April 20, 2023

Gas Snowblower: Why doesn't my snowblower auger turn?

A broken shear pin is the most common reason the snowblower auger won't turn properly so replace any broken shear pins. Worn or loose belts also prevent the snowblower auger from spinning. Check and adjust the belts and replace any broken or worn belts when you see the snowblower auger not turning. Check the auger drive cable and adjust it if loose or replace the cable if it's broken. Examine and replace the auger if it's damaged and won't spin. Replace the gear case if it won't spin the auger.

Our video on how to troubleshoot problems with the auger also can help you determine why your snowblower auger isn't turning.

gas snowblower

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS SNOWBLOWER PROBLEM

JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-shear-pin

Replace the snowblower shear pin

Shear pins fasten the augers to their drive shaft. They're designed to break if the auger hits a large foreign object or hard-packed snow, to protect the motor and transmission from damage.The auger won't turn if the shear pin isn't intact, so replace it if it breaks.

Snowblower shear pin

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Shear-Pin-Intro-Image
January 20, 2015

How to replace a snowblower shear pin

If your snowblower hit something hard and the auger stopped turning, the shear pin might have broken. This snowblower repair guide explains how to replace the shear pin in 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Adjust-or-replace-the-snowblower-belts

Adjust or replace the snowblower belts

A worn or loose belt can slip or squeal when the snowblower is in use. Physically examine the belt and pulleys. If the belt is worn, replace it. If the belt is sound, adjust the pulleys to tighten the belt.

Adjust or replace the snowblower belts

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Auger-Belt-Intro-Image
December 01, 2015

How to replace a snowblower auger belt

A squealing or slipping snowblower auger belt is a sign that the belt is wearing out. This DIY snowblower repair guide and video show how to replace the auger belt.

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-auger-drive-cable

Replace the snowblower auger drive cable

The auger drive cable is a control cable that connects the auger control lever on the control panel to the engagement lever in the auger drive system. When the auger won't engage, the cause is often a damaged, worn, or broken auger drive cable. Inspect the cable and replace it if it's worn or damaged.

Snowblower auger drive cable

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Auger-Drive-Cable-Intro-Image
December 01, 2015

How to replace a snowblower auger drive cable

If your snowblower auger isn't turning, it's possible the auger drive cable is damaged or broken. This snowblower repair guide and video explain how to replace the auger drive cable in 15 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Adjust-the-snowblower-auger-drive-cable

Adjust the snowblower auger drive cable

If the auger doesn't stop when you release the control lever, the auger drive cable is too tight. If the auger doesn't rotate when you engage the control lever, there's too much slack in the auger drive cable. In both cases, adjust the auger drive cable so it starts and stop the auger correctly.

Adjust the snowblower auger drive cable

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-auger

Replace the snowblower auger

Hitting rocks or other foreign objects hidden beneath the snow damages the auger. Broken or bent auger blades won't move snow into the impeller and out through the discharge chute. Replace the auger blades if damaged after hitting a large object that breaks the shear pins. Inspect the auger blades regularly and replace the auger if you find bent or damaged auger blades.

Snowblower auger

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-gearcase-assembly

Replace the snowblower gearcase assembly

The auger drive system uses a gearcase to rotate the auger shaft so that the augers can move snow. Replace the gearcase if the auger won't spin properly or at all.

Snowblower gearcase assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

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, ...

Repair guides for gas snowblowers

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

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 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 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

Effective articles & videos to help repair your snowblowers

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

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....

Introducing new technical repair content that we’re developing for the Sears Technical Institute

Introducing new technical repair content that we’re developing for the Sears Technical Institute

Learn about Sears Technical Institute and the advanced technical content being developed for aspiring appliance techs....

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Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

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