Here in Alaska, snow removal is serious business. Tania’s got the right idea, to heck with dinky snowblowers, get a bulldozer.

Here’s what you do – you work in the school system right? Take the machine to the auto shop teacher, they’re always looking for small engines to strip down and rebuild. You buy the parts, and the shop class does the work. Usually you get a fully rebuild machine for minimal outlay – and the kids benefit. A lot of time, in the summer, there’s a summer education program at the local trade school in small engine repair – same deal there.

Me? I use the 4×4 plow, and my big MTD tracked blower to clear a path to the kennels, the electric blower on the porch and walks and roof if necessary. But I also have the luxury of keeping all my tools in the heated shop until needed. You might think about getting a cover for your machine if you’re going to leave it out – you don’t need a special one, a tarp or better yet a gas grill cover will do. Wrapping the engine in an electric heating blanket (auto shop should have one, or even an old heating pad will do) for an hour before you start it will help (leave the cover on, put the blanket underneath).

Or, you know, move to Florida.

Electricity. It’s a wonder we don’t use it more.

– Marcel

Did I mention my electric snow blower blows away the bigger partly-testosterone-powered monsters my neighbors have? I did? Oh, okay.

@Jim W: When I was a kid I used to live Jacksonville, NC; we’d get the same thing. Only being a kid I thought it was great that we’d be let out of school to play in the funny white stuff.

You threw me for a loop, one of the regulars around here, another Jim W., is known for his woodworking abilities.

Your idea has merit. I could trade services for engine work. I like that…

Also to note, our forecast last night was for no precipitation, and we woke up to about 4 inches of snow. Gotta love Michigan weather.

Sadly “that guy” indeed made the old beast run in the first place. For example, the intake now has a tuna can with holes punched in it as a baffle of some sort.

I might ask him to help again though, the rest of the machine is so darn solid, and it blows snow like crazy. It’s just the engine that doesn’t like to stay running. So yeah, you’re right. I should get help.

(If I don’t use ether on the engine, can I still use it on me to help ease the pain of snowblowing? hehehehehe)

A shovel.

What?

Shawn, I have much better luck using our loader to move snow. Maybe you need one?

1. You can learn a lot more about engines which would improve the situation a lot. I doubt you want to do that.

2. Do not use ether.

3. DON’T EVER USE ETHER ON AN ENGINE. When they are new and pretty they don’t need it right? Ether is to an engine what drugs are to an athlete. It’s a big help at first but then it’s all you have to keep running and it wears off faster and faster.

4. Go find a local dude that does small engine repair. They are the local I.T. guys of motors. For a few dollars in parts and a fee your going to be up and running good as new. Ask everyone if they know a guy that can help you. Lots of people know that guy. You will find him trust me.

The trick is to ignore the fact that you don’t know diddly-squat about what you’re doing and apply standard computer troubleshooting techniques…
1. Smack the device. Smack it HARD.
2. When Step 1 fails, swear loudly while pretending you’ve muted your phone.
3. Apologize for swearing.
4. Sacrifice a goat (or a chicken, but a goat is preferred).
5. If the sacrifice does not appease the angry snowblower gods, then try the other standard computer troubleshooting technique. Send it up to level2 support. :p