Snow Blower Problems & Fixes Winnipeg | Terry Roth Expert
Common Snow Blower Problems and How to Fix Them
By Terry Roth, General Manager, Winnipeg Mobile Lawnmower Tune-Up
When that first major snowfall hits Winnipeg – and we all know it's coming earlier each year – nothing's more frustrating than pulling the starter cord on your snow blower only to hear... nothing. After 20 years of mobile snow blower repair across Winnipeg, Gail and I have seen every possible failure mode, often while standing in someone's driveway at -25°C.
The good news? Most snow blower problems follow predictable patterns, and many can be prevented or fixed without hauling your machine to a repair shop. Having serviced thousands of snow blowers through Manitoba winters, I'll share the most common issues we encounter and the practical solutions that actually work in our climate.
Why Snow Blowers Fail When You Need Them Most
Snow blowers face unique challenges that other small engines never encounter. They sit unused for 8+ months, then we expect them to fire up instantly in subzero temperatures and handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them. Add in Winnipeg's temperature swings – from -40°C to sudden January thaws – and you've got a recipe for mechanical problems.
Here's what we've learned from thousands of winter service calls: most snow blower failures happen in the first storm of the season, and 90% are preventable with proper preparation.
The Top 8 Snow Blower Problems We Fix Every Winter
1. Won't Start After Storage (40% of Our Winter Calls)
The Problem: Old fuel has turned to varnish in the carburetor, spark plug is fouled, or engine oil has thickened.
What We See:
Fuel that looks like maple syrup
Spark plugs caked with carbon deposits
Oil thick as molasses from temperature extremes
DIY Fix:
Drain old fuel completely
Install fresh spark plug
Change to winter-grade oil (5W-30)
Prime properly (3-5 pumps, not 20)
When to Call Us: If it still won't start after fresh fuel and spark plug, you likely have carburetor varnish buildup that requires professional cleaning.
2. Starts But Dies Immediately (25% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Partial fuel blockage or carburetor adjustment issues from ethanol fuel damage.
What We See:
Carburetor jets partially clogged
Fuel lines with ethanol-related deterioration
Incorrect choke operation
DIY Fix:
Ensure choke is fully closed for cold starts
Check that fuel shut-off valve is fully open
Try starting with throttle at mid-position
When to Call Us: If engine runs only with starting fluid, you need professional carburetor service.
3. Snow Blower Clogs Constantly (20% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Wrong technique for snow conditions, dull or damaged impeller, or incorrect speed settings.
What We See:
Wet, heavy snow packed into chute
Damaged impeller blades from hitting debris
Operators trying to clear too much snow too fast
DIY Fix:
Spray cooking oil on chute interior before use
Reduce forward speed in wet snow
Make narrower passes
Never use hands to clear clogs – always stop engine first
Prevention: Apply car wax to chute interior at season start.
4. Electric Start Won't Work (15% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Dead battery, corroded connections, or extension cord issues.
What We See:
Batteries left uncharged all summer
Corroded battery terminals
Undersized or damaged extension cords
DIY Fix:
Charge battery monthly during off-season
Clean terminals with baking soda solution
Use minimum 12-gauge extension cord in cold weather
Plug in block heater 2 hours before starting
When to Call Us: If electric start still fails with fully charged battery and good connections.
5. Chute Won't Turn or Deflector Won't Adjust (12% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Cables stretched, frozen, or damaged from debris impact.
What We See:
Control cables seized from moisture
Bent deflector from hitting garage doors
Worn cable connections
DIY Fix:
Lubricate all cables with white lithium grease
Work controls through full range monthly during storage
Check for cable tension adjustment
Prevention: Store in dry location and exercise all controls monthly.
6. Poor Snow Throwing Distance (10% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Worn drive belts, incorrect engine speed, or damaged impeller.
What We See:
Stretched or glazed drive belts
Engines not reaching full RPM
Impeller blades worn or damaged
DIY Fix:
Run engine at full throttle (not half speed)
Check belt tension and condition
Clear any debris wrapped around impeller shaft
When to Call Us: If throwing distance is still poor after belt inspection and speed adjustment.
7. Vibration and Unusual Noises (8% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Loose bolts from vibration, damaged impeller, or bent chute components.
What We See:
Bolts that have worked loose over time
Impeller blades bent from rocks or ice chunks
Cracked engine mounts
DIY Fix:
Check and tighten all visible bolts
Inspect impeller for damage (engine off!)
Look for obvious cracks or bent components
When to Call Us: Any grinding, squealing, or metallic noises require immediate professional attention.
