I actually came across this thread with almost the same problem. The problem(s) mine has is it totally dies with no choke (there are 4 steps to the choke from full on to full off, it will only run when 1 from full choke). And now this week when I tried to use it, it was a 0*F outside, and it had literally no power at all. This sounds like either a carb problem, or poor spark plug issue, no?

Mine is definitely a 5210, with a Tecumseh engine.

Is there a write up somewhere on how to replace or clean the carb? Also, which spark plug do you recommend for it? Mine currently has one of those E3 plugs in it, I'm not sure if those work that great with an older machine...

Thanks!

-Paul

Sounds to me like you definatly have a carb problem. If you stand
the snowblower on it's nose you can easily get to the bottom of
the carb. Remove the bowl "pay attention to how it goe's" then
you can access the main jet. It is most likely pluged up some. Some
carbs the jet is the screw you take off to remove the bowl. Remove
the needle and clean all holes. Kinda hard to explain in detail.

to the forum Paul


IMHO, toss the E3 and use a good NGK.

Take photos of the positions of the rods at the throttle, governor arm and carb before you do anything else. You can also make them with a magic marker or a dab of paint but on the carb you'll likely lose the marks is you soak it.

Make sure you have fresh gas and I'd replace the fuel line if you're unsure how old it is.

For the cost of a new carb it's not always worth messing around with the old one but it depends on your skill set and time available to tinker

Donyboy73 has some great videos on carbs: https://www.google.com/search?q=dony...utf-8&oe=utf-8

Make sure the plug gap is correct - but yeah, if you can't get it cleaned and working good, just buy a new chinese one off ebay for $24 and be done with it. Get the adjustable type! Keep your old one in case you need it for parts - sometimes the levers and whatnot are different.