Jacobsen Imperial 626: Revive Your Vintage Snowblower Now!
A blanket of heavy snow covers everything, and the city plow has just left a formidable wall of icy buildup at the end of your driveway. You head to the garage, confident in your classic Jacobsen Imperial 626, a machine built like a tank. But when you pull the cord or hit the starter, you’re met with silence or a sputtering cough, a frustrating sign that your vintage workhorse has decided to retire at the worst possible moment.
This scenario is a common nightmare for owners of older, otherwise reliable snow blowers. While the Jacobsen Imperial 626 is renowned for its durability and powerful performance, its age makes it susceptible to a predictable set of problems that can bring it to a grinding halt. Understanding these core issues is the first step toward bringing this colossal machine back to life and ensuring it’s ready to tackle the harshest winter weather.
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Uncovering the Root Causes: A Deep Dive into Common 626 Failures
When your Jacobsen 626 fails to perform, the problem almost always traces back to one of four key areas: the fuel system, the ignition system, mechanical components, or engine compression. Age and disuse are the primary enemies, leading to component degradation and blockages that prevent the machine from starting or operating effectively. Identifying the exact culprit is crucial for a successful and lasting repair.
The Fuel System: Old Gas is Your Enemy
The most frequent cause of starting issues in any small engine is a compromised fuel system. Modern gasoline containing ethanol is particularly problematic for vintage machines, as it absorbs atmospheric moisture, leading to corrosion and the formation of gummy varnish-like deposits. These deposits can clog the tiny passages within the carburetor, starve the engine of fuel, and prevent it from starting.
Symptoms of a fuel system problem include the engine refusing to start, running only with the choke engaged, or surging and sputtering under load. Even if you drained the tank last season, residual fuel can degrade and cause significant blockages. A thorough cleaning and overhaul of the entire fuel delivery system are often necessary to restore proper function.
Ignition System Woes: No Spark, No Power
For an engine to run, it needs a consistent, strong spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Over time, components of the ignition system can wear out or become fouled. The spark plug is a common failure point; it can become coated with carbon or oil deposits, preventing a proper spark from forming.
Beyond the plug, the ignition coil, which transforms the low voltage from the flywheel into a high voltage charge, can degrade and fail. On these older Tecumseh engines, the points and condenser, which regulate the timing of the spark, can also corrode or fall out of adjustment. A weak or nonexistent spark is a definitive sign that your troubleshooting efforts should focus on the ignition system.
Mechanical Hurdles: Belts, Shear Pins, and Auger Adjustments
Even if the engine runs perfectly, mechanical issues can prevent the snow blower from moving snow or driving its wheels. The Jacobsen Imperial 626 uses a set of heavy-duty belts to transfer power from the engine to the auger assembly and the drive wheels. These belts can stretch, crack, or break with age, resulting in a loss of power to either system.
Another critical component is the set of shear pins located on the auger shaft. These pins are designed to break if the auger hits a solid object, protecting the expensive gearbox from damage. If the auger isn’t turning, broken shear pins are a likely and fortunately, an easy-to-fix culprit. Incorrect adjustment of the scraper bar and skid shoes can also severely impact performance, causing the machine to either ride up over snow or dig into the ground.
The Overlooked Culprit: Engine Compression
Compression is the lifeblood of an internal combustion engine. As the piston travels upward, it squeezes the fuel-air mixture, and the resulting pressure is essential for a powerful combustion event. Vintage engines, especially those with significant hours, can suffer from low compression due to worn piston rings, leaking gaskets, or valves that are no longer seating properly.
Symptoms of low compression can be subtle, often mimicking fuel or ignition problems. A key indicator is a pull-cord that feels unusually easy to pull, with little resistance. Without adequate compression, the engine will lack the power to start or will run very poorly, making it one of the more serious potential issues to diagnose.
The Ultimate Restoration Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Revival Guide
Bringing a vintage Jacobsen Imperial 626 back from the brink requires a systematic approach. By addressing each of the potential failure points in a logical order, you can efficiently diagnose and repair the machine, transforming it from a garage ornament back into a snow-devouring beast. Follow these steps to give your snow blower a new lease on life.
Step 1: Comprehensive Fuel System Overhaul
Start with the most common problem area: the fuel system. First, safely drain all old gasoline from the fuel tank into an approved container. Inspect the inside of the tank for rust or debris; if significant rust is present, you may need to clean and seal it with a specialized kit.
Next, replace the old rubber fuel line, as it can become brittle and cracked over time. The heart of the operation is a thorough carburetor cleaning. Carefully disassemble the carburetor, taking note of where each part goes, and clean all metal components with carburetor cleaner and compressed air, ensuring every small jet and passage is clear of obstructions. For best results, install a carburetor rebuild kit, which includes a new needle, seat, and gaskets.
Step 2: Reigniting the Spark
With the fuel system addressed, turn your attention to the ignition. Remove the spark plug and inspect its condition. If it’s oily or covered in black soot, it’s best to replace it with a new one, ensuring it is gapped correctly according to the Tecumseh engine specifications.
