Official Western Tool gas snowblower parts

What to do when your Western Tool gas snowblower won't clear snow well

A snowblower won't clear snow well if the auger isn't spinning fast enough or sections of the auger don't spin. Then the auger housing and chute can clog with snow. If the snowblower isn't picking up snow well, first turn off the snowblower and clear the chute and auger housing of any clogs or snow build-up.

If the chute is clear of snow or when sections of the auger won't spin, the likely cause is broken shear pins. Replace any broken shear pins you find. Replace the auger if it's damaged.

Adjust or replace the skid shoes to keep the housing at the proper height and allow the snowblower to move easily.

You may need to tune up the snowblower engine when it won't spin the auger fast enough. Adjust the belts and auger drive cable if the engine runs well but the auger doesn't spin fast enough to clear snow. Replace the belts or auger drive cable if damaged. Replace the snowblower gear case assembly if it won't spin the auger.

Common repair parts for Western Tool gas snowblowers

• Shear pins. The shear pin is a fastener bolt that connects the auger to the rotating drive shaft. The shear bolt is made of soft metal that purposely shears off or breaks to protect the transmission and motor when a foreign object or hard-packed snow binds the augers.
• Scraper blade. The scraper blade is plate that runs along the bottom of the auger housing. It protects the auger housing and scrapes up snow the augers leave behind.
• Skid shoes. The skid shoes are two spacers that attach to each side of the auger housing and slide along the ground so the snowblower moves smoothly. They also elevate the auger housing so it clears the ground, protecting it from damage.
• Fuel filter. The fuel filter attaches to bottom of the fuel tank and connects to the fuel line. It filters particles from the gasoline as fuel moves from the tank to the carburetor.