Why Does Snow Blower Backfire? 4 Superb Reasons Why It Happen

Why does snow blower backfire? In the winter, snow blowers come in handy to clear snow from sidewalks and driveways. But they can be dangerous as well. If you are new to using one, then it is important that you know the risks of this tool before you get it. In this blog, we also have an article about best 24 inch snow blowers on amazon that you might want to read about it.

A snow blower or snow thrower is a machine for removing snow from an area where it is problematic, such as a driveway, sidewalk, roadway, railroad track, ice rink, or runway.”

Wikipedia.org

What is snow blower

Snow blower is a machine used to clear snow from the driveway, sidewalk, walkway, and garage. Snow blowers come in different sizes and can be powered by gas, electric, or recoil. The most common type of snow blower is an electric snow thrower. This is the easiest way to clear your property of snow because it does not require any other equipment like a shovel or rake.

Choosing the right snow blower can be a daunting task. You’ll see a huge selection of single, two and three stage models in varying widths and with a dizzying array of features.”

Rick Muscoplat, author from familyhandyman.com

The parts of a snow blower are

Muffler/Exhaust system – It keeps the noise level low as it pulls air out through the exhaust pipe. A muffler absorbs high-frequency sound waves that would otherwise travel into the atmosphere. There are two basic types of mufflers: one for quiet operation (high efficiency) and one for maximum power output (low efficiency). The type is selected based on what you want to do with the machine.

• Chassis/frame – The frame holds everything together including the engine, drivetrain, operator station, controls, attachments, etc.
• Engine – The engine provides power to the blades.
• Blades – These blades push the snow away from the discharge chute.
• Blade guards – Protects the blades when they aren’t being operated.
• Discharge chute – A funnel shaped opening at the end of the blade that directs the snow into the collection box.
• Collection box – Collects all the debris and ejects it through the rear of the machine.
• Rake bar – Attaches to the front of the chassis and helps spread the snow evenly across the area to be cleared. It also prevents clumps of snow from building up under the snow blower.
• Lubricant reservoir – Keeps lubricating oil cool so it remains slippery when it contacts metal objects. An additional cooling jacket keeps the oil cooler than if it were exposed directly to ambient temperatures.
• Operator Station – Controls the main functions of the snow blower by providing power, control switches, display screens, etc.
• Attachments – Accessories which make using the snowblower easier such as snow brushes or rakes.

Why Does Snow Blower Backfire?

So, why does snow blower backfire? A backfire might occur as a result of fuel lingering in the tank for an extended period of time due to improper storage. Other possible causes include muffler damage or a low carburetor adjustment. If you decelerate the engine too rapidly, you also increase the likelihood of the engine backfiring.

1. If fuel is not treated with additives and stabilizers prior to storage, it will lose its volatility and flowability. This clogs the gasoline delivery system, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. As a consequence, the engine’s fuel and air mixture will be incorrect, resulting in backfiring.
2. The muffler and exhaust system are key components of an engine’s operation. If the muffler is poorly built or has problems, it might result in inappropriate evacuation of the combustion process’s hot by-products. As a consequence, some unburned gasoline may remain in the engine, which may ultimately result in a backfire.
3. A carburetor regulates the ratio of gasoline to air in the fuel mixture that will be combusted. If your carburetor is set too lean, the quantity of gasoline in the mixture will be insufficient. This results in unsuitable combustion conditions, causing the engine to backfire.
4. The last reason a snowblower may backfire is due to human error. These little engines are not as robust as automotive engines.

When you abruptly decelerate the engine, there is a strong probability that combustion will be incomplete owing to the rapid increase in air intake, resulting in a lean fuel mix. As a consequence, unburned gasoline will reach the exhaust, where it will ultimately ignite and generate backfires.

How to Prevent It

 This happens when you use incorrect settings on your snow thrower. Here are some tips to prevent this problem:

• Make sure that the engine speed is set to slow before turning on the switch.
• Adjust the throttle lever slowly until there is no more smoke coming out the tailpipe. If you see smoke blowing backwards, reduce the engine speed even further.
• Set the choke position to open.
• Turn off the ignition and test the exhaust system.
• Make sure that the carburetor float bowl is full.
• Make sure that you have enough fuel in the tank.