Snow blowing tractor is a no-start

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,638]

I went all out this year, put the snow plow on the 310 and the blower on the 416-8 (Onan).  Weather man says up to 8” of the fluffy stuff, thought it would make sense to get the snow blowing tractor to the driveway and it’s a no-start.  Cranks fine, have 12v to the coil but no fire.  Haven’t checked spark, might just swap the blower onto the 416-H for the storm.

[Bar Nuthin 2,041]

2 minutes ago, nylyon said:

I went all out this year, put the snow plow on the 310 and the blower on the 416-8 (Onan).  Weather man says up to 8” of the fluffy stuff, thought it would make sense to get the snow blowing tractor to the driveway and it’s a no-start.  Cranks fine, have 12v to the coil but no fire.  Haven’t checked spark, might just swap the blower onto the 416-H for the storm.

 

Fuel shutoff? 

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,638]

No, won’t fire with brake cleaner either.

[953 nut 63,547]

6 minutes ago, nylyon said:

have 12v to the coil but no fire.

Time to check the ignition module.   

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,638]

That’s my concern

[Bill D 2,500]

Take a jumper and connect from the positive terminal on the coil to the positive terminal on the battery.  If it starts your problem is probably the 9 pin connector.  If you need to do the ignition module its not that hard.  Tip:  It can be changed without removing the stator.

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,638]

Checked for spark, and it had spark so decided to try ether and it fired right up, we’re in business.

[WHX?? 53,708]

22 minutes ago, nylyon said:

decided to try ether

I was just going to suggest that Coach at the risk of forty lashes from the boys. Mine won't fire on brake cleaner either after a sit so out come the hi test salts. 

Often thought of a small hole in the air cleaner cover for a straw so one doesn't have to take the cover off. Or hand feeding gas right down the pipe.  Electric fuel pump would be the best option tho. 

 

[lynnmor 8,384]

37 minutes ago, nylyon said:

Checked for spark, and it had spark so decided to try ether and it fired right up, we’re in business.

An Onan that sits for a while takes a lot of cranking till it starts, for some reason the carburetor goes dry in about a week depending on temperatures.  A weak fuel pump or slightly leaking fuel lines add to the problem.  A full gas tank will help a bit.   The best answer is an electric fuel pump or a marine primer bulb to fill the carburetor before cranking.  If you use too much starting fluid you can break the ring lands on a piston.

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,638]

True, the Hydro has an electric fuel pump, the 8-speed has always started much faster, today was the exception but it has sat for a little bit.  I think that adding an electric fuel pump will certainly help though.

[Ed Kennell 44,086]

1 hour ago, WHX?? said:

 

Often thought of a small hole in the air cleaner cover for a straw so one doesn't have to take the cover off

Did this on the lil B&S on the trac vac.    I permanently  installed a small fuel line as a primer.

[squonk 45,059]

Here in NY we call ether "Cosby Sauce" and I have no idea why! 

 

My tractors won't start on Brake Cleaner either. mostly because I only get the non flammable type. Almost burned a Lincoln town Car to the ground in my front yard with the flammable variety! 

[pfrederi 19,460]

I use carb cleaner from wally world

[oldlineman 1,626]

that's what I use if needed, carb cleaner. only needed on 1979 c-101 when sitting a while weak fuel pump, need to get a electric one installed.

[Ed Kennell 44,086]

5 hours ago, pfrederi said:

I use carb cleaner from wally world

X3

[Lagersolut 781]

This is what I've always used for the hard starts - ether makes me nervous losing a an engine 

[SylvanLakeWH 30,135]

I use gas in a spray bottle.

 

I've never understood using carb cleaner, as it kills my engines when I use it for routine cleaning... 

[pfrederi 19,460]

2 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

I use gas in a spray bottle.

 

I've never understood using carb cleaner, as it kills my engines when I use it for routine cleaning... 

 

 

Only if you spray in a large amount quickly.  All you need for testing is a quick spurt

[c-series don 10,940]

I’m with @SylvanLakeWH on this one. I use gas in a spray bottle with some two cycle oil in it. I only use either on diesel engines. 

[RED-Z06 2,700]

On 12/26/2025 at 11:25 AM, squonk said:

Here in NY we call ether "Cosby Sauce" and I have no idea why! 

 

My tractors won't start on Brake Cleaner either. mostly because I only get the non flammable type. Almost burned a Lincoln town Car to the ground in my front yard with the flammable variety! 

Liquid Summer

Canned Head Gasket Remover

Canned Rod Bender

Cosby Sauce...because the engine goes

[Retired Wrencher 6,262]

On 12/26/2025 at 11:18 AM, nylyon said:

True, the Hydro has an electric fuel pump, the 8-speed has always started much faster, today was the exception but it has sat for a little bit.  I think that adding an electric fuel pump will certainly help though.

Karl those fuel E-pumps like this one I have are they to go. Fast start up.

[nylyon-(Admin) 8,638]

5 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Karl those fuel E-pumps like this one I have are they to go. Fast start up.

I have an electric pump on my hydro, absolutely the way to go.  I think I have a spare pump in the garage, just have to find it.

[Retired Wrencher 6,262]

17 hours ago, nylyon said:

I have an electric pump on my hydro, absolutely the way to go.  I think I have a spare pump in the garage, just have to find it.

Ben there done that.   I put all parts in an old furniture cabinet. Saves time and effort.