As winter approaches, ensuring your Ariens snowblower is in peak operating condition becomes a top priority for tackling heavy snowfall. One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, maintenance tasks is changing the spark plug. This small but mighty component is responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in your engine, directly impacting starting ease, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. A clean, properly gapped spark plug can mean the difference between effortless snow removal and a frustrating morning spent trying to coax a stubborn engine to life. This article will guide you through the straightforward process of replacing your Ariens snowblower’s spark plug, empowering you to maintain your machine with confidence and ensure it’s always ready to conquer winter’s worst.
The importance of regular spark plug maintenance
Your Ariens snowblower is an investment designed to provide reliable service season after season, and like any piece of specialized equipment, it thrives on proper care. The spark plug sits at the heart of your engine’s ignition system, playing a pivotal role in starting the machine and maintaining its performance. Over time, spark plugs naturally wear down. The constant electrical discharges erode the electrodes, and combustion byproducts can build up, fouling the plug. When this happens, you’ll likely notice several tell-tale signs: your snowblower might become difficult to start, require multiple pulls of the recoil starter, or even misfire during operation. You may also observe a decrease in fuel efficiency, as an inefficient spark leads to incomplete combustion.
Regularly inspecting and replacing your spark plug, typically at the beginning of each snow season or after a certain number of operating hours as recommended by your Ariens owner’s manual, is a form of preventative maintenance that pays dividends. It ensures a strong, consistent spark, which translates to easier starts, smoother engine performance, optimal fuel consumption, and ultimately, extends the life of your engine. Neglecting this simple task can lead to more significant engine issues down the line, making a quick spark plug change a smart move for any Ariens owner.
Essential tools and safety precautions
Before you begin any maintenance on your Ariens snowblower, safety must be your absolute priority. Always ensure the engine is completely cool to the touch before starting work, as hot engine components can cause severe burns. Crucially, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug itself to prevent accidental starting during the process. This simple step eliminates the risk of injury. Also, make sure your snowblower is on a stable, level surface, and consider chocking the wheels if necessary to prevent any unexpected movement.
Gathering the correct tools beforehand will make the job much smoother. You will need:
- A new spark plug: Ensure it’s the correct type and heat range for your specific Ariens model. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact specification (e.g., NGK BPR6ES, Champion RJ19LM).
- Spark plug wrench or deep socket: A 13/16 inch or 5/8 inch socket is common, but verify the size for your specific plug. A dedicated spark plug wrench often has a rubber insert to protect the ceramic insulator and help hold the plug.
- Feeler gauge: Essential for checking and adjusting the spark plug gap.
- Wire brush or clean rag: For cleaning around the spark plug area.
- Anti-seize compound (optional but recommended): A small amount applied to the threads can prevent the plug from seizing in the cylinder head.
- Dielectric grease (optional but recommended): Applied inside the spark plug boot to prevent corrosion and improve electrical contact.
Having these items ready will prepare you for an efficient and safe spark plug replacement.
The step-by-step process for changing your Ariens spark plug
Once your tools are assembled and safety precautions are in place, changing the spark plug in your Ariens snowblower is a straightforward task. Follow these steps for a successful replacement:
- Locate the spark plug: On most Ariens snowblowers, the spark plug is easily accessible on the front or side of the engine block. It will have a thick rubber boot connected to it.
- Clean around the spark plug: Before removing the plug, use a wire brush or clean rag to clear any dirt, debris, or rust from the area around its base. This prevents foreign particles from falling into the combustion chamber once the old plug is removed.
- Remove the spark plug boot: Grasp the rubber boot firmly and pull it straight off the spark plug. Avoid pulling on the wire itself, as this can damage the connection.
- Remove the old spark plug: Place your spark plug wrench or deep socket over the spark plug and turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it. It might require some initial force. Once loosened, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Carefully lift the old plug out of the cylinder head.
- Inspect the old plug: Take a moment to examine the condition of the old spark plug. Its appearance can offer insights into your engine’s health.
| Spark Plug Appearance | Potential Engine Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light tan/grayish-white deposits | Normal combustion | Ideal, engine is running well. |
| Black, sooty deposits | Rich fuel mixture, weak spark, dirty air filter | May indicate a need for carburetor adjustment or filter replacement. |
| Oily, wet deposits | Oil burning (worn piston rings/valve guides) | A more serious internal engine issue. |
| White, blistered electrodes | Overheating, incorrect heat range plug | Check ignition timing, use correct plug type. |
- Prepare the new spark plug: Check the gap of the new spark plug using a feeler gauge. Your owner’s manual will specify the correct gap (e.g., 0.020-0.030 inches). Gently bend the ground electrode if necessary to achieve the precise gap. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new plug, being careful not to get any on the electrodes.
- Install the new spark plug: Hand-thread the new spark plug into the cylinder head, turning it clockwise. Start by hand to avoid cross-threading, which can severely damage the engine. Once it’s finger-tight, use your spark plug wrench to tighten it an additional 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn. Do not overtighten, as this can strip the threads or crack the cylinder head.
- Reattach the spark plug boot: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease inside the spark plug boot. Push the boot firmly back onto the new spark plug until you feel it click or seat securely.
Post-installation checks and common issues
After successfully replacing the spark plug in your Ariens snowblower, it’s natural to want to ensure everything is working correctly. Before you venture out into the snow, perform a quick post-installation check. Double-check that the spark plug boot is firmly seated on the new plug. Wiggle it gently to confirm it’s secure. Ensure no tools or debris were left on or near the engine.
Now, attempt to start your snowblower. It should ideally start more easily and run smoother than before. Listen for any unusual noises, such as misfires, sputtering, or excessive vibration. If the engine doesn’t start, or runs poorly, here are a few common troubleshooting steps:
- Spark plug boot: Is it fully pushed onto the plug? A loose connection is a frequent culprit.
- Spark plug gap: Was the gap set correctly? Even a new plug can have an incorrect factory gap.
- Fuel: Is there fresh fuel in the tank? Stale fuel can cause starting issues regardless of the spark plug’s condition.
- Kill switch: Is the kill switch in the “on” or “run” position? This might sound obvious, but it’s an easy oversight.
- Old plug: Did you accidentally reinstall the old plug instead of the new one? A quick visual check can confirm.
If problems persist after checking these items, you might be dealing with a more complex issue such as a clogged carburetor, a problem with the ignition coil, or a compression issue. However, for most common starting and running problems, a fresh, correctly gapped spark plug often resolves the issue, providing your Ariens with renewed vigor for the snow season.
Changing the spark plug in your Ariens snowblower is a foundational maintenance task that is both simple to execute and profoundly impactful on your machine’s performance. As we’ve explored, from understanding the subtle signs of a failing plug to meticulously following each step of the replacement process, you now possess the knowledge to keep your snowblower running at its best. This preventative measure not only ensures easier starts and optimal fuel efficiency but also significantly contributes to the longevity of your engine, saving you from more costly repairs down the line. By dedicating a small amount of time to this routine service, you are investing in the reliability and effectiveness of your snow-clearing ally. Embrace the confidence that comes with a well-maintained machine, knowing your Ariens is always prepared to tackle whatever winter throws its way, season after dependable season.
Image by: Matt Seymour