My 4-cycle snowblower won't start. I winterized last fall and even started it in early December.?

Question

How long does gas hold its effectiveness???

Answer 1

Several answers already. Some are good, some not. Gas does go bad. If it has been in a well sealed container, 3-4 months is a bit long, but not bad. It usually will work good even at 6 to 10 months, but that is really stretching it.

The big thing that no one said is that Summer gas and Winter gas are not the same. The companies formulate the Winter gas so it is more volatile. This is to compensate for the lower temperature making the gas vaporize less.

If your gas is from the Summer, replace it with fresh gas. For now, try starting fluid. Personally, I have had to remove the cover over the carb inlet and spray it inside the carb intake. It SHOULD work better than that, but it doesn't always.

I would also replace the spark plug, don't try to clean it. Perhaps some WD40 on the external carb parts to keep them moving properly while you are at it.

Answer 2

The others have covered what to do now.

Start putting Sta-Bil fuel additive in the can you use for the snowblower. Your gas will be viable for well over a year, and less varnishing. Fill the snowblowers tank at the end of the season.

If you can remember, check it once or twice and top off in the summer. By keeping it full, there's less room for condensation. And if it doesn't go dry, less chance for varnishing up.

Answer 3

Check & clean your sparkplug
Check the gas.... I use to live in snow areas, Put some Heat additive to the gas.
Try spraying choke airisol on the air intake.
Check the oil.

Answer 4

Take the plug out - spray starting fluid in the hole and replace plug.... If it starts then dies - it is clogged in the carb (enen though you tried to winterize it)
You can often work it out by using more starting fluid sprayed in the air intake (below the airfilter) or more in the sparkplug hole.

Answer 5

I NEVER HAVE PROBLEMS WITH GAS-PULL AND CLEAN THE PLUG