Poulan Pro PR241 Snow Thrower

[Ron_P]

Can someone tell me, how does this thing run when there's no obvious air filter?
Even though the machine is about 5 yrs old, it's like brand new. I was the first user, and have only put about 4 hrs on it over the past 3 yrs. When we got some snow last month, I could not get it to start. I did run it last summer just to check it out for the up coming season. While troubleshooting the problem, I could not locate any air filter.
I can get it to fire/start, by removing the spark plug, shooting quick burst of starting fluid into the head. The spark plug has good fire, had put fresh gas in.
Just puzzled, as this defies what I was thinking there should be some way for this engine to get air to the carb. I've looked at the schematics, and can not locate one.

 

[ILENGINE]

Most likely the air intake is under item 50 on the diagram https://www.partstree.com/models/pr-241-961920086-01-poulan-pro-snow-thrower-2014-10/engine-24/ And snow engines don't use an air filter. no reason since if you are blowing snow there is no dust to get sucked into the engine. And blowing snow can ice and clog and air filter. So the carb is under a cover that gets heat off of the muffler to help warm the carb and prevent icing.

 

[OldDiyer]

Check that you have turned the fuel shut off valve to the on position. Please don't ask how I know this. !!!

 

[Ron_P]

Check that you have turned the fuel shut off valve to the on position. Please don't ask how I know this. !!!

Yep, I completely understand that. Been through the whole "start up procedure" numerous times.
Thanks..

 

[Ron_P]

Well so far I'm not able to get this thing to start. So I have a couple questions.

1. Is it possible, and if so how, to remove just the fuel tank?
2. How can I drain the fuel from the tank? I don't find any way to do this. I've looked at the machine itself, and the manual schematics.
   1. I guess I could get a siphon. Used to use a section of that clear pvc tubing, but don't have that right now.

The thing will start, although not run, when I shoot some starting fluid into the cylinder head. That leads me to believe there's a fuel supply problem, which would or could be a fuel pump, on larger engines anyway. I'd guess this is inside the carb?

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Well so far I'm not able to get this thing to start. So I have a couple questions.

1. Is it possible, and if so how, to remove just the fuel tank?
2. How can I drain the fuel from the tank? I don't find any way to do this. I've looked at the machine itself, and the manual schematics.
   1. I guess I could get a siphon. Used to use a section of that clear pvc tubing, but don't have that right now.

The thing will start, although not run, when I shoot some starting fluid into the cylinder head. That leads me to believe there's a fuel supply problem, which would or could be a fuel pump, on larger engines anyway. I'd guess this is inside the carb?

You need to drain, syphon, and blow out fuel tank. Water will be all the way at bottom if present. Look for fuel pump coming off of fuel line, if no pump then it is gravity feed. If it will start when giving it a bit of fuel in carburetor, but not stay running, probably has a dirty carburetor. If you know how to correctly clean carburetor, then do so. If not, please take it to a shop. Also, install fuel shut off valve if space allows.

 

[gregjo1948]

Add an additive to the gas to eliminate any moisture in the fuel. Have you tried shooting gas into the cylinder to see if it will fire up? If it won't fire up, then there is possibly a lack of compression and needs a rebuild. The starting fluid is more volatile and will fire easier than gas.

 

[cdestuck]

Bet you never treated your fuel with a stabilizer. You need to take the carb apart and give it and the jets a good cleaning. I can almost guarantee this is your problem.

 

[common sence]

Can someone tell me, how does this thing run when there's no obvious air filter?
Even though the machine is about 5 yrs old, it's like brand new. I was the first user, and have only put about 4 hrs on it over the past 3 yrs. When we got some snow last month, I could not get it to start. I did run it last summer just to check it out for the up coming season. While troubleshooting the problem, I could not locate any air filter.
I can get it to fire/start, by removing the spark plug, shooting quick burst of starting fluid into the head. The spark plug has good fire, had put fresh gas in.
Just puzzled, as this defies what I was thinking there should be some way for this engine to get air to the carb. I've looked at the schematics, and can not locate one.

Typically snow blowers don’t have an air filter, since there is no dust stirring up in the snow. Sounds like a simple carburetor blockage. You can get one on Amazon for $15.

 

[13brian]

YouTube can be your friend for carb removal/cleaning/replacement. Could be a simple as water in fuel or car bowl, plugged (or even partially) orifice in carb from debris in fuel, critter in fuel line or carb, depending on age you could have a swollen/plugged fuel line. Perhaps it could be the spark plug is weak and fires on starting fluid but not fuel.
A quick once over/troubleshooting at small engine mechanic should be a quick diagnosis and could save you a lot of time, if you do not prefer to tinker.