April 19, 2023

DIY snowblower repair

A gas snowblower is a lot like insurance: You hope you never have to use it, but when you do, you're glad you have it. If your snowblower isn't working as expected—maybe the auger isn't turning, the chute isn't shooting, or it just won't start—Sears PartsDirect has troubleshooting guidance.

Follow the tips in our snowblower engine won't start video to get your gas snowblower going when it's being difficult. Our snowblower chute won't turn video troubleshoots problems with the snowblower's chute control system. Check out our articles and videos page for additional troubleshooting help and advice on other gas snowblower issues.

Learn how to figure out which parts that you need to select from a snowblower diagram to fix common problems. Our DIY snowblower troubleshooting help gives you a clear path to solutions for major failures.

Our DIY repair guides show you how to complete common snowblower repairs with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your snowblower, search for your model number.

gas snowblower

Symptoms for gas snowblowers

Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.

Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the b…

Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…

Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim…

Main causes: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets…

Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect…

Main causes: loose drive clutch cable, damaged drive clutch cable, worn friction disc, scraper blade scraping the ground…

Main causes: snow build-up in chute, chute drive mechanism failure, bad chute control assembly…

Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, …

Main causes: broken shear pins, worn or loose auger drive belt, auger drive cable failure, damaged auger, bad gear case…

Repair guides for gas snowblowers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your snowblower.

How to replace a snowblower spark plug

How to replace a snowblower spark plug

You need a spark to fire up the engine of your snowblower, and that spark comes from a spark plug. You can replace one i…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash

Adjust the engine valve lash on your snowblower to keep the engine starting and running smoothly.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower fuel filter

How to replace a snowblower fuel filter

Replace the fuel filter on your snowblower if it's clogged or damaged.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

How to adjust snowblower skid shoes

To prevent snowblower auger and shave plate damage, adjust the skid shoes regularly to keep the shave plate ¼-inch high.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace snowblower skid shoes

How to replace snowblower skid shoes

To prevent damage to your snowblower auger, replace the skid shoes when both sides of the shoe are worn. It's an easy re…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower shave plate

How to replace a snowblower shave plate

Follow the 7 easy steps in this repair guide/video to replace a worn out shave plate on your snowblower.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower stop switch

How to replace a snowblower stop switch

Replace the stop switch on your snowblower if your engine won't start.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to rebuild a snowblower carburetor

How to rebuild a snowblower carburetor

Rebuild the carburetor on your snowblower if the engine isn't getting fuel.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower auger drive cable

How to replace a snowblower auger drive cable

A loose or snapped auger drive cable can prevent the auger from rotating. Follow this step-by-step guide to replace the …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower 4-way chute control assembly

How to replace a snowblower 4-way chute control assembly

Replace the 4-way chute control assembly on your snowblower if it’s damaged.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower auger belt

How to replace a snowblower auger belt

Squealing snowblower? Probably a worn auger belt. To keep your snowblower blowing snow, replace it. …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower chute control gearbox assembly

How to replace a snowblower chute control gearbox assembly

Replace the chute control gearbox on your snowblower if it's stripped or damaged.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower electric starter

How to replace a snowblower electric starter

Replace the electric starter on your snowblower if it doesn't work.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower friction disc

How to replace a snowblower friction disc

The friction disc is one of the components of the drive system. If it's worn or damaged, the snowblower won't self-prope…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower fuel line

How to replace a snowblower fuel line

Replace the fuel line on your snowblower if it's cracked or damaged.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a snowblower shear pin

How to replace a snowblower shear pin

The shear pin breaks if you hit hard-packed snow, to protect the engine from damage. Your snowblower auger won't rotate …

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for gas snowblowers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your snowblower.

How to replace the auger belt and ground drive belt in a snowblower

How to replace the auger belt and ground drive belt in a snowblower

See how to replace the auger belt and ground drive belt on a snowblower at the same time.…

Frequently asked questions about snowblowers

Frequently asked questions about snowblowers

Find answers to questions many people ask about snowblowers.…

How to adjust the snowblower shift cable

How to adjust the snowblower shift cable

This video shows how to adjust a snowblower's shift cable.…

How to engage the snowblower drive

How to engage the snowblower drive

Learn how to operate the drive control on your snowblower. Engaging the drive allows you to move forward and in reverse.…

