Weird snowblower wheels won't engage unless lifted
#1
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Weird snowblower wheels won't engage unless lifted
hi All,
Nor'easter here in the Northeast...Craftsman 5.5 HP 2 stage
snowblower runs. depress drive and wheels won't spin. I can only blow going down the driveway. upward..forget it
what's weird is if I lift the blower from the handle the wheels spin normally. as a matter of fact if i tilt it like when you're storing it they spin as well...
thanks for any help
Nor'easter here in the Northeast...Craftsman 5.5 HP 2 stage
snowblower runs. depress drive and wheels won't spin. I can only blow going down the driveway. upward..forget it
what's weird is if I lift the blower from the handle the wheels spin normally. as a matter of fact if i tilt it like when you're storing it they spin as well...
thanks for any help
#2
Why is that weird ? The weight of the snowblower is keeping it from moving as the drive is slipping,
Most small machines have a spinning disc/clutch system. When you pull the drive handle a pulley hits a revolving disc. The drive is usually under the engine and near the rear wheels. Most machines will have a 4 bolt cover you can remove to see that area.
Most small machines have a spinning disc/clutch system. When you pull the drive handle a pulley hits a revolving disc. The drive is usually under the engine and near the rear wheels. Most machines will have a 4 bolt cover you can remove to see that area.
#6
The friction wheel is attached to a mechanism which is spring loaded to keep the wheel from touching the plate. When you pull on the lever to engage drive.... it pulls against the spring and allows the wheel to contact the plate. There should be an adjustment in that linkage that allows the wheel to travel further.
If you post the Craftsman model number we can bring up a diagram for you.
The model number will look like xxx.xxxxxxxxxx
If you post the Craftsman model number we can bring up a diagram for you.
The model number will look like xxx.xxxxxxxxxx
#7
can you give any tips on the gear mechanism?
#9
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okay, had a chance to open the snowblower.
2 things:
1. friction wheel rubber ring is off the assembly and looks like it's been chewed on
2. the pulley that hits the friction ring is gouged in every place (not smooth)
obviously, the friction ring with no rubber has been scraping off the pulley
I can replace the friction ring and at this point might as well replace the whole assembly.
2 questions with the pulley:
1. does anyone have instructions to replace it?
2. parts list from sears calls it an "Auger pulley" is this correct even it controls the "drive"
2 things:
1. friction wheel rubber ring is off the assembly and looks like it's been chewed on
2. the pulley that hits the friction ring is gouged in every place (not smooth)
obviously, the friction ring with no rubber has been scraping off the pulley
I can replace the friction ring and at this point might as well replace the whole assembly.
2 questions with the pulley:
1. does anyone have instructions to replace it?
2. parts list from sears calls it an "Auger pulley" is this correct even it controls the "drive"
#10
How bad is the friction plate gouged? You may be able to surface sand (grind) smooth. All parts should be replaceable. However if the cost of parts are more than $100, don't bother. Buy a new unit from one of the big box stores. Buy the low end brand and assume it will last about five years and prepare buy another at that time.