Snow Blower Repair & Maintenance Guide

Briggs & Stratton® snow blowers are built to withstand the toughest winter weather, but they need regular maintenance and sometimes small engine repair to reach peak performance. Before taking a stab at any engine maintenance project, carefully study your Briggs & Stratton operator’s manual. Make sure your workspace is well lit and well organized, and ensure you have all the necessary tools, parts, and other maintenance materials on hand. To pick up replacement parts and maintenance kits, check out Briggs & Stratton’s online store.

Avoid snow blower problems with this snow blower maintenance checklist:

• Replace spark plugs when necessary
• Check tire pressure
• Lubricate bearings
• Inspect scraper blade and skid shoes
• Regular oil changes (watch the video below to learn how to change your oil)

To protect your fuel tank from corrosion, store your snow blower filled with treated fuel. Gas begins to degrade in as little as 30 days which can lead to your engine's fuel system clogging and your equipment not starting the following season. Using fuel stabilizer eliminates the need to drain fuel prior to storage and ensures quick easy starts next season by preventing gum and vanish build-up within your engine's fuel system. Fuel treatment can keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months.

If your snow blower is equipped with a fuel shut-off. always switch off the fuel flow whenever you transport your machine. This will protect the carburetor from flooding and help prevent fuel spills.

Be sure to carefully wash and hand-dry your snow blower at the end of the winter. Road salts can damage your snow blower the same way they corrode a car’s exterior. Again, be sure to consult your Briggs & Stratton manual and a licensed dealer for recommendations and safety tips specific to your snow blower.

Snow blower won’t start? There are several common causes for a snow blower failing to start. First, make sure to read your Briggs & Stratton snow blower operator's manual to ensure you've followed necessary steps to start your unit.

If you’re still having issues with your snow blower, answer the following questions to try to determine what may be wrong:

• Is the safety key in place?
• Have you primed the engine according to the manual directions?
• How are the oil levels in the snow blower?
• Are the spark plugs fouled?
• Is the gas cap clear of snow or ice?
• Do you have fresh gasoline fueling your machine?

Fuel can go stale if left in your snow thrower engine, causing buildup that impedes engine performance and possibly shortening the lifespan of your snow thrower.

Did your snow thrower stop or jam while you are midway through snow removal? Ice, snow or debris can get lodged in your snow blower and prevent it from expelling snow. Before starting any snow blower repair, turn off your unit, bring it to the garage, and let the snow melt. Never use your hand to try and clear a clogged snow chute, even with the engine off. Always use a clean tool. This should clear up a clog. Restart the snow thrower outdoors to check that it is working. Be sure to reassess the snow blower checklist above, as well.

If your snow blower still isn't working, contact a Briggs & Stratton service dealer for assistance. Complete recommendations for snow blower repair and safety precautions to take can be found in your Briggs & Stratton snow engine manual.

Find Snow Blower & Small Engine Parts

You can find any snow blower parts necessary for your small engine repair and maintenance at our online engine parts store or at any authorized Briggs & Stratton snow blower dealers.

Not yet ready to tackle a do-it-yourself engine tune-up? Check with your local Briggs & Stratton dealer or retailer. They have trained personnel who will be happy to perform your between-season snow blower tune-ups and are well equipped to anticipate developing problems before any serious issues arise.