Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Electric start - how important?
Date: 9 Dec 2006 1:44 pm
The salesperson at a local OPE dealer told me electric start is not really necessary unless you're physically incapable of pulling the starter cord. I was told that if fuel stabilizer is always used it should start on only 1 or 2 pulls even if it's stored outside in the cold covered with a tarp. I will be storing my snow blower in 10'x10' unheated plastic shed. What do those with experience say?
Date: 9 Dec 2006 2:03 pm
I went ~ 12 years on my old 5/24 without electric start.
99.99% of the electric starts out there are 120Vac.
It's rare, but there is or was 12Vdc with a battery.
When I found I could add the 120vac electric start for 80bucks I did. So the last ~4 or so years was with it.
I would say your OPE dealer is right, BUT... it sure is nice to have.
Sorta like power windows and power locks.
Don't need them, but makes life easier and comes in handy.
I did the same to my dads, upgraded it with electric start.
He loved it. When he buys new, he says it'll be with electric start.
It was on the top of my list when I bought new last year.
Mine has / is always been stored out in the unheated shed or detached unheated garage.
The old machine always started with 2 pulls or so during the winters with out electric start when sitting for many weeks.
Start off the snow blower seasons with fresh gas.
Before filling the empty can , put the correct amount of stabilizer in the can.
So it mixes well when you go to fill the can.
If your blower has a shut off valve in the gas line, some recommend:
If you don't think your going to need it for a few weeks.
Shut off the fuel valve, and run the carb out of gas.
To help it start well each year you do need to help the engine along.
At the end of the season, "pickle" the blower.
I like to drain the tank of most of the gas, leaving a few ounces.
Add about 25% marvel mystery oil to the gas tank.
Run the engine till it dies.. restart.. usually does.. and let it run out again on low idle. Try to restart again. Once it's out of gas...
Drain the carb bowl if you have a drain on the bowl.
Drain the motor oil and re-fill.
Remove the spark plug.
Put a an ounce or so of oil through the spark plug oil and gently, slowly pull the cord, real slow.. to move the oil around the cylinder.
Put the plug back in, leaving the wire off.
I like to spray the business end of the machine with WD40 for summer storage.
Date: 9 Dec 2006 2:58 pm
I agree with Ramit, if you can afford it is a nice option to have if you ever need it especially as the machine ages. I was out snowblowing today with a fractured right radial head of my arm, my Honda has just been tuned and is easy to start but I would have been in trouble if it was the start of the season and it was my father's 96 Ariens 926 STE that he does nothing with as my right arm is my stronger arm. That is where the electric start is priceless. Another time he broke the pull cord and if we did not have the starter we would have been screwed for sure. Also is there ever going to be a women starting the machine?, if so then it is a serious consideration.
If you can afford it I would get it and if you do I see no reason you would ever regret it.
C