You are a lifesaver. Watched this video, was able to get my snowblower to start using sea foam in my gas! I was only able to get it to run with starting spray. After adding sea foam, I used the spray, it would turn off after a bit, but after a few times, it runs like a champ. You are awesome! Thank you for this video!!!

Just a reminder. If the gas station pump has one hose for a couple types of fuel put the first 1-2 gallons in your vehicle. Otherwise you may be getting whatever type of fuel that is in the hose from what the last customer purchased. Which then goes into your gas can for your small engine machines. Just a thought.

Sea Foam recommends a 3 ounce of Sea Foam to one gallon of fresh fuel to an empty tank. Turn over the engine to pull in the concentrated mixture and let sit for a day or two to dissolve the varnish and other contaminates in the jets, emulsion tube and float bowl and float needle. Unless the carburetor is severally contaminated, this should get your machine running. And after the machine runs this concentrated fuel mixture out, then use a mixture of one ounce of Sea Foam to one gallon of non-ethanol fuel if available on a regular basis. If non ethanol is not available, then use E10 91 octane which has a higher degree of detergent fuel additives. That is one reason high octane fuel is more expensive, it just not the higher octane. I enjoyed watching you prove Sea Foam does help clean dirty carburetors due to ethanol blended fuel. Thanks for sharing.

1. Colleague told me about Seafoam 2. Googled Seafoam and came across this video (ironically same exact snowblower I have) 3. Bought Seafoam and performed the same steps (add to fuel, set choke, prime the hell out of it) 4. Success!!! Great video and glad I found it before I spent more money having someone else diagnose and fix my issue. THANKS!

We had a snowstorm two days ago and I couldn't get my Craftsman blower to start, tried starting fluid and it would run for a few seconds, went on youtube and found your video, I knew the carb was gunked up so I thought I either need a new carb or try your Seafoam procedure, I put some in the tank and used the primer for about 3 min, left it for 2 hrs and went back and tried it again using the primer until it would run on its own, Success , glad I found you video

Thank You Steve. Got snow blower working. Used sea foam, best gas, after draining cheaper gas out. Also added fuel stabilizer. Let it run 20 minutes. Changed oil today, manual said it took 1100cc. Drained 800cc. Added 900cc. Now it seems there is to much oil in machine. Will take some oil out tomorrow. Thank You for making video.. I am a 70 yr old lady…was very happy to get machine working…Did drain tank last yr but May have forgot to run it dry. Will not let that happen again….Also treated and ran motorcycle and scooters with the sea foam and gas preserver. Hoping for a trouble free spring…

Outstanding Trooper, we have the identical snow blower and it is a champ. As we are older we can not just shovel snow anymore. We bought this Sears Blower exactly like the one in the video 4 or 5 years ago on Black Friday. We really like it but the last two years it has started hard and last year never started. Today is sunny and 50 so i am going out with carb kit and fuel filter and new front belt to tune this beauty up. with your video i feel so much more confident in what to do and how to do it. Thank You very much. On fixed income we can afford repairmen or a new blower so if we can use your video to fix this machine it will be wonderful. Thank You so very much Dennis & Margaret, Ashburn, VA

Just scrolling around and came upon your video, Sea Foam is a great product, i have been using it for a number of years, i use it in everything , my truck, car, lawn tractor, snow blower and snowmobiles, I have never had a fuel related issue ever since i began using it, Everything seems to start and run so much better, It is just a little maintenance , piece of mind, Great video

6 years ago! Your video just keeps helping people! I have an identical snowblower-no problems with it, but good to know some nice tricks if It does. Tecumseh went out of business and the Chinese made engines have taken their place. I run my engine dry at the end of every season and use premium gas (but after reading other comments, I may not be getting premium, I need to run a couple of gallons into my car before putting it into my gas can!). I have been using a PB Blaster product called Small Engine Tuneup. I will try the Sea Foam next can of gas.

