I have a 10yr old MTD Snow King 5hp/24" 2 stage sno blower. The engine is relatively hard starting and runs for about 5 minutes and then dies like it's out of fuel. It seems to like having the choke on halfway. I also noticed that when i push the prime button I hear air rather than fuel being primed. Any ideas? Are these carbs problematic?
Dave J
Exeter, NH

Any carburetor that sits up unused for a period of time will likely have some trouble, regardless of the make. This is more due to the fuel that is available today rather then a design flaw.

Your main jet and possibly the nozzle may have some build up on them restricting flow. Remove and spray with carburetor or brake cleaner and this should take care of the problem, if it does not then a complete tear down, cleaning and kit may be required.

The primer on these engine actually do push air that forces a small amount of fuel up through the nozzle and into the carburetor, so the sound of air is normal. Any restriction in the main jet and or nozzle will also affect the way the carburetor primes and can cause hard starting. Old fuel will also cause hard starting and poor performance (like having to run with the choke on) so make sure your fuel is fresh (6 weeks or less from the pump).

Best of Luck...