Craftsman Snowblower Not Getting Gas? The Ultimate Fix Guide
There is nothing more frustrating than waking up to a foot of heavy snow, only to find your trusted Craftsman snowblower refuses to start. You pull the cord or hit the electric start, the engine turns over, but it never roars to life. This common winter scenario often points to one root cause: a fuel delivery problem.
When your snowblower cranks but won’t start, it’s a clear sign that gasoline isn’t reaching the engine’s combustion chamber. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to diagnose and fix the issue, getting you back to clearing snow in no time.
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Why Is My Craftsman Snowblower Not Getting Gas? The Core Reasons
A snowblower’s fuel system is a simple but crucial pathway. Fuel travels from the tank, through a line and filter, into the carburetor where it mixes with air, and then into the engine. A problem at any point in this chain can stop the entire operation.
Most fuel delivery issues stem from a blockage or a failure in one of these components. The culprit is often old, stale fuel, but it can also be a mechanical or even an environmental issue. We’ll start with the simplest checks and work our way to the more complex culprits.
The Simple Checks First: Don’t Grab Your Tools Yet
Before you begin disassembling parts, it’s essential to rule out the most basic oversights. These simple checks can often solve the problem in minutes, saving you significant time and effort.
Is There Actually Gas in the Tank?
It sounds almost too simple, but it happens more often than you’d think. Visually inspect the fuel tank to ensure it has an adequate amount of fresh gasoline. Never trust a fuel gauge without a visual confirmation.
Is the Fuel Shut-Off Valve Open?
Many Craftsman snowblowers have a fuel shut-off valve, which is a small lever located on the fuel line between the tank and the carburetor. This valve is often closed for summer storage to prevent leaks. Ensure the lever is in the “Open” position, typically parallel to the fuel line.
The Often-Overlooked Vented Gas Cap
A lesser-known cause of fuel starvation is a clogged gas cap vent. The cap has a tiny hole that allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming. If this vent is blocked by dirt, debris, or even ice, it can create a vacuum that stops fuel flow.
To check this, try starting the engine with the gas cap slightly loosened. If the snowblower starts and runs, the cap vent is clogged. Clean the vent with a small wire or compressed air, or simply replace the cap.
Intermediate Diagnostics: Finding the Fuel Flow Blockage
If the basic checks don’t solve the problem, the next step is to trace the path of the fuel from the tank to the carburetor. This involves inspecting the key components responsible for fuel transport.
Inspecting the Fuel Line for Damage and Clogs
The rubber or plastic fuel line can become cracked, kinked, or brittle over time. Carefully inspect the entire length of the fuel line for any visible signs of damage. A kink can be as effective at stopping fuel flow as a major clog.
To check for a clog, place a container under the carburetor, disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor inlet, and see if gas flows freely from the line. If you get a steady stream, the line is clear. If it’s a trickle or nothing at all, the line or the fuel filter is likely clogged.
The Overlooked Fuel Filter (and Tank Strainer)
The fuel filter is a small but vital part designed to catch debris before it reaches the carburetor. Over time, it can become saturated with contaminants and block fuel flow. Most inline filters are translucent, allowing you to see if debris has accumulated.
A commonly missed component is the fuel tank strainer. This is a small screen located at the outlet inside the gas tank. It serves as the first line of defense against debris. If your fuel flow is poor even with the fuel line disconnected, this hidden strainer may be clogged with sediment from old fuel.
Testing the Primer Bulb
The primer bulb’s job is to manually squirt a small amount of fuel directly into the carburetor’s throat for easier cold starts. If the bulb feels mushy, doesn’t return after being pressed, or you can see cracks, it needs to be replaced.
If the primer bulb isn’t filling with gas, it often indicates a blockage between the bulb and the fuel tank, a cracked primer line, or a problem within the carburetor itself.
The Heart of the Problem: Carburetor Issues
If fuel is successfully reaching the carburetor inlet but not getting into the engine, the carburetor is almost certainly the culprit. This is the most common point of failure in a snowblower’s fuel system.
Stale Fuel and Ethanol: The Carburetor’s Worst Enemy
Gasoline can begin to go bad in as little as 30 days. As it degrades, it forms a sticky varnish-like substance that can clog the tiny jets and passageways inside the carburetor. This is the leading cause of a snowblower failing to start after sitting in storage.