I have a 1988 MTD and have to admit. I havent been too good with frequent oil changes so Im amazed it still works. I was gettimg tired of it stalling and being hard to start so with nothing to lose I bought some Seafoam and tried it. First tank the usual issues. By the 3rd tank it wss running like a charm. That was a few weeks ago. Tonight another big snowfall and bang she started first pull and ran for over an hour with no stalling and I didnt have too keep it to 1st speed. I was on 4 throwing snow a country mile!!! Im a believer.

Hey Steve. Interesting that you used the seafoam. Once a few years back, the neighbor didn't drain the gasoline on his push mower. Inside the tank, was a mushy sludge build up like yours. I put a few ounces of seafoam in the tank and left it for two hours. Came back to it and cranked it up. It ran like crap, but after a few minutes it cleared itself right up. Glad to see it wasn't too bad of an ordeal to straighten out. Keep up the good work!

Encountered a similar problem with a new snowblower with a 250cc Briggs and Stratton engine that would not start. I added fuel stabilizer and the snowblower started immediately with either the electric starter or pull cord. Small gas engines have a hard time running on gas which includes ethanol. Adding a fuel stabilizer fixes the problem.

Our office has a 123cc MTD (yard machine) snowblower. It was brand new 3 years ago and had been used probably less than 10 times (we have snow removal service, but like you, we sometimes get bombarded). Wouldn't start for me; didn't even think it was priming. Emptied bowl; Fresh gas; and it started right up but won't run off choke. Tried your method with SeaFoam and let it run for about 40 minutes... still dies on the first notch below full choke. Oh well. Wanted to thank you for the video and I will definitely remember to empty the bowl and will employ a splash of SeaFoam from now on. I guess I'm going to have to pull the carb as it must be pretty gummed-up. Take care and thanks again.

Thanks for this! It helped me get my old MTD running again after not being used in almost two years.

This reminded me so much of the lawn mower of my sister-in-law who asked my wife if I would look at it. Her neighbour and a friend had tried for two hours without success the week before. The engine exhibited the same symptoms as in your video. It would start, but would shut down. I dropped into the local automotive store and the owner recommended Seafoam. I grabbed a can and off I went. I added the suggested amount of Seafoam and filled the fuel tank. The engine would only run while continually pressing the primer bulb. I spent an hour pressing that blessed bulb until the tank ran dry. I refilled the tank adding Seafoam and noticed the periods between pressing the primer bulb were longer. I was able to mow the lawn a half hour later. Don't forget that the idle and main jets also get gummed up with varnish which is why problems were still encountered after cleaning the bowl, float, and valve. I also mix Seafoam into my jerry cans with the fuel. I use high test, but the next lower grade will do as well. I've never had a problem getting engines to start whether they sit in the cold of winter or the heat of summer. I had a chuckle at your description of how much heat your shop heater puts out. Assuming all things being equal, another couple of minutes and water could be boiled. Good demonstration.

I'll go check out the flame thrower, lol. I had a lawnmower than only ran with the choke on, I used it that way for at least six years. Got me a new mower last year. Good job on getting her going! Seafoam worked.

Great vid Steve. I like the way you go through and try to fix things in a methodical way. Thanks for the vid. Cheers

DUDE! YOU ARE AWESOME! LET ME KNOW WHEN THERES A HOME FOR SALE ON YOUR BLOCK I WANT TO LIVE NEAR A GUY LIKE YOU. I just fixed my friends craftsman snowblower thanks to you! 2 Thumbs up!

Nicely done Steve! I learned sometimes you just don’t have to take the carburetor off and clean it out . Good stuff! 👍

Thanks for saving me a trip into town ! Very helpful video ! Your good 👍

Good video Steve that was a lot of work! Ethenol free only in my small engines! Seafoam,Startron,Gumout most of them will work they key is to get inside the carb. I let it sit over night. I install a shut off, a tee inlet and a filter inline. I wish the manufacturers could make it easier on us knowing very well that people run into this problem quite often.