How to lubricate a snowblower auger shaft video

How to lubricate a snowblower auger shaft video

This video shows how to how and where to lubricate the auger shaft on a snowblower.…

How to replace snowblower skid shoes video

How to replace snowblower skid shoes video

Learn how to replace a worn skid shoe on a snowblower, before the shave plate can be damaged.…

How to start a snowblower engine video

How to start a snowblower engine video

Learn how to start a snowblower engine, whether it has a pull starter or electric starter.…

How to adjust the snowblower auger control

How to adjust the snowblower auger control

This video shows how to adjust a snowblower's auger control.…

How to adjust the snowblower drive control cable video

How to adjust the snowblower drive control cable video

Learn how to tighten a snowblower drive control if the drive slips or doesn't engage, and how to loosen it if the snowbl…

How to lubricate a snowblower drive hex shaft video

How to lubricate a snowblower drive hex shaft video

This short video shows how to lubricate a snowblower drive hex shaft.…

Snowblower won’t start – 4 easy DIY fixes

Snowblower won’t start – 4 easy DIY fixes

Find easy DIY tips to fix your snowblower when it won't start…

How to position drift cutters on a snowblower

How to position drift cutters on a snowblower

Learn how to set up and use drift cutters on your snowblower or snow thrower.…

How to adjust snowblower skid shoes video

How to adjust snowblower skid shoes video

See how to periodically adjust the skid shoes on a snowblower so they are flush with the ground.…

How to check and replace a snowblower spark plug

How to check and replace a snowblower spark plug

See how to check the spark plug for spark, to make sure it's clean and correctly gapped.…

How to make your snowblower last longer

How to make your snowblower last longer

Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.…

What are the major parts of a snowblower?

What are the major parts of a snowblower?

Learn about major functional parts of your snowblower and when to replace them.…

How to tune up a snowblower video

How to tune up a snowblower video

Get an overview of the main steps in a snowblower tune-up and click to videos with more details.…

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.…

Find the right carburetor kit for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

Find the right carburetor kit for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

This chart can help you find the right carburetor kit for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter. …

Snowblower parts and supplies to stock up on video

Snowblower parts and supplies to stock up on video

Keep these 5 things on hand so you’re ready for the next big snowstorm.…

Start-of-winter snowblower care

Start-of-winter snowblower care

Get your snowblower ready for winter before winter arrives, so you don't have to mess with it while snow piles up.…

How to install a static charge grounding kit on your snowblower video

How to install a static charge grounding kit on your snowblower video

Install this kit to prevent shocks by static electricity that builds up in the snowblower chute.…

Snowblower won't blow snow: troubleshooting chute and auger issues video

Snowblower won't blow snow: troubleshooting chute and auger issues video

Find out how to clear chute obstructions, replace shear pins and adjust or replace your auger engagement cable if your s…

Snowblower chute won't turn: troubleshooting chute control and gearbox problems video

Snowblower chute won't turn: troubleshooting chute control and gearbox problems video

Learn how to replace the chute control assembly and gearbox if the chute on your snowblower won't turn.…

Snowblower engine won't start: troubleshooting tips video

Snowblower engine won't start: troubleshooting tips video

Check out these tips for getting your snowblower to start.…

The difference between a single-stage snowblower and a dual-stage snowblower

The difference between a single-stage snowblower and a dual-stage snowblower

Learn about the differences between a single-stage snowblower and a dual-stage snowblower.…

5 snowblower tips and tricks

5 snowblower tips and tricks

Use these tips for making your snowblower operation easier and faster.…

How to store a snowblower

How to store a snowblower

Protect your snowblower's engine and body by preparing it for after-season storage.…

How to lubricate snowblower wheels video

How to lubricate snowblower wheels video

This short video shows how to remove and lubricate the wheels on a snowblower.…

How to replace a snowblower shave plate video

How to replace a snowblower shave plate video

Learn how to replace a snowblower shave plate.…

How to adjust a snowblower chute control rod video

How to adjust a snowblower chute control rod video

See how to replace the chute control rod on a snowblower.…

How to assemble a snowblower video

How to assemble a snowblower video

See how to put a snowblower together, from taking it out of the carton to adjusting the tire pressure.…

How to use basic snowblower controls video

How to use basic snowblower controls video

This video shows how to operate a snowblower's basic controls, including the shift lever, choke, throttle, primer and mo…

How to change snowblower oil video

How to change snowblower oil video

This video shows how to change the snowblower oil.…