How To Start A Snowblower With A Choke

The choke on a gasoline-powered snowblower engine is designed to help the motor start when it is cold. The choke works by shutting the air intake to produce a richer gas mixture in the engine's combustion chamber. Operating the choke can be counter-intuitive, especially if it's been six months since you last used the equipment.

Step 1

Set the choke on full (which means closed).

Step 2

Start the engine according to the manufacturer's instructions, including three to four pumps on the fuel primer before pulling the ignition cord or pressing the starter.

Step 3

Decrease the amount of choke slowly over several minutes by adjusting the choke lever until the engine warms up.

Step 4

Open the choke all the way once the engine is running smoothly. Do not have any choke once the engine is operating normally; this will cause excessive fuel consumption and may flood the engine, causing it to shut down.