Somebody probably already commented but that same engine is found on many brands of $500-800 snowblowers. My Huskee, for one, I got an identical engine manual. I too wish for a gas tank shutoff valve. I had a starting issue on my first season for the same reason. Step-son did a carb cleaning and fuel line & tank flush. I started treating the gas I use with sta-bil on his recommendation. 2nd season I've change over to super unleaded with the correct dose of sta-bil for my 2.5 gal gas can. End of April 2nd season I ran the Snowblower dry and transfer any remaining fuel from the gas can into the family car's tank. Changed over to synthetic oil (0W-30) after the snowblower's engine was broken in. Now on the third season I'm having no fuel related problems. (broke my first shear pin - fallen pine branch hidden in the ridge left by the town plow) Starts so easy on hand pull that I don't bother pulling out the extension cord for the electric start. I use Sta-bil since it readily available at Walmart. I don't leave the treated gas in either the snowblower tank or gas can for over 6 months.

Been using Seafoam for years... I like it so much I even pour a dash in my morning cuppa joe... really helps keep the pipes clean!

First off, SeaFoam is a very strong product. I love it. But you mentioned early in the video that the snowblower didn’t have a fuel shutoff. That is the key! I recently did a fuel drain on a customer’s generator and the fuel was a couple of years old. However, the carburetor on the generator was pristine, like new because he had the fuel shut off for those two years. I tested the carburetor by spraying it with starter fluid with the fuel valve open and it started up, second pull. No passageways in the carburetor were clogged because it had been dry while sitting.

Good info. I have same unit. I had bad gas and had replaced gas and carb, but it worked for one season with lots of surging. Another carb later and now it starts again, but still surges when throttle is open. Replaced governor spring. Still surges … I will try giving it more time running. I will check the gas cap maybe it’s clogged, would love to stop it from surging!

Good idea on the sea foam. That reminded me that I didnt winterized my mower this year. Gonna do that tomorrow.

I know this is a seafoam commercial but Sta-Bil works fantastic, my riding mower started surging real bad and I used that and it was fixed before I was done mowing my lawn. I use it in everything now including my car and pick-up and they run better than they have for a very long time. 2 ounces for every 5 gallons isn't much of and expense to keep all of your motors running right.

Way to go Steve! Another great video from the far north.

Lmao Steve Rob, I thought I was the only person left who said, Clodhoppers. Great tip on checking the oil first and foremost, folks love to point the finger after the fact. Great fix man, Seafoam rocks and the rule of thumb holds true, you have to empty your tank at the end of the season. Great video man, thanks Steve Rob!

Sea foam is something I use on everything. At least once a year on the trucks more so on small engines. Good tip video buddy.

Hey Steve! This is our 3rd season with our new blowers already. Pulled them out yesterday, bought new gas, and added a good dose of the Seafoam. Fired up first pull, NO choke at 40 degrees. Our Carbs are PRISTINE. The Seafoam must be doing a fine job maintaining them. 😊

why am i watching a vid about a snow blower, it doesn't even snow where i live lol, good vid steve, and thanks for the shout out.

Thanks mine was doing the same thing I watched your video and thank god we just got a ton of snow thanks to you I was able to use my snowblower I did not wanna shovel lol I told my grandpa about it to and gave home some of the sea foam thanks have a great day

Had s similar issue with a 40 year old 7HP Ariens. I always leave gas tank full but stored in shed out back which got really hot in the summer. Found that the fuel in carb evaporated and was left with this gummy mess. High speed jet removed and put fine welding torch wire cleaner thru hole. I was also only using regular gas before ethanol came out. had never heard of Seafoam back then.(Mid70's) I use it religiously now in all my motors Boat, SUV, Lawnmower, Snowblower and Generator. I still store my snowblower in same shed, only I load it up with hightest gas and seafoam and I start the blower a couple times during the summer, the same as I do for the generator. As they say, "Too soon old, too late smart."

I'm like you. I always used Seafoam, but this year i watched so many videos saying that it wasn't good enough! Hell, they don't even like Sta-Bil either. I watch for Seafoam going on sale and stock up on it. Anyways, glad you got that one cleared out.

Got to get me some of that SeaFoam. Thank you for the video, Steve

Thanks for the tip on using regular fuel. Sea Foam is a great addition to small engine fuel.

I went out to Ace this morning, bought their last bottle of Seafoam. I put 1.5 ounces in the tank went out a couple hours later and it started like a charm after not being close to starting yesterday. I have a Model 247 Craftsman that had the same symptoms as in the video.

