke lever on the machine which controls the air intake. There will be a metal or plastic cover near it that protects the air intake. To remove it, unscrew any bolts and nuts securing it to the chassis of the snowblower.
You may need to remove the choke handle as well in some cases with the help of pliers. Do not remove the wire or cable that attaches the cover to the machine. Once the carburetor and air intake become visible, look for a metal surface with an upward-facing opening that may be rectangular or round-shaped. This is the air intake.
Opening The Air Intake Valve
Once you've identified the air intake, it is time to open the valve for spraying in the starter fluid. For that, you will first need to shift the choke lever to the open position by moving it in the direction indicated on the cover. After opening it, spray the starter fluid into the air intake in quick, short bursts. Don't overspray as that can damage the engine of the snowblower.
Closing The Choke Lever Cover
After spraying the starter fluid into the air intake, close the cover before starting the machine. Simply reverse the steps you followed earlier by sliding the cover back into its original position and securing it with nuts and bolts. Similarly, the choke knob must be pushed back onto the lever for reinstallation.
Final Words
With that, I've come to the end of this guide, and hopefully, it has helped you answer, “where is air intake on a snowblower located?”
Whether you have a single-stage snowblower or a multi-stage one, the process will be similar in most cases. Just make sure to follow the necessary safety precautions while opening the snowblower and spraying the fluid into the air intake to prevent accidents.
And you can then clean your driveway or sidewalk cleared in no time. I will see you again- till then, take care!