snow blowers

[RamAirfreak98ss]

damn i just realized ive never seen a filter on my 12/13hp Briggs Intek Snow engines. lol, im guessing you dont need it then b/c of the wet snow getting sucked in.

check out www.simplicitymfg.com and look at commercial snowblowers. theyre built well. My 12hp/32" was around 2k, the 13hp model now is what i had last year but with an extra HP, same machine.

[kjw2001]

Just why do snow blower engines not have an air filter? Read on.....

It boils down to 2 basic issues:
Basic laws of Physics, & Money!

1 Basic laws of physics:

1.1 Due to the A) Temperature of the ambient air when this equipment is used, (usually 35 deg. or less).
1.2 B) Low-pressure air generated by the carburetor intake drops the temperature in the carburetor throat approximately 10 –12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thus the temperature of the carburetor itself will be below freezing. Now when any surface is colder than the ambient air, condensation occurs, (think about a cold glass of anything on a hot humid summer day). As there is always moisture in the air, it will condense in the carburetor throat, which is now way below freezing. Ice will form, allowing the air fuel mixture to become enriched. If this goes on long enough it can burn your valves, blow your head gasket, or worse. Most likely, before any of this nightmare occurs, it will just plug the carburetor throat with ice until the airflow becomes impossible, shutting the engine down.

2 Money

2.1 The above chain of events is overcome with an inexpensive carburetor heat system. That is why the carburetor is shrouded; (to create an environment around the carburetor), & located by the muffler, (a source of heat for this environment).

2.2 As you may have noticed this is a basic carburetor heat system. If you would like something more sophisticated go to an aircraft engine manufacturer. They have all kinds of ice detectors, manifold air pressure, & cylinder head temperature sensors, read $$$$$$.

2.3 Now for the filter, dirt is not a problem as it is in the summer. As previous poster have correctly noted, snow can plug a filter, & there is dirt in the air in the winter, but as I said above, dirt is not a problem as it is in the summer. If you were to do a cost/benefit analysis you would quickly conclude that a filter is not cost effective, as you would need to provide a more sophisticated carburetor heat system to over come the filter getting blocked by snow. If you know a private pilot of small planes with air-cooled reciprocating engines ask them. They know all about the carburetor icing conditions, how to over come icing conditions, & no they do not have air filters either on MOST small planes with air cooled reciprocating engines, due to the environment they are typically used in. Crop dusters & pilots who use a grass field may have an air filtration system, again; due to the environment they are typically used in.

Later, Ken

[MES]

Another vote for a Briggs or anything other than the Tecumseh. I only have two and both under three years old with new carbs. I am debating whether to purchase spare carbs or trying to replace the engine.

[Jack D.]

The Tecumseh Snow Kings are good engines. Jack D. has 2-8 yr old MTD/Tecuseh units that have seen serious battle. Please note that the primary prblems are related to stale gas in the carbs. Blowers are used infrequently and often neglected and carbs not drained properly at seasons end.

With proper care the Tecumseh can bring you years of loyal service.

[MGO]

JackD......what brand/mfg is that snow blower attachment on your Exmark. I have a 48" Turf Tracer and would like to add a snow blower attachment. How much $$$

Thanks,
Mike

[Jack D.]

Mr. MGO is referred to this thread.

http://lawnserviceforum.com/showthread.php?t=15737&page=1

Please do not fall into the same trap as member Skaper S2K by purchasing a mini skid steer w/7' manual blade.