When you say it won't pull, do you mean it wont start? It should start with low oil, but not a good thing to do. I would change the oil + gas and check the float + bowl for gummed up old gas under the carb. .

What brand of engine, which plug fell out and what was the purchase date? He could be entitled to a warranty repair.

He said he can no longer pull the cord. I'll ask what brand engine. He said its out of its two year warranty, I think its a briggs.

What is the model number of the Ariens?

You say your dad flipped it over to discover the oil drain plug missing. As far as I know an Ariens snow blower oil drain plug would be on the top postion of the engine, NOT ON THE BOTTOM. What does the oil lever show?

There is a possibility the cylinder is flooded with fuel thus you can't pull the rope. Remove the spark plug and then pull on the rope to see if it now moves. If it does continue pulling the rope until it clears the cylinder of gas.

If indeed that was the problem, I thing your float needle seal is leaking allowing fuel to enter the cylinder. A carb rebuild will be needed but in the meantime you can shut off the fuel supply with the fuel shut off valve on the engine that should be present. If it doesn't have one it would be smart to install one.

Then clean the spark plug or replace, next drain the oil and add fresh oil since the oil is most likely contaminated with gas.

thanks. I thought he said the plug was on the bottom...not sure. Model is 5520e. He says it a Tecumseh 5.5 hp engine and is 8 years old...I did not realize it was that old...never know by looking at it. I will send him this post..perhaps I can get over and help him try what you suggest.

Just to help you out I've included some links for both the Ariens Owners Manual and the Engine manual for reference. You should download them and save them on your PC for future reference.

I sure hope yur dad didn't run the engine dry of oil and only flooded it.

Ariens 5520E (Model 93240 or 932140 Depending on Serial #) Owner Manual

Copy and paste this link (for some reason can't click on it).

http://apache.ariens.com/manuals/00429300B_ENG.pdf

Tecumseh Engine Manual (LH195SP 5.5HP)

http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/OperatorManuals/pdf/181-1275-14.pdf

thanks, he has a backup thrower so he's covered. We will try removing the plug and see what happens when it warms up a but....its real feel -5 now!

If ya ran it without oil--stick a fork in it---its done! RJ

It is really not worth spending any time on. Tecumseh is gone and nobody makes a suitable replacement engine.

I agree with member rusty14, if in fact it was run without oil, the engine is history. If Checking the oil shows an excessive amount with the smell of gas, floding is most likely the problem. If no oil is indicated the engine is shot.

Why I suggested the flooding may be the problem is that you said "He flipped it over and noticed the oil plug was missing. He fears the unit is shot." As stated the oil plug is located on the top part of the engine , not underneath. If it was the oil plug on top missing, I would think he would have noticed it when blowing. The rainbow effect he saw on the driveway can just as easily be gasoline, if on blacktop.

It shouldn't take more than a minute to check for flooding by removing the plug.

Reminds me of an experience I had many years ago. While scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands on a chartered small boat with many other divers the boat would no longer start when the dive was completed. Turning the key did nothing. I asked the owner if he had tools and he said he did. I removed all the plugs and cranked the engine. Water came spewing out of the cylinders but the starter worked so it wasn't an electrical issue.

I told the owner NOT to use the boat until all the salt water was pumped out and the oil changed, he agreed and we were towed back. He later admitted to me the boat was overloaded with too many people causing water to enter into the engine through the exhaust ports. He thanked me and offered me a free night dive which I graciously refused. How can you trust somebody that knowingly put their customers in harms way.

Yes I took a quick look today it was a very small snow thrower so he's probably better off getting something a little bigger with a little more horsepower he really liked the small one though but they don't make it anymore and the guy said they don't make parts for it anymore

So when you took a "quick look" what did you find?

The courteous thing to do would be to let the forum know so others may learn. All too often new members (not in you case) never follow up once they get an answer or just can't be bothered with sharing their experience so others may benefit.

I did not over...I will followup..dad is sure no oil though

Dad bought a oil plug an hopes to find his way to the plug when it warms up a bit. He doubts there is any hope. The Ariens dealer says the no longer make the 20" model. He has an old 24" unit and likes the 20" model since he does not have nor wants a single stage model. They will put a new engine on for $400. He is thinking about it since he likes the smaller stature.

I don't think spending 400.00 to replace the engine is a wise economical decision. Since winter is coming to an end, maybe he should wait and keep checking CraigsList or Ebay for used units in your area. Prices will drop when warmer weather comes so that's the best time to buy. Also people in colder climates that are moving to warmer climates in the summer when school is out, will be selling their snow blowers since they have no use for them.

If he can't find a Ariens 5520E he can look for two Toro models, the 521 which is 5HP and 21" width, or a 622 that is 6HP and 22" width. Both are excellent machines.

The new blowers appear all to be coming with Chinese engines which I'm not fond of and some may have difficulty in getting parts.

its not a money issue for him. he could get a new 24 in unit to 700 or do he said. he likes a smaller unit.

to him 400 is worth it...it had few hours on it....tranny should be good.

I did not know toro was making small units again. I am a toro guy...last I looked I only saw huge units and understood they were only making big 2 stage models...now I have an excuse to pop in my local dealer...thanks.

My apologies, I should have made myself clearer, the two Toro units I was referring to are old units no longer produced, you will not find any new ones.

If money is not an issue for him then he should pay the 400.00 for a new engine if that's what he needs for his property.
I would question the dealer on what engine he will be replacing it with, quite likely it may be a Chinese one that may require some retro fitting.

rats!

After pouring MMO in over a few days, Dad engaged the electric start a few time then noticed he could start to pull the cord. He said it started...smoked for a few minutes, ran rough a while but now seems ok. I guess the real test will come under a load next winter.