April 20, 2023

Gas Snowblower: Why won't my snowblower chute turn?

If you're wondering "How do I fix my snowblower chute?" we have the answers.

Clear the snowblower chute if snow build-up prevents the chute from turning. Inspect the drive mechanism of the chute direction system and remove any foreign objects caught in the drive system.

If the drive system is clear, adjust the cable, shaft or gears that move the chute. Replace the chute control box or 4-way chute control assembly if those components won't turn the chute. Our video on how to troubleshoot snowblower chute problems also has tips to help fix the problem.

gas snowblower

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS SNOWBLOWER PROBLEM

JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-chute-control-gearbox

Replace the snowblower chute control gearbox

The snowblower chute gearbox moves the discharge chute left or right as the joystick rotates the chute rod. If the chute control gearbox is damaged or stripped and the discharge chute won't move, replace the snowblower chute gearbox.

Snowblower chute control gearbox

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Chute-Control-Gearbox-Assembly-Intro-Image
December 01, 2015

How to replace a snowblower chute control gearbox assembly

A stuck snowblower chute could mean the control gearbox is damaged or stripped. This snowblower repair guide and video show how to replace the chute control gearbox assembly in 4 easy steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Replace-the-snowblower-4-way-chute-control-assembly

Replace the snowblower 4-way chute control assembly

When you move the snowblower joystick on the snowblower 4-way chute control assembly, the joystick turns the snowblower chute rod, which then rotates the snowblower chute control gearbox. Replace the snowblower 4-way chute control assembly if it won't rotate the snowblower chute rod.

Snowblower 4-way chute control assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-4-Way-Chute-Control-Assembly-Intro-Image
December 01, 2015

How to replace a snowblower 4-way chute control assembly

If your snowblower chute is stuck, it could mean a broken chute control gear box, chute rod or control joystick. The parts are all part of the 4-way chute control, and this repair guide and video show how to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Adjust-or-replace-the-snowblower-chute-deflector-cable

Adjust or replace the snowblower chute deflector cable

Examine the chute deflector cable if the chute defector isn't moving properly. Sometimes the cable just needs to be adjusted. But if the chute deflector cable is damaged or broken, replace it.

Adjust or replace the snowblower chute deflector cable

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-SNOW-Repair-the-snowblower-chute-control-assembly

Repair the snowblower chute control assembly

Examine the chute control assembly for the cause of a problem with this component. The owner's manual usually shows how to properly assemble and adjust the chute control assembly. Replace the chute control assembly if it's damaged or defective.

Repair the snowblower chute control assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-SNOW-Clear-the-snowblower-chute-and-housing

Clear the snowblower chute and housing

Snow and ice can build up inside the chute and housing, restricting the exit path of the snow being cleared. Shut off the snowblower and clear built-up ice and snow.

Clear the snowblower chute and housing

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.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

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