I would of never thought that seafoam would clear that problem up. I figured for sure you were gonna have to take the carb off and clean it out on the bunch. Nice work!

Awesome video thanks

Great information. It's a power more engine. Menards sells them on the Remington Durango. I have a similar problem .

Good video Steve ! We are lucky that a couple gas stations around here still that carry leaded gas. Still use it in my small engines.

great job steve.

I use stabil with a full tank in my Troy Bilt snow blower and John Deer D130 for storage, they start first time at the beginning of the new season.

With gas in that snow blower, I would be very careful with that heater on the floor. You don't want a fire. I would take out the little strainer first in the gas tank to look inside to see how much gas is in the tank. Run some Sea Foam to help clean the carb. I run Sea Foam in my blower and it just make the machine run smooth, no stumbling or loping. Good Video.

Sea Foam great stuff!! Always have 4 cans laying around... Good video Steve 👍🏼👍🏼

If you add the correct amount of Seafoam to your gas can every winter, because for me, I never know when my last snow will come and the machine will be sitting not being used for a long time. That way it can sit over the summer months and still start the next winter with no problem. And I NEVER had a problem with any of my engines using regular pump gas with ethenol in it. My snowblowers, chainsaw, motorcycles and lawn mowers run like new just using Seafoam in the gas.

After draining the fuel I pulled the carb off my cub cadet snow thrower (yes I said "thrower") by disconnecting two nuts, two linkages and three hoses. I dropped the fuel bowl, shined a light up through the fuel jet and saw no light in the throttle body. Ran a very small gauge wire through the fuel jet and felt something give. Blew it out with compressed air and watched small particles of debris fly out, sprayed cleaner into the fuel bowl and brushed it clean along with the float needle valve. Could then see light in the throttle body through the fuel jet and reassembled the carb to the engine. Poured about 4 oz. of ethanol free fuel from the local Maynerd's into the tank, primed and choked it, gave it one pull and heard that wonderful sound. It runs smooth as a Jack and Coke which, by the way, I enjoyed as my reward shortly thereafter. Approximate total repair time, one and 1/4 hours. Can't wait to fire it up tomorrow, 6+" of snow on the way here in Meechigan. Greetings to everyone in the great white north, eh.

I have old Toro 524 that started for about 10 minutes, doesn't stay running now it won't start at all... would you try sea foam or ether ?

Good Job Steve! ! SeaFoam works wonders.

Thanks for the video. I'm gonna give sea foam a shot. Already drained the carb bowl. My 208cc snow blower will start and run low-medium idle and stall out with the throttle anywhere above 80% or if I engage the auger. I failed to run it out.

thanks for your help with this video. my machine is Briggs and stratton starts very well, but runs with open choke, I use premium gasoline without oxygen. Can I mix sea foam in gasoline and how much? Thanks.

Great fix Steve!!!! She'll be very happy!!' Cheers 🍻

GOOD JOB STEVE

Yes, I have used this stuff in our snowblower and it works wonders.

Thanks for the video. I got a Troy Bilt storm that is “hunting/racing”. It was given to me so I’m not sure how well maintained it was during its life. I’m going to add some seafoam to some fresh 91 and run it occasionally over the next few days to see if that clears it up before i take the carb off as the carbs are a pain to remove on these Troy Bilt Storms. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Watched this for my snowblower came away wanting a new heater for my house (: thanks brotha

i never drain my carb before storing i did use seafoam until 2 years ago i started using k-100 & 87 octane with ethanol lawn equipment & snowblower start 1st pull. took my carb apart on a 04 b&s 7.0 hp intek last spring it was pretty clean inside 1st time carb was apart

cool video Man. well done

Great vid Steve! I use Seafoam.. kinda like you said dont know if it really does any good, but have used it for years. I havent done it lately, but even in my vehicles I would dump a can in the fuel tank about once a month. Waste of money? Maybe.. but have never had any issues. I usually try, no matter what the engine is, to start em up and run em a little bit just to keep things lubed up and moving around.

