Hi Frank,
1. Start it up and run it around the driveway for a few minutes. See if it starts to work well.
2. Make sure you have less than half a tank of gas.
3. Tip it up in its nose.
4. Remove the wheels
5. remove the cover from the bottom of the transmission case. When you remove the cover check to see if there are any parts laying on that cover that may have come loose inside the case.
6. There should be an aluminum transmission inside the case. On top of that transmission, there will be two black plastic levers.
7. Follow the RIGHT steering cable from the trigger to the right lever on the case. Pull the trigger and watch how far that lever moves on the top of the case. It won’t move very far. (1/8-3/16 inch) Here is a picture of the transmission: Hydro Gear SST
8. Once you understand how it should work now inspect the left side. See if the cable is moving the lever, how much it’s moving and if the lever returning to the “closed” position.
9. Now figure out if the lever on the case is sticking, if the cable is sticking or the trigger on the handle is sticking.
10. If the trigger or cable is sticking (Including the little plastic wheel the cable runs in) replace it.
11. If the lever on the transmission is sticking try a couple of drops of oil where the shaft goes into the case.
12. If the lever still sticks then the transmission may need to be replaced.

Any ideas?
Thanks
Frank

Hi Jeff, Yes, even though the Platinum 24 is 4 inches smaller with the higher capacity it will clear snow just as fast – or faster. Plus, it won’t plug on heavy wet snow.

Hi James, your new engine is designed to run on 87 Octane E10 or less. Beware, there are many gas stations now selling E15 fuel (15% ethanol) and your engine can be ruined using that fuel. So, you can run E10 or less fuel including Premium blends. You don’t need non-ethanol, 91 Octane fuel.
I also add a fuel stabilizer to all fuel I buy from the gas stations. I prefer SeaFoam and I mix it as 2 tablespoons per gallon when I go buy my fuel.
I prefer to change the oil in the spring. That way new, fresh oil sits in the engine all summer. I feel it helps to keep the inside of the aluminum engine from oxidizing.
Just so you know, I use synthetic oil in all my small engines. Because of that I’ve never had engine self-destruct. Mobil One is my favorite.

Hi Paul,

Thanks for all you do to share your knowledge. I have a Jonsered 30in 291cc blower (brand new). The manual says I can use Unleaded fuel. But a neighbor mentioned that I should put premium fuel. Another friend mentioned that I should only put ethonal free fuel in it.

What’s your opinion so I can property maintain my blower for years to come.

Also when is the best time to change the oil? After winter is over in the spring. Or should I wait until the fall to put new oil in there? Should oil be changed more than once during the winter? Obviously, I under stand it’s going to be based on how much it’s used. But would love your input.

Thank you,

Hi Pat, I don’t have a good answer. This is a problem with all single-stage snowthrowers that use the plastic wheels.

Hi Vimal, The Deluxe 28 SHO has more capacity, more power and throws farther. When you get one of those wet/heavy Nor-easters you will want all the power you can get.

You have a great informative website.

I am From North eastern Boston Suburb. We get 80-100″ typical. I am considering Ariens Deluxe 28 (921046) 254 cc for $1199 or Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO (921048) 306cc for $1349. Is extra $ 150 worth paying for SHO and what is the major advantage for SHO over the deluxe 28?

Need to buy in a week or so. My 10 year old craftsman engine ceased and died.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Vimal.