This snow thrower is less than a year old and I only used it for 3 times in last winter. Last week I tried to start it (both manual and eletric start) but didn't get anything. After some research I realized that, my bad, I didn't do the very basic maintenance before the season end. So I siphoned the old gas and filled the fresh gas. Grained the old oil and filled with new one. And replaced the spark plug as well. All I have done didn't bring the engine live. I still can't get it start. I mean, nothing at all on the engine.

I put in a few drop of gas from the spark plug hold. The Engine started up for a couple of seconds then died. Does that tell me the gas can't be injected to the engine? How can I do to fix it?

Thanks a lot.

If you have a spray bottle able to spray gas, or even take anything small to put gas directly into the carborator. You may have to repeat several times, but it should work. Get a can of carb cleaner and spray in the carb as well. If problem still persist took the carb off and do a basic cleaning. Remove the bottom of it and spray it with the carb cleaner. Don't be shy with the juice. If you have a compressor, If you decide to take off the carb and clean it, spray light air through out to get what you missed and to dry it as well.
Hope this helps
Good luck

Hi,
Depending on the brand of engine, the carb will have different ways and places to clean though some are fairly universal.
Peace,
Clarke

Thank you all for the suggestion. Looks like I need to figure out where the carb is and how to remove it.

It sounds like your carb jet(s) are gummed up from the old gas. It would be wise to take your snowblower to a qualified small engine mechanic, because a carburetor has so many small parts and springs and gaskets, if it is not put back correctly, you will never get it started. If you choose not, and decide to do it yourself anyway, the carb will be located near the tank, under/connected to the air cleaner.

Hi,
I can provide links to service manuals for some brands, and now OutdoorPowerInfo has many carb service directions. See:
Small Engine Equipment Troubleshooting, Repairs and Safety (http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/repairs/)
Peace,
Clarke