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High Altitude Snow Blower

17 years ago

I have an Ariens 926LE that I will be operating at 9000 feet above sea level. I believe in the manual, something is mentioned about the carburetor functioning fine up to 7000 feet.

Does anyone else have any experience using snow blowers at high altitudes? Tecumseh does offer a "high-altitude kit" whatever that is but I would rather not have to buy that.

Thanks.

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Comments (5)

nevada_walrus
17 years ago
Some snow blower carbs are still of the adjutable type because winter only use engines are given a break on emission regs. These carbs can be fine tuned to your application.

Almost all others with fixed jets have a replacable main jet which is smaller. Honda has two high altitude jets allowing for 3 elevation stages, many have just a single additional jet for high altitude.

Try your machine as is first and see if the plug get carbon black quickly. If it does you either need to lean the settings on adjustable types or install the high altitude jet for your elevation range. If plug stays clean you need do nothing.

Any change whether it be adjustable or fixed jet replacement needs to be restored if brought down to lower levels. If you replace the fixed main jet, save the stock jet in case it is ever needed or you can just buy a new stock jet when neded.
machiem
17 years ago
You'll probably need the high-altitude kit.

Be aware that you'll have a loss of power from the altitude. It's usually 3%-4% per 1000 feet, so you're pushing 27%-36% power loss.

Is this a new machine? If so, ask the dealer to do it for you. Since you live in CO, they are probably well aware of the fix.
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tcn0
Original Author
17 years ago
Okay, thanks. I'll check with a dealer.

Do you happen to know if this is something I could replace myself if I ordered the "jet"? I have very little experience tinkering with engines.
nevada_walrus
17 years ago
The typical Tecumseh has the jet in the bowl nut. Just clamp (softely) the fuel line, remove the original nut (actually a bolt) and install the new one. Leave the bowl in place. Biggest trouble will be just getting to the bowl area of the carb on many snowblowers.

I would check the bowl nut first to see if it has a screw in the middle of it, out the bottom. Many snowblowers still have them as winter machines are given a break on emissions. If that adjusting nut is there you can make the adjustment with it rather then replace anything.
koolmoose
17 years ago
Wow, 9,000 feet. I'm at 63 feet. reading your post almost gave me a nose bleed
Steve

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