Ariens Snowblower - Engine Seized - Watch before you scrap yours

This is a video of a Ariens snowblower that had a seized engine. The blower died while blowing heavy wet snow, and then the owner was unable to pull the pull cord or start with the starter. When I looked at the snowblower, it had a chunk of metal in the auger, but that was not the cause of the motor not turning over. we were able to turn the crank shaft using a pipe wrench and eventually, wouldn’t you know it we got it to start up. Sorry for the spoiler. Take a look at the video and let me know if you’ve had similar experiences with small engines. After we were done, we did notice they were loose nuts that held the engine in place so we did get them tightened up and replaced one nut that was missing. Please like and subscribe and give me any comments you have or suggestions for new videos.

[@RonRivet]

I have an 8 hp Ariens that is 44 yrs old and a 10 hp that is over 30 yrs old and they both work very well! Great brand, great product! I thought my 8 hp was done this year but put some fresh oil in it and it`s running like a top!

[@RandyMan626]

I agree. Great brand, I have had an Ariens since 2004.

[@gse244]

This is Chuck. That is great that you got it going. Good video too. Good luck!

[@RandyMan626]

Thanks 👍 Thanks for your suggestions!

[@chrisskillen9893]

This was a good luck story... I would have pulled the spark plug while tring to free the piston.. I would have used the electric start with out the plug and added a little more oil to top of piston...Cover with lose cloth to prevent spray.. I am half way through a similar problem but using PB Blaster and let sitting for a day.

[@RandyMan626]

I hope you have similar luck. Let me know if you get yours running.

[@jimeckenrode1271]

another good product to try is MARVEL MYSTERY OIL it has worked for other in the past to free an engine.

[@roseymalino9855]

Intriguing but not very enlightening. Why was it seized? How low was oil level? Is pull cord now able to crank engine? What happens when augers are engaged? Did you drain oil and examine it for metal shavings, or bolts, or rod end caps?

[@RandyMan626]

Thanks for the comments and questions. I am not a professional, but we are guessing the motor was seized due to low oil. Good question on the pull cord, we didn't try it again after the owner got it started with the electric start. Runs fine with the augers engaged and the owner is using it. No, I did not drain or examine the oil.
Thanks again for your comments, I will try to provide more detail in my future videos.

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Great work

[@RandyMan626]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@paulmurphy9262]

Similar thing happened to me today, but different results. Was blowing heavy wet snow with John Deere TR27 which had to be periodically cleared. Stopped to clear chute, but the engine stopped abruptly with a loud metallic clunk. The auger still turns fine, and I can turn the motor easily by hand, no wrench needed, but then something stops it dead at a certain point. I can then turn it in the other direction until I reach a certain point, and clunk it stops solid. I'm thinking it's probably a thrown valve :(

[@RandyMan626]

A metal clunk never seems to be good. Ouch

[@stevesmith6058]

You never dreamed of oil find out where there has any shavings in it and you should never use the pipe wrench on the pulleys

[@RandyMan626]

Pipe wrench probably wasn’t the best idea, but my friend is still using it today.

[@cyberedwing]

I would use the pipe wrench also. So, what may te correct tool be?

[@ziggytubey]

/THUMBS UP 101

[@ronstewart4545]

Some diesel down the hole.