Toro Outdoor Power Equipment Snow Blower Won't Start: How to Fix It Yourself
Snow blowers sit idle for months and then need to work on the coldest day of the year. Old gasoline left in the tank over spring and summer is the number one reason snow blowers will not start when winter arrives. The carburetor gets gummed up by stale fuel, and cold temperatures make starting even harder.
⚠️ Safety First
- Never put your hands in the auger or chute — use a clean-out tool or stick.
- Work in a well-ventilated area, not inside the garage with the door closed.
- Let the engine cool before refueling — hot metal near gasoline is a fire hazard.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before clearing jams or working on moving parts.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Check and replace old fuel
If the gas has been sitting since last winter, drain it out. Old gasoline turns into a varnish-like residue that clogs the tiny passages in the carburetor. Fill with fresh gas and add fuel stabilizer. If your Toro has a fuel shutoff valve, make sure it is in the ON position. Press the primer bulb 3-5 times to draw fresh fuel into the carburetor.
- 2
Use the choke and primer correctly
Set the choke to FULL for a cold start. Set the throttle to FAST or the rabbit symbol. Press the primer bulb firmly 3-5 times (you might feel fuel resistance building). If your model has an electric start, hold the starter button for up to 10 seconds. For pull-start models, give firm, full-length pulls. After the first sputter, move the choke to half or off.
- 3
Check and replace the spark plug
Remove the spark plug and look at the tip. A fouled or wet plug is very common in snow blowers that have been stored with old gas. Dry it off or replace it with a new one. Gap the new plug according to your Toro's manual (typically 0.030 inches). A fresh spark plug in cold weather can be the difference between starting and not starting.
- 4
Check the electric starter (if equipped)
Many Toro snow blowers have an electric start button that connects to a wall outlet via an extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is plugged in and the outlet has power. If the electric starter does not spin the engine, check the extension cord with another appliance. The pull-start backup should still work even if the electric start fails.
- 5
Clean the carburetor bowl
If fresh fuel, a new plug, and correct starting technique do not work, the carburetor is likely clogged with varnish. Remove the carburetor bowl bolt at the bottom of the carb, clean out any residue, and spray carburetor cleaner up into the main jet. Reassemble and try again. To prevent this next year, either run the carburetor dry before storage or add fuel stabilizer to the tank.
If That Didn't Work
- Dead battery (on electric-start models with battery backup)
- Key switch not in the ON position
- Shear pins broken (engine runs but auger does not turn — different problem)
- Mice nesting in the air intake during summer storage
When to Call a Professional
If the carburetor cleaning does not resolve the issue, a full carburetor rebuild or replacement may be needed. A small engine shop can do this and also check compression and ignition. Consider having the snow blower serviced in early fall so it is ready when the first snow hits.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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