Won't start or hard to start
Usually old fuel left in the tank over summer, a gummed-up carburetor, a fouled spark plug or a weak recoil starter.
Carburetor cleaning, fresh fuel, ignition checkSnowblower repair, North Vancouver
Snowblower repair before the snow hits.
Won't start, surging, or throwing snow two feet? We repair and tune up single-stage and two-stage snowblowers of every make, right here on the North Shore. Walk in, or let us pick it up for free until March 1.
Free pick-up anywhere on the North Shore from October 1 to March 1.
Common problems
Snowblower problems we fix every winter.
Most snowblower trouble comes down to a handful of causes. Bring it in and our technicians will find the real one, then explain it to you in plain words.
Surging, stalling or running rough
The engine revs up and down or dies under load. Often a partly blocked carburetor jet or a fuel delivery problem.
Carburetor service and adjustmentAuger won't turn
The engine runs but nothing happens at the front. Common causes are broken shear pins or a worn or slipping auger belt.
Shear pins, belts, cable adjustmentWeak throw or clogging chute
Snow dribbles out instead of throwing far. Heavy, wet North Shore snow makes worn belts and impellers show up fast.
Impeller, belt and chute serviceWon't move or slips (two-stage)
Self-propelled machines that won't pull or only work in some gears often have a worn drive belt or friction disc.
Drive belt and friction disc repairChute stuck, leaks or electric start
Seized chute rotation, fuel or oil leaks, and electric start problems. All repaired on every make and model.
Full diagnosis and repair
Pre-season tune-up
A tune-up now saves a cold morning later.
The best time to service a snowblower is before the first snowfall. A typical pre-season tune-up looks at:
- Engine oil change
- Spark plug check or replacement
- Carburetor and fuel system
- Fuel lines and fuel shut-off
- Auger and drive belts
- Shear pins
- Scraper bar and skid shoes
- Chute and deflector movement
- Controls and cable adjustment
- Tires and drive system (two-stage)
Every machine is different. Ask us what yours needs, advice is always free.
How it works
From driveway to repaired, in four steps.
Bring it in or book a pick-up
Walk in, no appointment needed. Or call and we will pick it up anywhere on the North Shore, free from October 1 to March 1.
We find the cause
Factory-trained technicians diagnose the problem and explain it to you in plain words.
We repair it
Parts and labour are guaranteed for 90 days. Old parts can be returned to you if you want them.
Back to clearing snow
Pick it up at the shop, or ask us about delivery back to your home.
Makes we repair
All makes and models
We repair all makes and models, including Toro and Snapper snowblowers and machines with Briggs & Stratton engines. Bought at a big-box store? Bring it in.
We are also a warranty depot for brands such as Toro, so warranty repairs on units bought through big retailers can often be done right here.
Winter tips
Keep it running all season
- Use fresh fuel, and add a stabilizer if it will sit for more than a month.
- Keep a few spare shear pins on hand. They are designed to break to protect the gearbox.
- Never clear a clogged chute by hand. Shut the engine off and use a clean-out tool.
- At the end of the season, run the tank dry or drain it before storage.
How much does snowblower repair cost?
It depends on the machine and what is wrong with it. Call us at (604) 980-9805 or bring it in, and we will take a look and explain what it needs. Phone advice is always free.
Do you pick up snowblowers for repair?
Yes. We pick up anywhere on the North Shore, and pick-up is free from October 1 to March 1. Call ahead to book your pick-up.
When is the best time to service a snowblower?
Before the first snowfall, ideally in October or November. Turnaround times vary through the year, and the week a big storm is forecast is the busiest time to bring one in.
Why won't my snowblower start after sitting all summer?
The most common cause is old fuel. Gas left in the tank over the summer breaks down and gums up the carburetor. Cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor and fresh fuel usually gets it running again.
Do you repair two-stage snowblowers and electric start models?
Yes. We repair single-stage and two-stage machines, including electric start, drive and chute problems, on all makes and models.
Can you fix a snowblower I bought at a big-box store?
Yes. We repair all makes and models no matter where they were bought, and we handle warranty repairs for brands that list us as their warranty depot, such as Toro.
Also at Clyde
More ways we can help
Get your snowblower ready this week.
Free North Shore pick-up runs until March 1. Call to book, or just walk in.