At the end of every winter, I run a 1:4 seafoam ratio to shock and clean mines before storing it for the summer and same thing on my mowers before winter. 7yrs later, still runs like day one.

Lots of good info.......

I see rubber paddles on the 2nd stage mentioned where do you find them for this Sears model?

Here's another trick Steve, if it's at least unning, and at a higher rpm, take your gloved hand and place it over the carb air intake briefly (repeat a few times), it will bog down but what it'll do is cause all that high suction to then pull fuel really hard thru all the internal carb passages and lots of times will clear them better, especially if you're using a high concentrate cleaner in the gas, like toluene or Redline FI cleaner.

Nice that it was an easy fix!

Steve, I agree 110%. No ethanol blends in your small engines. I have been using Stabil to stabilize my gas with good success, but may give Seafoam a try. It worked it`s magic on that snow blower. Nice save Buddy. KIT d

Steve, Thank you for the video. I mistakenly stored my snowblower with ethanol fuel in over the summer. This winter, starting the engine was quite difficult, but I managed to start it now. However, after running 3 to 4 minutes, fuel leaks at the same location, as in your video and engine shuts down (if not choked). The leak continues for several more minutes, even if the engine is not running. From reading John VanDenburgh below, it appears to me that he means, there is a vent hole through which fuel is leaking because carburator is clogged. Do you think, that is the case. If it is, should I run it for 30 minutes with fuel stabilizer added to the fuel to clear clogging. Thanks for your advice.

Steve, you would be great neighbor.......not top mooch services off of .but to trade stories. You have great enthusiasm! Praise the Lord and pass me something to fix!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Easy...WHOA easy now" hahaha the greatest

GOod one Steve....I'm with you with the sea foam and the high test but some people I tell this to still cheap out and buy regular....so the don't call me if it run cuzz they know the answer.....very good tip for those that don't know.....SALUTE

Spot On!!!! My Cub Cadet had the exact same symptoms (and curiously the exact same controls). I did like you and was able to keep it running open choke by pumping primer. I added 4 oz. of Sea Foam to probably 8 oz of fuel left in the tank. I had to prime it several times initially and then she runs perfect! THANK YOU for sharing and very entertaining too eh.

Nice vid Steve. Never seen that Seafoam readily for sale over here. Worked a treat though!

Glad it turned out good. Next time I'm having a carb issue, I'll try some seafoam too!

Great job

my snowblower wouldn't start last winter, I bought the Seafoam spray and sprayed it into the carb and it fired right up! Seafoam is the best

Oh, first thing I did was change spark plug. Craftsman snowblower. Used my Craftsman spark plug socket for changing plug from my lawnmower. Socket worked on lawnmower and snowblower…

Brilliant! Such a schmart brother I have!

I'm getting some backfire when moving the controls to high and then it goes off. Is the bowl that you removed in the video a quick fix? I need some needle nose plies

Can you run that *torpedo heater* on _home heating oil-_ or do you have to use a #1 fuel?

Hey Steve, while you had the bowl off, did ya also pull the main jet and clean it before the Seafoam? Was thinking that could make it starve for fuel. I bought a Toro single stage blower two years ago and ALWAYS run non ethanol fuel with Seafoam added. Starts first pull every time.

Had this problem with my Troy Bilt 2410,so I emptied the tank drain the bowl.Added some seafoam and repeated the process a couple times.After a couple of days doing that it started.Did not have to remove the carburetor

good vid. I love seafoam for stabilizer, but that's about it. I have seen people put on a smoke show with it haha.

Hi Steve, I also mark everything. Some people think I am a little crazy for doing this. But , It stops me from for getting something important. [ especially since I got a little older and retired LOL ]

"Troubleshooting" It's quickly becoming a lost art. - I use a nearly 40 year old Jacobsen Imperial 26" (Heavy Duty 2-stage) Snow Thrower. The thing is a tank, a couple of pulls for the first start of the season and after that it's usually only one pull and I'm off. Come spring I'm going to tear it down to repaint it.

You were on the right track form the beginning! nice job on that one.

great job

Ya Buddy, you got it fast and cheap, great fix Steve, Cheers The Dizzy ONe.