8. Auger Won't Turn (5% of Our Calls)
The Problem: Shear pins broken, drive cable issues, or debris jamming the auger.
What We See:
Broken shear pins from hitting hidden obstacles
Cables that have stretched or snapped
Ice buildup preventing auger rotation
DIY Fix:
Replace shear pins with exact OEM specifications (never use regular bolts!)
Clear all ice and debris from auger housing
Check cable tension and adjustment
Critical Safety Note: Never try to free a jammed auger by hand. Always disconnect spark plug first.
Winnipeg Winter Preparation: Our Proven System
After two decades of winter service calls, we've developed a preparation routine that prevents 90% of first-storm failures:
October Preparation (Before First Snow):
Drain old fuel or add high-quality stabilizer
Install fresh spark plug rated for cold weather
Change to 5W-30 winter oil
Lubricate all grease fittings and cables
Test electric start system and charge battery
Check shear pins and replace any bent ones
Spray chute with cooking oil or car wax
First Storm Checklist:
Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old)
Allow engine to warm up 5 minutes before heavy work
Clear light snow first, then tackle deeper areas
Stop every 30 minutes to prevent overheating
Never leave fuel in machine between storms
Monthly During Season:
Run engine for 10 minutes to prevent fuel issues
Exercise all controls to prevent freezing
Check tire pressure (cold weather reduces pressure)
Clear any ice buildup from chute and deflector
When DIY Isn't Enough: Calling Mobile Service
Some problems require professional diagnosis, especially when safety is involved. Here's when to call us instead of attempting repairs:
Immediate Service Needed:
Any fuel leaks or fuel odors
Unusual noises (grinding, squealing, knocking)
Engine runs but auger won't engage
Electric start sparking or smoking
Excessive vibration
End-of-Season Service:
Carburetor cleaning and adjustment
Drive belt replacement
Impeller blade replacement
Engine tune-up and compression test
The advantage of mobile service is particularly valuable in winter – we come to you, often the same day, and can get your snow blower running without you having to load it onto a truck in a snowstorm.
Winnipeg-Specific Snow Blower Tips
Our prairie climate creates unique challenges:
Chinook Effects: Sudden temperature swings can create ice buildup in chutes. Always clear chute after temperature changes above freezing.
Prairie Wind: Our notorious winds can blow snow back into the operator. Adjust chute deflector lower in windy conditions.
Heavy Wet Snow: Our spring and fall snows are often heavy and wet. Reduce speed and make narrower passes to prevent clogging.
Extreme Cold: At -30°C and below, allow extra warm-up time and consider using synthetic oil for easier starting.
The Cost of Prevention vs. Repair
After 40,000+ service calls, the math is clear:
Annual preparation service: $150-200
Emergency winter repair call: $300-500
Major carburetor rebuild: $400-600
New snow blower: $800-3000
Customers who invest in fall preparation rarely need emergency winter service. Those who skip maintenance often face expensive repairs at the worst possible time.
Emergency Starting Tips for Desperate Situations
When you absolutely need to get that snow blower running for the big storm:
Fuel First: Drain questionable fuel, add fresh premium gas
Spark Second: New spark plug can solve 30% of starting issues
Prime Properly: 3-5 pumps maximum (over-priming floods the engine)
Warm It Up: Bring machine into garage for 30 minutes if extremely cold
Be Patient: Cold engines need time – don't flood by over-cranking
If these steps don't work, you likely need professional carburetor service.
The Bottom Line: 20 Years of Winter Lessons
Snow blower reliability comes down to preparation and understanding your machine's limits. The units that start reliably every winter belong to customers who:
Never store with old fuel
Replace spark plugs annually
Change oil before each season
Exercise all controls monthly during storage
Don't ignore small problems until they become big ones
Most importantly, remember that snow blowers are seasonal equipment designed for specific conditions. Trying to clear heavy, wet snow at full speed will cause clogs and breakdowns. Work with your machine, not against it.
After servicing thousands of snow blowers through Manitoba winters, Gail and I have learned that a well-maintained machine will start reliably even at -35°C. The key is treating your snow blower as the essential winter tool it is – not something you can ignore for 8 months and expect perfect performance.
Terry Roth has been providing mobile snow blower repair services across Winnipeg for 20 years. Along with his wife Gail, Terry services over 4,000 pieces of outdoor power equipment annually, specializing in emergency winter repairs and seasonal preparation. For mobile snow blower repair service in Winnipeg, contact Winnipeg Mobile Lawnmower Tune-Up.
