June 11
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Let’s face it - operating a snowblower for a first–timer can be a tedious task.
When I started using snowblowers, the biggest issue I had to tackle was priming the engine just right. And I am sure many of my readers have faced the same problem. So, if you’re wondering, “what happens if you prime a snowblower too much?” then continue reading.
The direct and perhaps, the most dangerous side effect of over-priming a snowblower is the engine catching fire during operation. Priming essentially directs the fuel or oil to the carburetors through the fuel lines. And priming too much or too frequently can cause an oil flood in the engine, increasing the risk of engine fires once the ignition is on.
Most snowblower manufacturers recommend priming the engine only a couple of times. For example, some Toro snow blowers require pressing the priming button twice. Likewise, most snow blowers require engaging the prime button three to five times.
I’d strongly recommend going through the instruction manual to ensure that you prime your snowblower only the minimum number of times as stated by the manufacturer.
Honestly, I’m guilty of overpriming my snowblower more than required on a few occasions when I first started using the machine. However, I was lucky enough, as it didn’t result in severe damages; all I had to do was remove the excess oil by following the oil limit.
But this may not be the case with you, and you may end up causing irreparable damage to the engine. In fact, you may even have to replace the engine in the worst-case scenario.
Aside from that, here are some cons of over-priming a snowblower that you should be aware of:
The lubrication from the oil may render the engine seal ineffective. This may result in oil leakage to the point where the engine becomes completely dry. And dry running the engine increases the risk of blowing it up as soon as it starts operating.
This may also cause excessive heat inside the engine and make a rod spin or obstruct the crankshaft by welding itself to it. Alternatively, the heat can put excessive strain on the rod, causing it to break and “fly outside” the engine compartment.
Furthermore, the piston can start melting due to the heat and get stuck on the interior of the cylinder, thereby seizing its operation.
The excess oil may flow into the cylinder, making it difficult for the engine to engage and subsequently operate. Moreover, the oil may flow past the worn-out rings and enter the engine, causing it to seize through a phenomenon known as “hydro-locking.”
Here, the compression chamber gets filled with oil (instead of just gas and little fuel), preventing the piston from operating optimally. And when the engine engages, the pressure from it can bend the piston rod to damage it.
Too much oil in the engine can flow to the spark plug and hamper or completely hinder the spark required for the engine to start. Most people tend to ignite the engine multiple times, which puts undue pressure on the spark plug, making it wear out well before time.
Beyond that, the oil may run into the valve train and the cylinder. When this happens, it will start burning when the ignition is engaged, giving out a thick blue smoke with a nasty odor.
If you have observed the above-mentioned signs after priming the engine and before starting it, then you don’t have to fret immediately, as the excess oil can be removed the DIY way. But before that, don’t forget to disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental ignition.
Depending on the model of the snowblower, there are two ways through which you can drain out the excess oil:
The valve port or drain plug is generally located at the side of the engine (near the dipstick) or below the oil pan under the snowblower. Remove the plug or port and drain the oil with the help of the oil pan until the level is back to normal.
A turkey baster or oil evacuator can be an effective way to remove small amounts of oil through the fill hole, but don’t mix the former with your kitchen tools!
That’s it for today.
While these tips should help you prevent over-priming the engine, I’d suggest contacting the customer service team at the earliest if you aren’t sure about fixing the issue at home. Plus, following the maintenance instructions by the brand can help prolong the life of your snowblower.
Until next time, goodbye!
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