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fred1957_gw

Sears Snow thrower recall catching fire or is it a lemon ?

17 years ago

I had my recall done on Nov 5th 2007, The parts arrived on time and the technician did the work. Luckily I was on vacation. One problem, I only used the snow blower once last winter, it was a very mild winter as we all know. Well so far this winter I used it twice,the snow blower once it warms up, the engine shut off. It restarts easily but runs for only 30 or 40 second then shuts off again. I put fresh gas in but nothing works. I called customer service, I call the recall number, but no one at Sears want to know anything or help me without charging me. The snow blower is 3 years old and ran fine until they did the recall. Has this happened to anyone else. Frustrated in Milford

Comments (9)

  • 17 years ago

    The fuel line recall? I don't know how it could be tied to the recall at this point. If you are somewhat mechanical and want to check a few things yourself, we may be able to help. It should have had some preventative maintenance done since the recall anyways. Maybe you could describe the running with more detail. Does it run well, then seem to miss- or maybe seemed starved for fuel, kind of surges? How many minutes does it run for initially? It sounds as tho it ran well last year? It could be as simple as debris in carb bowl. Otherwise, to the shop or have them come out.

  • 17 years ago

    I am not the best mechanic but I cleaned out the carb bowl and put in fresh gas. It runs fine for a few minutes but then shuts off every 30 seconds once its warm. It does however start right back up. I thought the gas was dirty too. I am in Connecticut and we got zippo snow last year. I used it once in December and that was it. Going to try again. I am going to take the cover off and check the prime bulb and the wire to the on off switch. Also I am going to change the plug. Maybe when the technician that did the complimetary tune up, cracked the plug. Never know. Thanks for the input. I stll have shovels.

  • 17 years ago

    You could be right on w/ the spark plug. If you haven't cleaned out the holes in the main jet (bowl nut), you may want to.

  • 17 years ago

    I dought it's the plug, but don't hurt to check the gap or replace it. I would keep trying some more maybe still got air in the system and just needs to be worked out. Use carb. cleaner when it wants starts to die to keep it rev'ed up. Carb cleaner may help clean any small particle that still maybe lodged in the small passages. On equipment that sets I would be treating the gas and following the instructions on the can of carb. cleaner to clean out the carb once in awhile to prevent carb. from plugging up Hence the name "GUMOUT"

  • 17 years ago

    It snowed last night. The snow thrower started right up and ran fine until I engaged the auger and threw some snow. That lasted about 30 seconds and the engine shut off. It started right back up but I put it away and shoveled the driveway. I still need to try the things I said I was going to due earlier. Right now all I have done is clean the old gas out. Thanks for everyones input.

  • 17 years ago

    It sounds like a fuel/carb problem. The fact that it starts up again would make me think a sticking float or some obstruction in the fuel line that is restricting the gas flow.
    When it starts to die, try putting on the choke to see if that helps enrich the mixture some to let it run.
    If you still have the instructions for the recall, try to see what was done. I remember on mine a fuel hose was cut with a piece put in. I can't remember exactly what was done. I could try to look if you want. Maybe a bad connection letting air in or a kink in the hose.
    One more thought, try running it with SeaFoam in the gas. It's great for cleaning out gunk.

  • 17 years ago

    I dunno, if it runs well dies, restarts etc. it sounds possible ignition to me. You don't really know without hearing it or trying the carb spray trick like rc said. That plug could be the culprit. As you mentioned, checking the kill wire too- even under the shroud if necessary. Temporarily unhook the kill wire if there is one from the chassis to the engine to isolate it further. A coil could do the same thing.

  • 17 years ago

    Did you leave the gas cap loose to see if it's not venting?
    Mike

  • 17 years ago

    Thanks for everyones input but its cold out and I just don't have the time. I dropped it at a garage that specializes in out door power equipment and small engine repair. I will let you know the outcome.