Q I can't get my snowblower to work after it was used in the Christmas Eve snowstorm that turned into rain. Did blowing that slush have anything to do with it?
A Yes, "we saw a real high incidence of machines frozen up after that, " said Derrick Wood, with Cedar Small Engine in Minneapolis. "Water gets into the machine and freezes there."
In a single-stage snowblower, if you can't pull the rope, the recoil starter is frozen. If you can pull the rope, but it still doesn't start, then it could be that the carburetor is frozen. Bring it in and thaw it out and it might work again, he said.
You can blow wet snow and slush, Wood said, but you just have to be careful. Let a single-stage machine run for a couple of minutes when you're done to let the heat of the motor dry it out .
When you're done using a two-stage machine, be sure to sweep the snow out of the housing and make sure there is no snow or slush in there to freeze.
Remember when dealing with a snow blower:
• Turn it off and remove the key before trying to clean the machine or clear a clog. Use a stick or broom; NEVER use your hand or foot.
• Always start and run your snow blower in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide exposure.
