Ariens Deluxe 24 Won’t Start? Your Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide
A heavy snowfall is blanketing the neighborhood, and your trusted Ariens Deluxe 24 snow blower sits ready. You pull the cord, press the electric start, but all you get is silence or a sputtering engine that refuses to roar to life. A non-starting snow blower right when you need it most is a uniquely frustrating experience.
Fortunately, the vast majority of starting issues on the Ariens Deluxe 24 are caused by a handful of common problems that can be diagnosed and fixed at home with basic tools. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to get your machine running, from the simplest checks to more advanced diagnostics.
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First Things First: The Pre-Start Checklist
Before diving into complex repairs, it’s crucial to cover the basics. These simple steps are often overlooked and can save you hours of unnecessary work. Always begin troubleshooting by ensuring your safety.
First and foremost, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. This is a critical safety measure that prevents the engine from accidentally starting while you are working on it. Simply grip the boot firmly and pull it off the plug.
Confirm the Correct Starting Procedure
Even seasoned users can sometimes miss a step in the heat of the moment. Double-check that you are following the correct starting sequence for your Ariens Deluxe 24. This typically involves a few key controls.
Make sure the red safety key is fully inserted into its slot; the engine will not start without it. Turn the fuel shut-off valve to the “On” position. Set the choke to the “Full” or “Start” position, press the primer bulb three to five times until you feel fuel moving, and set the throttle to the “Fast” (rabbit) position. Only after confirming these steps should you attempt to start the engine again.
Level 1 Troubleshooting: The Usual Suspects
If the pre-start check doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to investigate the most common culprits. Over 90% of starting issues are related to fuel, spark, or air. We will address these in order of probability.
The #1 Cause: Stale or Contaminated Fuel
The single most common reason an Ariens Deluxe 24 won’t start, especially at the beginning of the season, is old or bad gasoline. Modern gasoline, particularly ethanol-blended fuel, can begin to degrade in as little as 30 days. As it breaks down, it forms gummy deposits and varnish that can clog the tiny passages in the carburetor.
If you suspect old fuel, the best course of action is to safely drain the fuel tank and the carburetor bowl. Refill the tank with fresh, high-quality gasoline (87 octane is sufficient) treated with a fuel stabilizer. This preventative step is the best way to avoid fuel-related problems in the future.
A Faulty or Fouled Spark Plug
The spark plug is a small but vital component that delivers the spark needed for combustion. Over time, it can become fouled with carbon, oil, or fuel, or simply wear out. A weak or nonexistent spark will prevent the engine from starting.
Locate the spark plug, remove the wire, and use a spark plug socket to carefully unscrew it. Inspect the electrode at the tip. If it is black and sooty, oily, or has a cracked porcelain insulator, it needs to be replaced. Even if it looks clean, it’s often wise to install a new one as they are inexpensive and a frequent point of failure.
Level 2 Troubleshooting: Digging Deeper
If fresh fuel and a new spark plug don’t resolve the issue, the problem likely lies a bit deeper within the fuel or ignition system. These next steps require a little more effort but are well within the capabilities of a DIYer.
Clogged Carburetor Jets
When bad fuel sits in the carburetor, it leaves varnish deposits that can block the main jet or pilot jet. These jets have minuscule openings that deliver a precise amount of fuel to the engine. Even a partial blockage can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to run poorly.
A quick diagnostic trick is to spray a two-second burst of starting fluid directly into the carburetor’s throat (after removing the air filter cover). If the engine fires up for a moment and then dies, it’s a clear sign of a fuel delivery problem, pointing directly to a clogged carburetor. Cleaning the carburetor is often necessary to resolve this. You can often clear the main jet by removing the carburetor bowl bolt, which often doubles as the jet itself, and carefully cleaning its small passages with a thin wire and carburetor cleaner.
Fuel Flow Obstructions
Before reaching the carburetor, fuel must pass through a shut-off valve and sometimes an inline fuel filter. Check to ensure the fuel shut-off valve is fully open. If your model has a fuel filter, inspect it for debris and replace it if it appears clogged.
You can verify fuel flow by disconnecting the fuel line from the carburetor inlet. Place the line into a suitable container and open the fuel valve. A steady stream of gasoline should flow out; if it only drips or doesn’t flow at all, you have a blockage between the tank and the carburetor.
Advanced Diagnostics: When the Simple Fixes Aren’t Enough
Sometimes, the problem isn’t as straightforward as bad gas or a fouled plug. If you’ve worked through the common issues and your Ariens Deluxe 24 still won’t start, it’s time to consider less frequent but more complex causes.
The Hidden Culprit: A Sheared Flywheel Key
A sudden stop, such as the auger hitting a large rock or a frozen newspaper, can cause the engine’s flywheel key to shear. This small, soft metal key aligns the flywheel on the crankshaft, which is critical for ignition timing. When it shears, the flywheel can spin slightly out of position, causing the spark plug to fire at the wrong time.
Symptoms of a sheared flywheel key are very specific. The pull cord may feel normal, but the engine might “kick back” violently, yanking the rope out of your hand. You may have a bright blue spark and fuel in the cylinder, but the engine will refuse to start or may just pop and backfire. Replacing the flywheel key is a more involved repair but is the only solution for this timing issue.
Testing for Ignition Spark
While you may have replaced the spark plug, it’s still possible the issue is with the ignition system itself. The best way to confirm this is with an inline spark tester. This simple tool connects between the spark plug and the plug wire and will light up if a spark is being generated.
If the tester does not light up, it indicates a problem with the ignition coil or a safety switch. Ensure all wiring connections are secure and that safety switches (like the one connected to the safety key) are functioning correctly before assuming the ignition coil has failed.
A Proactive Approach: The Maintenance Checklist
The best way to deal with a starting problem is to prevent it from ever happening. Regular maintenance and proper storage are key to ensuring your Ariens Deluxe 24 starts on the first pull every time.
The following table outlines a simple troubleshooting guide that can also serve as a preventative maintenance checklist.
| Symptom | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not crank or turn over | Safety key not inserted | Ensure the red safety key is fully seated. |
| Dead battery (on electric start models) | Use the recoil pull start or charge the battery. | |
| Engine cranks but will not start | Old or contaminated fuel | Drain fuel system and replace with fresh, stabilized fuel. |
| Choke set incorrectly | Ensure choke is in the full “Start” position. | |
| Fouled or bad spark plug | Inspect, clean, and re-gap, or replace the spark plug. | |
| Clogged carburetor | Clean the carburetor bowl, main jet, and pilot jet. | |
| Engine starts briefly on starting fluid, then dies | Fuel delivery problem | Confirm fuel flow and clean the carburetor thoroughly. |
| Pull cord kicks back violently | Sheared flywheel key | Inspect and replace the flywheel key to correct ignition timing. |
| No spark at all (verified with tester) | Faulty ignition coil or wiring | Check all wiring and safety switches; replace ignition coil if necessary. |
Conclusion: Ensuring Reliability for Winters to Come
A non-starting Ariens Deluxe 24 can bring your snow clearing plans to a halt, but it rarely signifies a catastrophic failure. By following a logical troubleshooting process—starting with fuel and spark, moving to the carburetor, and considering advanced issues like ignition timing—you can solve the vast majority of problems yourself.
Regular maintenance, especially proper fuel management and off-season storage, is the most effective strategy. Understanding your machine’s needs, such as the key differences between various models like the Ariens Deluxe and Platinum series, can further enhance your ability to keep it in peak condition. With this knowledge, you can ensure your snow blower remains a reliable workhorse for many winters.