Thank-you!! Did the same thing and guess what it worked!!

On float carbs, the 2 problems I have had are with the needle (stuck shut or stuck open like yours was), or the jet. There's often several small holes including a tiny, barely visible hole in the fixed jet. Clean it out with a wire filament off a braided wire. Seafoam or other stuff should eventually clean this, but why not get it all the way. I had this issue on a honda based pressure washer that I got from a neighbor, and the hole was clogged all the way. Since you found that the fuel was bad, I would have drained it all, first. You could use it, diluted, in a bigger engine like a car's. Or even put it back in a small engine (but diluted with good stuff) once you had things working. Off to go deal with a spare Yamaha snowblower I got from a friend. Fuel is in it and the fuel switch wasn't off, so I'm betting I have a carb issue too.

Had a similar problem with my blower. Stupid thing didn't run good, fuel delivery issue. Spent 2.5 hours taking the carb apart ...clean, carb kit, back together. Not much different. New carb from ebay $18 shipped...took 15 minutes to put in, runs fine. Sometimes these carb issues are enough of a pain to just buy a new carb.

great video i will start using sea-foam in our equipment so you say reg fuel is that prem fuel or at the pumps just reg fuel and can you get sea-foam at Canadian tire were do you buy thanks keith

Thanks for sharing Steve !! Migwech

I know it’s kinda fun to problem solve and fix these but the amount of time invested in the fix, you can buy a brand new carburetor off of Amazon with gaskets for under $30. Seafoam has worked wonders and I now only use Engineered fuel only. Has worked really well to keep the fuel deposits from forming. Great video

I have this exact same model. Mine will start, it idles a little rough but when I turn on the auger and give it a load the motor dies. I am gonna try some seafoam to see if that helps.

I now always by non-ethanol gasoline for lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc. So many of the problems seem to happen when the ethanol stuff sits in the tank and system.

Yepp, I also use a bit of naphtha as a extra fuel treatment. I don't know if it really does a good job of dissolving and preventing biofilm but it seems to work good in the long run. I use it in both gasoline and in diesel where in the gasoline engine I also run a mix with ethanol on occasions. And that is in a car that is not made for running ethanol, just to make sure it picks up any moisture that might be in the fuel since alcohol binds the moisture, and it works great. A not gummed up engine is a happy engine.

Hey Steve, got a question for ya. My father's blower seems to idle a bit rough. I just pulled both of ours out and filled them up with non-ethanol and a good dose of Seafoam. I'm hoping if it's running lean, the extra Seafoam will help the carb if something is blocked. His idled like this last year. It's been back to where he bought it and they say it's ok. I'm not sure. Seems to start easy enough. It doesn't have more than 10 hours on the engine. Could the plug play a part in this? It's a single stage Toro and the case would have to come off to check it. I'm sure the dealer didn't pull it when they looked at it. Thanks

Yes Sea Foam works used it many times to unplug slightly gummy carbs and stabilize fuel I also use Tru Fuel to store my Snow thrower

Have the Craftsman myself and I use seafoam had this same issue tore the carb off took out the high speed jet sprayed carb cleaner in it used a welders tip cleaner to open the orifice air blew dry added a in line filter good to go . Then added rubber to the second stage to have the blades about 35 thousands of a inch so now no more jamb ups with slush or really wet snow throws it much further not that it was a problem!!

Steve at Eliminator Performance Small Engine Repair we use the NO SPILL fuel tanks from Stens Canada guarantee no spill when putting fuel into gas tanks. Additionally, we use K100s+ stabilizer which advertises WE MAKE WATER BURN and it actually does do this by breaking up any water from condensation into small particles distributed throughout the fuel. Basically we would have pulled the carb and put it into our ultrasonic cleaner which has paid for itself many times just in spray carb cleaner savings. Nice video on Seafoam we have also used this but we buy Ethanol free fuel from Canadian Tire in Port Colborne 87 octane and treat 18.9 litres with 2.5 oz. of K100s+ which boosts the Octane up to 89 great stuff. Check our videos out on KZfaq we have done some really awesome stuff and have a great editing programme.