Hi, I purchased the above snow thrower new in Nov 2009. Unfortunately, we had the driest winter on record up here in Toronto that 2009-2010 winter season. Beside testing to see if the engine started, the thrower has never been put to use until this weekend, when we got our first heavy snowfall. By then it was too late, because I realized that I had left the gas tank filled with stale gas for over a year. I drained the tank, and refilled the it with fresh, clean gasoline and tried starting the thrower electrically. But it just will not turn over. Please advise what else I can do. Thank you in advance. Joseph from Toronto

The owner's manual should point out where the air cleaner for the engine is and also there should be a throttle control--usually both are grouped near the carburetor which is hidden behind a metal or plastic cover on the engine. Also, on engines of this type, the muffler is almost beside the carburetor. If you have a friend (with some tools) that is somewhat mechanically minded, you might be able to enlist some local help. One thing to try is to remove the spark plug, lay the base on some engine metal and run the starter--there should be blue, snappy sparks at the electrodes on the inner end. If nothing, is there a key of some sort that prevents running? Check your manual. If you get spark, try pouring a tablespoon full of fuel into the plug hole, replace the plug, and try for start--it should at least pop several times and may even start running. Good luck! The owner's manual should point out where the air cleaner for the engine is and also there should be a throttle control--usually both are grouped near the carburetor which is hidden behind a metal or plastic cover on the engine. Also, on engines of this type, the muffler is almost beside the carburetor. If you have a friend (with some tools) that is somewhat mechanically minded, you might be able to enlist some local help. One thing to try is to remove the spark plug, lay the base on some engine metal and run the starter--there should be blue, snappy sparks at the electrodes on the inner end. If nothing, is there a key of some sort that prevents running? Check your manual. If you get spark, try pouring a tablespoon full of fuel into the plug hole, replace the plug, and try for start--it should at least pop several times and may even start running. Good luck!

Thanks again drallim. This looks way too complicated for me, but I've recruited my father-in law to help.

Joseph Thanks again drallim. This looks way too complicated for me, but I've recruited my father-in law to help. Joseph