Changing Fuel Filter On Ariens Snowblower: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to change the fuel filter on your Ariens snowblower, you've come to the right place. This is a task that should be done at least once per season, as a clogged fuel filter can prevent gas from flowing to the carburetor, causing the snowblower to not start. The process is relatively straightforward and can be done by following these general steps: drain the fuel tank and disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the electric starter switch, take off the engine shroud, release the fuel line clamp and remove the fuel line from the fuel filter, unscrew and remove the old fuel filter, screw in the new fuel filter, reconnect the fuel line, and reassemble the engine shroud and electric starter switch.

Drain the fuel tank and disconnect the spark plug wire

To change the fuel filter on your Ariens snowblower, you'll first need to drain the fuel tank and disconnect the spark plug wire. This is an important safety measure to prevent the engine from accidentally turning on during the fuel filter replacement process. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Drain the Fuel Tank:

• If there is any fuel left in the tank, drain it completely. This is a crucial step as you don't want any fuel spilling out while you're working on the snowblower.
• Place the snowblower in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper ventilation during the draining process.

Disconnect the Spark Plug Wire:

• Locate the spark plug wire, which is connected to the spark plug.
• Carefully pull the spark plug wire up and off the plug. Set it aside so that it doesn't accidentally reconnect during the process.

By following these steps, you've successfully prepared your Ariens snowblower for a fuel filter change. Remember to keep the work area well-ventilated and ensure that the spark plug wire remains disconnected throughout the entire procedure. Now, you can proceed with removing the old fuel filter and installing the new one.

Please note that working on power equipment can be hazardous, so always use the proper tools, follow safety instructions, and ensure you understand all the steps before proceeding.

Remove the electric starter switch

To remove the electric starter switch, first, locate the mounting screws and use a screwdriver to loosen them. Once the screws have been removed, gently pull the starter switch off the bracket. It should come off easily, but if it seems stuck, check that all the screws have been removed and try again.

After removing the starter switch, it will be left hanging by its electrical cord. This is normal, and you can carefully set it aside for now. Make sure to place it somewhere safe and out of the way so that it doesn't get damaged or accidentally disconnected.

At this point, you will need to remove the engine shroud. To do this, start by pulling off the choke and throttle knobs. Be gentle, but firm, as these knobs can sometimes be tight. Next, remove the acorn nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine. You may need to use a wrench or pliers for this step. Once the nuts have been removed, carefully lift the engine shroud off the carburetor mounting studs. Try to keep the primer hose and breather hose connected if possible, as it will make reassembly easier.

With the engine shroud removed, you should now have clear access to the electric starter switch bracket. If you need to, you can now disconnect the electrical cord from the switch and set the switch aside. Remember to keep track of any screws or fasteners that you remove during this process, as you will need to reinstall them later.

Now that the electric starter switch has been removed, you can continue with the next steps of changing the fuel filter.

Remove the engine shroud

To remove the engine shroud, first pull off the choke and throttle knobs. Next, remove the acorn nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine. Then, remove the muffler shroud mounting screws. Finally, work the engine shroud off the carburetor mounting studs, leaving the primer hose and breather hose connected. Make sure to keep the engine shroud to one side, as you will need to reinstall it later.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Ariens snowblower, first, drain the fuel tank and disconnect the spark plug wire. Run the snowblower until the tank is empty. Next, position the snowblower in a well-ventilated area and pull the spark plug wire up and off the plug.

Now, you can begin to remove the engine shroud. Pull off the choke and throttle knobs. Remove the acorn nuts that secure the carburetor to the engine. Remove the muffler shroud mounting screws. Work the engine shroud off the carburetor mounting studs, leaving the primer hose and breather hose connected.

Finally, you can remove the fuel filter. Release the fuel line clamp and pull the fuel line off the fuel filter. Unscrew the fuel filter from the tank and remove it.

Install the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter, first screw the new fuel filter into the tank and tighten it firmly. Then, reconnect the fuel line and secure it using the clamp.

Make sure that the new fuel filter is properly secured before proceeding with any further steps.

Now, pull off the muffler shroud before reinstalling the engine shroud. Remove the belt cover mounting bolts and pull off the belt cover. Next, remove the bolts from the red chute support bracket and pull the support bracket forward, releasing the control rod from the 4-way control rod receiver.

After that, remove the front muffler shroud mounting bolts. Release the wire control cables from the retainer clip and pull off the muffler shroud. Align the choke knob shaft and the 2 carburetor mounting posts with the openings on the engine shroud and work the engine shroud onto the engine. Ensure that the breather hose passes through the opening and lines up with the rocker cover breather hose fitting.

Finally, slide the breather hose over the rocker cover fitting and secure the hose with the clamp.

Frequently asked questions