Modern gasoline containing ethanol exacerbates the problem. Ethanol attracts water, which can lead to corrosion inside the carburetor bowl. Furthermore, ethanol can cause rubber components like gaskets and O-rings to swell and degrade over time, creating subtle fuel restrictions.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Carburetor Bowl and Float
A partial cleaning can often resolve a minor clog without requiring a full disassembly. First, shut off the fuel valve and place a container to catch any spilled gas. Use a socket wrench to carefully remove the bolt at the bottom of the carburetor bowl. This bolt often doubles as the main jet.
Gently remove the bowl, being careful not to spill the gasoline inside. Inspect the bowl for any sediment or varnish. Check the main jet (the bolt you removed) and ensure the tiny hole running through its center is clear. You can use a small wire from a wire brush to carefully clean it out. Spray the bowl and jet with carburetor cleaner before reassembling.
When a Deeper Carburetor Cleaning is Necessary
If cleaning the bowl doesn’t work, a more thorough cleaning is required. This involves removing the carburetor from the engine, disassembling it, and cleaning all jets and passages with carburetor cleaner and compressed air.
Pay special attention to the main jet and the pilot jet, as their tiny openings are easily clogged. If the carburetor is severely corroded or gummed up, a complete replacement is often the most effective and time-efficient solution.
Proactive Maintenance: Preventing Future Fuel Problems
The best way to fix a fuel problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Consistent maintenance is key to ensuring your Craftsman snowblower starts reliably every winter.
The Golden Rules of Fuel and Storage
Always use fresh gasoline (87 octane is sufficient for most models). If you plan to store fuel for more than 30 days, add a quality fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer prevents the fuel from degrading and forming varnish deposits.
For end-of-season storage, you have two options: either run the snowblower completely out of gas to empty the carburetor, or fill the tank with stabilizer-treated fuel to prevent moisture from causing rust inside the tank.
Properly maintaining your equipment is key. Pests can sometimes create unexpected issues, like when you find a birds nest in a gas fireplace vent, which can block airflow. Similarly, ensuring your fuel system is clean prevents internal blockages.
Troubleshooting Summary Table
Use this table for a quick reference to diagnose and solve common fuel-related issues.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine cranks, no start | Empty fuel tank / Closed shut-off valve | Fill tank with fresh gas / Open valve | Easy |
| Engine starts, then stalls | Clogged gas cap vent | Loosen cap to test; clean or replace cap | Easy |
| Primer bulb doesn’t fill | Cracked fuel line / Clogged filter | Inspect and replace fuel line and/or filter | Moderate |
| Engine only runs with choke on | Clogged main jet in carburetor | Clean or replace carburetor | Moderate/Hard |
| Fuel leaks from carburetor | Stuck float needle / Bad bowl gasket | Clean float and needle assembly / Replace gasket | Moderate |
When to Call a Professional
While many fuel system problems can be resolved with basic tools and patience, some situations are best left to a qualified small engine mechanic. If you have performed all the checks and cleaning procedures and the engine still won’t run, there may be a more complex internal carburetor issue or even a problem with the engine’s compression or spark.
If your machine is getting older and repairs are becoming more frequent, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Evaluating different brands in a detailed Husqvarna vs Craftsman snowblower comparison can help you make an informed decision for your next purchase. Sometimes, a full inspection is necessary, especially after long-term storage where unexpected issues can arise, similar to the unpleasant task of having to remove a dead animal from under a deck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use starting fluid on my Craftsman snowblower?
Starting fluid can be a useful diagnostic tool. A quick spray into the air intake can help determine if you have a fuel or spark problem. If the engine fires briefly on starting fluid, it confirms that your spark and compression are good, and the issue is indeed fuel-related.
However, use it sparingly. Overuse of starting fluid can cause serious engine damage because it is highly volatile and provides no lubrication for the piston and cylinder.
How often should I replace the fuel filter?
It is good practice to replace your snowblower’s fuel filter at the beginning of each winter season. They are inexpensive and provide crucial protection for your carburetor. If you notice a lot of sediment in your fuel tank, you may need to replace it more frequently.
What’s the fastest way to know if it’s a fuel or spark issue?
The quickest test is the starting fluid method mentioned above. Another fast check is to remove the spark plug after attempting to start the engine. If the plug is wet with gasoline, you likely have a spark issue. If it is bone dry, you have a fuel delivery problem.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Reliable Start
A Craftsman snowblower that’s not getting gas is a solvable problem. By following a logical progression from simple checks to more detailed inspections, you can systematically identify and fix the root cause. The vast majority of issues come down to stale fuel and a clogged carburetor.
By understanding the fuel system and embracing preventative maintenance with fresh, stabilized fuel, you can ensure your snowblower is ready for action whenever the forecast calls for snow. A little bit of care goes a long way in guaranteeing a reliable start on a cold winter morning.
