Heavy snow greeted your area, and now you want to use your Cub Cadet snow blower that's been in storage during the summer. But now the machine doesn't work. What can you do to fix it? Luckily, we researched this topic and have the answer below!
A Cub Cadet snow blower may not start after being in storage in the summer because of a bad spark plug or a stuck valve. So, troubleshoot the machine to find the source of the issue. Then, use the appropriate repair technique based on your findings.
Keep reading as we talk about these possible reasons why your Cub Cadet snow blower fails to start after being in storage. We'll also tackle the possible solution for each highlighted underlying issue.
3 Reasons Why A Cub Cadet Snow Blower Fails To Start After Summer
It's important to note that attempting repairs to your Cub Cadet snow blower without finding the cause of the issue may bring additional harm to the machine.
In this section, you'll know the possible reasons why your snow-blowing machine fails to start after being in storage during summer.
Read through this section to help you formulate a plan to increase the likelihood of restoring your snow blower's normal functions.
Bad Spark Plug
A snow blower's spark plug is generally responsible for igniting the fuel in the machine's motor. If the component is in good working condition, it should allow the engine to start.
But the spark plug can be vulnerable to harm. This damage can come from different sources, including dirt, carbon, grease, and outside debris.
Aside from the Cub Cadet snow blower not starting, other signs of a bad spark plug to watch out for are:
- Rough idle
- Engine misfires
- Engine stalls
- Unusually high fuel consumption
How To Fix
Cleaning or replacing the spark plug are two options that you may take advantage of to fix your Cub Cadet snow blower. Try cleaning the spark plug to check if this method solves the problem.
If not, you may need to replace the worn component with a new model.
Take note that you can typically find a Cub Cadet snowblower spark plug at the front or top of the engine. Also, specific models may have more than one spark plug.
So it can be a good idea to check each spark plug in your machine for possible defects.
Follow these general steps to clean and maintain your Cub Cadet snow blower's spark plug:
What You'll Need
- Ratchet and socket set
- Metal wire brush
- Carb cleaner
Step-By-Step Guide
- Ensure that the engine is off.
- Hold the boot at the end of the wire connected to the spark plug.
- Pull the boot to disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
- Rotate the spark plug counterclockwise using a ratchet and socket to loosen it, and you can remove it.
- Use a carb cleaner to remove dirt and carbon buildup on the spark plug.
- Lightly brush the part's surface with a metal wire brush to help remove serious dirt and carbon accumulation.
- Return the spark plug to its original location in the machine.
- Reconnect the wire to the spark plug.
- Attempt to ignite the snow blower's engine to check if the problem persists.
Note: Although it's possible to clean a spark plug and achieve appropriate results, Cub Cadet doesn't recommend cleaning the part. Instead, replacing the worn spark plug with a new unit might be safer and more cost-effective.
See a replacement Cub Cadet spark plug on Amazon.
Expired Fuel
Take note that fuel can expire and lose its usefulness in about 30 days. Plus, you may only use your snow blower for a few days in the winter.
If you leave fuel in the snow blower's tank for almost an entire year, it may not provide sufficient starting power for the engine to ignite.
How To Fix
Draining the old fuel and replacing it with a new batch should allow the Cub Cadet snow blower to work correctly again. Generally, you only need a siphon pump and a fresh batch of fuel for this procedure.
First, attach the siphon pump to the snow blower's gas tank. Then, request help from another person to tilt the snow blower. That way, the fuel should start escaping through the hose.
After removing all the old fuel in the tank, refill it with a fresh batch. Don't forget to remove the siphon pump from the tank and close the container. Try to ignite the snow blower's engine to check if it can start as intended.
Check out this siphon pump on Amazon.
Stuck Valve
Snow blowers often have different valves, such as the engine valve. If you leave a valve open as you place the machine in storage, it might remain in that position after removing it from the space.
Note that certain valves need to close for the snow blower to function.
How To Fix
Try closing the open valves manually. But if it's challenging to complete a valve, even if you're using a significant amount of force that you can muster, follow these steps:
What You'll Need
- Borescope
- Penetrating fluid
Step-By-Step Guide
- Feed the borescope into the snow blower to search for the stuck valve.
- Apply penetrating fluid in and around the stuck valve.
- Allow the penetrating fluid to set according to the product manufacturer's instructions.
- Try to turn the valve to its closed position.
- If successful, attempt to turn on the Cub Cadet snow blower if its engine starts.
Check out this borescope on Amazon.
Note: You may need to take some parts of the snow blower apart to find the stuck valve. Use this option if you can't find the offending valve with the borescope.
You can also watch this video if you need extra help:
How Do You Maintain A Snow Blower In Summer?
Following proper snow blower storage protocols can help prevent potential issues to the machine. Some preventive measures you need to follow are:
- Drain the fuel. Don't let gas sit in the snow blower's fuel tank for extended periods.
- Inspect the condition of the snow blower's parts. Investigate for signs of wear and tear, and repair them or pay the consequences later.
- Protect the machine from rust. You can repaint the snow blower using rustproof paint to help protect it from corrosion.
Check out this rustproof paint on Amazon.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Cub Cadet Snow Blower?
A snow blower's typical repair and maintenance costs are about $225 to $250, regardless of brand. But note that the prices may exceed $350, mainly if the repair job is challenging to complete.
The overall fees may also differ based on other factors, such as the repair company's location and the technician's expertise.
What Is The Best Residential Snow Blower?
If it feels like your Cub Cadet snow blower won't start even after attempting multiple techniques, perhaps it's time to replace the unit.
Continue reading to check out some options that may pique your interest:
1. Ariens Dual-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Despite being a gas-powered snow blower, this Ariens unit has an electric push-button start feature. With it, you should be able to throw snow from your property relatively faster than turning a key ignition module.
This dual-stage operating system also has 14-inch steel augers. Those blades can help propel deep snow up to 6 feet forward.
It also has an auto-turn steering function to steer the machine and its blades away from hard surfaces, such as your driveway or the sidewalk.
Check out this product on Amazon.
2. EGO Power+ SNT2102 Snow Blower
You don't need to plug this single-stage snow blower into a wall outlet while throwing snow with it. This cordless model can throw snow up to 35 feet from its location.
Plus, you can control the direction of the thrown snow thanks to its swiveling discharge chute.
This snow-blowing kit should have two batteries if bought from a reliable seller. That way, you can switch the battery if one of the packs' discharges.
With this machine, you can charge the discharged battery while still removing snow from your property.
Check out this product on Amazon.
To Wrap Up
Remember to find the main reason your Cub Cadet snow blower refuses to start after storing it for the summer. Then, base your next step on the results of your findings.
But if you believe that you don't have the confidence or know-how to fix the machine using DIY techniques, you can still take advantage of professional repair services.
Made it to the end? Check out these related articles:
Can I Leave Electric Snow Blower Outside?
How To Start A Toro Snow Blower [In 5 Easy Steps]