To check for spark, you can use an inexpensive inline spark tester. If there is no spark, the issue could be a faulty ignition coil or problems with the points and condenser. Replacing an ignition coil is a straightforward task, but adjusting points requires a bit more finesse and a feeler gauge to set the proper gap, a critical step for ensuring correct ignition timing.
Step 3: Mastering Mechanical Adjustments for Peak Performance
A running engine is useless without a functional drive system. Tip the snow blower forward to rest on its auger housing to access the bottom cover plate. Remove the cover to inspect the auger and drive belts for cracks, fraying, or excessive stretching and replace them if they show any signs of wear.
While you’re there, inspect the rubber friction disc that drives the wheels. If it’s worn down or contaminated with oil, it will need to be replaced to ensure strong forward and reverse motion. Finally, check the auger shear pins. If they are broken, replace them only with the manufacturer-specified pins to avoid damaging the gearbox. Set the machine back on its wheels and adjust the skid shoes so the scraper bar is about 1/8th of an inch off the ground for paved surfaces, or higher for gravel.
Step 4: Assessing and Addressing Engine Compression
If the fuel and ignition systems are confirmed to be working and the engine still won’t start or runs weakly, it’s time to check compression. A simple screw-in compression tester can be used in the spark plug hole. A healthy Tecumseh H60 engine should typically show a reading of 90 PSI or higher.
A reading significantly below this range indicates internal engine problems. This could be as simple as a blown head gasket, which is relatively easy to replace. However, it could also point to more serious issues like worn piston rings or damaged cylinder walls, which may require a more involved engine rebuild to resolve.
Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips for Long-Term Reliability
Once your Jacobsen Imperial 626 is running strong, the focus shifts to keeping it that way. Proper maintenance and smart storage are key to ensuring your vintage machine provides decades of reliable service. A few proactive steps can prevent common failures and make your snow-clearing tasks much smoother.
The Importance of Proper Storage
Off-season storage is when most fuel-related problems begin. At the end of winter, add a quality fuel stabilizer to the gasoline, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it through the carburetor, and then shut it off. For optimal protection, either drain the remaining fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl or top off the tank completely to prevent moisture-attracting air space.
Store the snow blower in a clean, dry location. It’s also a good practice to lubricate any moving parts, such as the chute rotation gears and axle shafts, to prevent them from seizing up over the humid summer months. This simple routine will save you hours of work when the first snow arrives next season.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start | Old/bad fuel, clogged carburetor, no spark, low compression | Replace fuel, clean carburetor, replace spark plug, test ignition coil, check compression. |
| Engine runs only on choke | Clogged main jet in carburetor | Perform a thorough carburetor cleaning and rebuild. |
| Wheels do not turn | Worn or broken drive belt, worn friction disc | Inspect and replace the drive belt and/or friction disc wheel. |
| Auger does not turn | Broken shear pins, worn or broken auger belt | Check and replace shear pins. Inspect and replace the auger belt. |
| Machine rides up on snow | Incorrect skid shoe/scraper bar adjustment | Adjust skid shoes so the scraper bar is slightly above the surface. |
| Electric starter just spins | Starter gear not engaging flywheel | Lubricate the starter pinion gear shaft so it can move freely. |
Sourcing Obsolete and Hard-to-Find Parts
One of the biggest challenges of owning a vintage machine is finding replacement parts. While many common engine components for the Tecumseh H60 are still available, Jacobsen-specific parts like gears and shafts can be difficult to locate. Online auction sites and dedicated forums for vintage snow blowers are excellent resources.
Don’t underestimate the value of a local small engine repair shop. Often, experienced mechanics will have a stockpile of used parts or will know of aftermarket solutions that can work. Networking with other vintage equipment enthusiasts can also lead to valuable sources for rare components.
Safety First: Operating Your Vintage Snowblower Responsibly
Vintage machines like the Jacobsen Imperial 626 were built for power, often before modern safety features became standard. Always operate the machine with respect and awareness. Never, under any circumstances, place your hands inside the auger housing or discharge chute, even if the engine is off. Use a clearing tool to remove any clogs.
When clearing snow, be mindful of your surroundings. Ensure that gas meters, vents, and other utilities are not buried in deep snow, and consider adding protection to avoid accidental damage. A sturdy gas pipe cover for outside aesthetics & safety can prevent costly repairs from an errant auger. Always be aware of where the chute is pointing and never direct it toward people, pets, or property.
Is the Jacobsen Imperial 626 Still Worth It?
In an era of disposable equipment, the Jacobsen Imperial 626 stands as a testament to American manufacturing. Its heavy-gauge steel construction and powerful engine allow it to outperform many modern machines. While it requires more maintenance and a bit of mechanical know-how, the rewards are significant.
With the knowledge to diagnose and repair its common faults, you can keep this vintage workhorse operating at peak performance for years to come. The satisfaction of maintaining a classic piece of machinery, combined with its sheer snow-clearing ability, makes the Jacobsen Imperial 626 a worthy investment of your time and effort. It is not just a snow blower; it is a piece of history that, with proper care, will never let you down.
