Bolens 826 not starting.

[scaldwellk]

I have a Bolens 826 Snowblower that was set out for junk. It has a 8hp Tecumseh engine on it with a HM80 carb. I fixed the starter by just replacing the two lower bolts with the right ones. The engine now turns over with the electric start, but will not fire. The carb that was on it was junk and leaked fuel everywhere. I replaced the carb with a brand new one and it still will not fire up. I gave it some starting fluid while turning the engine over and it acted like it wanted to fire but wouldn't. It has good spark and the plug looks almost new in it. I did notice that there seemed to be pressure pushing back out of the carb and pushing some of the starting fluid back out.
1) Is there a key way on these engines like other small engines and could that cause my issue of not starting?
2) Could it be a burnt exhaust valve causing the pressure out of the carb or is that normal to a point with this engine?

 

[pmsmechanic]

Put your finger over the spark plug hole and turn the engine over. If your finger gets blown off of the spark plug hole then there is enough compression to start the engine. My guess is that the valves need to be adjusted.

 

[scaldwellk]

Just tired what you said to do. My finger stays there and I feel a small amount of air pushing, but not much that escapes around finger. Also feels like it tries to suck in around my finger.

 

[man114]

Compression might be low, but it depends on what you consider a small amount.

See if you can smell fuel out the exhaust. If you can't check the fuel line from tank to carb first since the carb is new.

 

[scaldwellk]

Starting to sound like a rebuild is needed. Can I even get rebuild parts/kit for this engine?

 

[pmsmechanic]

Before you spend the money on a rebuild check the valve clearances. I've run into so many small engines that's all they need.