While standing in foot-deep snow in the front yard or garden, you’ll definitely not want to figure out how to start a snowblower from scratch.
In fact, it was just last week that I helped out a neighbor with his new snowblower, and he couldn’t thank me enough! That’s why I thought of penning this guide on how to start Craftsman snowblower to take you through the process in simple words. So, let’s start!
How To Start A Craftsman Snowblower
First, know that the process of starting a Craftsman snowblower basically involves three phases. You’ll have to begin by inspecting the machine to ensure it’s running properly and then prime the engine to make it ready for ignition. The final phase involves using an electric starter or starter rope to get the machine running.
Here’s how you’ll have to proceed to complete each phase:
1. Inspecting The Snowblower
Step 1
First of all, you should make sure the level of lubricant in the engine is at “full”. In case it’s not, you can top off the oil as per your needs according to the instructions in the user manual.
Step 2
Fill up your snowblower engine with enough fuel for the next snow removal job. Notably, Craftsman recommends using regular 97-grade unleaded gasoline for models with 4-cycle engines. But older models with 2-cycle engines use an oil and gas mix.
On a side note, make sure the fuel is fresh, particularly if the snowblower hasn’t been fired up in the recent past.
Step 3
Complete the inspection by checking whether the drive controls are set to “off” before your snowblower is started. This will prevent any unintended movement once it starts.
2. Preparing For Ignition
Step 1
Adjust the choke to the “full” mark, as that will help the fuel mix appropriately with air and fire the engine correctly. But in case you used the snowblower just a few minutes ago, you can activate the warm start setting for the choke or adjust it halfway through.
Step 2
Next, you’ll have to adjust the throttle to the “fast” speed-setting, as that’s how it should be kept while starting the snowblower.
Step 3
Activate the shut-off valve for fuel usage by turning it on. In case you’re not sure about the location of the valve, go through the manual.
Step 4
Now, you’ll have to hit the switch for ignition — activate the “run” or “on” position.
Step 5
Some Craftsman snowblowers might require you to insert a metal or plastic ignition key to get the machine started, so make sure to put that in at this point. Notably, this key is an additional safety feature to help stop the machine quickly while you're operating it.
Step 6
To help circulate fuel, you’ll have to push the primer bulb, a small bubble-shaped switch that works to pump fuel into the carburetor. Pressing it 2-3 times is generally enough to start the machine.
3. Starting The Engine
As mentioned earlier, the starting mechanism for snowblower engines can be of two types. That’s why the steps will vary slightly based on the type that your machine utilizes.
Step 1
A. For Models With Starter Ropes
Begin by pulling the starter rope slowly till you feel some resistance. Now, pull it more quickly and smoothly to get the engine started.
B. For Models With An Electric Starter
If your Craftsman model comes with an electric starter, you’ll have to get hold of a three-pronged cord and insert its other end into a power outlet. Just make sure the outlet is of the same voltage as the snowblower.
Now, press the start push button in short cycles till the engine fires and continues to run. And once the machine starts running, disconnect the power source.
Step 2
Wait for a few minutes until the snowblower warms up, then turn off the choke. With that, your machine will be ready to take on stubborn layers of snow.
Final Words
By following the above steps, you can start your new Craftsman snowblower smoothly in any weather. So, bring out the machine this weekend and get done with the overdue snow removal job. And it won’t be long before your garden is back in shape.
With that, I’ll wrap things up for now. See you next time!