Snowblower Issues

[TMF89]

So let me start off by saying I'm pretty much not mechanically inclined, and don't know much at all about motors/engines/anything mechanical. lol

My dad bought a snowblower the summer of last year. We got it fired up for a few seconds last winter but it died right away and we couldn't get it going again. My dad finally decided to fix it (I don't know why he waited lol), so we're taking a look at it.

We couldn't get the pull start to move, so we took the recoil/cover off, and it looks like the crankshaft (that's what they connect to right? lol) has seized up. I tried getting a wrench in there to pry it loose, but she won't budge. I didn't add the gas, oil (it's a 4-stroke) or have any part in putting it together, so I'm not sure if my dad messed something up. I will say I checked the dipstick and while it seemed wet/moist/shiny, there was no noticeable oil on it. I'm going to get ahold of him to make sure he didn't treat it like a two cycle engine.

Otherwise, what are your thoughts guys? I have no idea why a crankshaft would seize up, or how to fix it. Thanks in advance!

[B-man715]

I have no idea why a crankshaft would seize up, or how to fix it. Thanks in advance!

I'm gonna guess that the motor is seized up from running it without any oil.......

[DRH1175]

I second that! If dipstick didn't have any oil on it, at it is seized, Engine is more than likely shot!

[Tom7227]

Maybe you could try taking out the spark plug and putting some liquid wrench in it and see if you can free it up. Don't try and start it, in fact don't even put the spark plug back in. I might work if it wasn't run too long without oil. Can't hurt to try.

[hitthebricks]

Another thing that works with siezed engines is antifreeze. Fill with antifreeze and let sit until it releases, drain and fill with oil. Works great but change oil again soon.

HTB