April 20, 2023

Gas Snowblower: Why doesn't my snowblower self propel?

Inspect the drive clutch cable and adjust if it's loose. Check the drive belt for excessive wear and replace it if necessary. Reinstall the drive belt if it slipped off a pulley. A worn friction disc won't propel the snowblower so check the friction disc and replace it if it's worn.

The snowblower also won't move with the auger housing or scraper blade scraping the ground. Tighten the scraper blade if it's loose and replace it if damaged. Adjust or replace the skid shoes to lift the auger housing to the proper height. Check the tires and rims and replace a rim if it doesn't spin smoothly on the axle. Tune up the engine if it runs rough and doesn't have enough power to propel the snowblower.

gas snowblower

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS SNOWBLOWER PROBLEM

JC-SNOW-Adjust-or-replace-the-snowblower-skid-shoes

Adjust or replace the snowblower skid shoes

The skid shoes control the height of the auger housing. They wear down over time. Adjust the skid shoes as needed to maintain the proper height of the auger housing. Skid shoes are reversible; turn them over if one side is worn out. Replace them when both sides are worn out.

Adjust or replace the snowblower skid shoes

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Skid-Shoe-Intro-Image
February 09, 2021

How to replace snowblower skid shoes

A snowblower shave plate and auger scraping the ground is a strong indication of worn skid shoes. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace both skid shoes in 4 easy steps.

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-friction-disc

Replace the snowblower friction disc

The friction disc is attached to the axle that drives the tires to move the snowblower. Examine the friction wheel to see if it's preventing the snowblower from moving. If the friction disc is worn or damaged, replace it.

Snowblower friction disc

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Friction-Disc-Intro-Image
December 01, 2015

How to replace a snowblower friction disc

Is your snowblower moving slowly or stopping, or feel like it's slipping? It could be that the friction disc (also called the friction wheel) is worn. This repair guide shows how to replace a snowblower friction disc in less than 30 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Do-a-snowblower-tune-up

Do a snowblower tune-up

A tune-up restores the snowblower to its peak operating condition. A tune-up includes changing the oil, cleaning the engine, replacing the air filter, checking the ignition system, inspecting the carburetor, testing the battery, adjusting the throttle and choke controls, and adjusting and lubricating all moving parts.

Do a snowblower tune-up

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-SNOW-Replace-a-Snowblower-Spark-Plug-Intro-Image
December 07, 2022

How to replace a snowblower spark plug

If your snowblower won't start, the spark plug could be fouled or damaged. This DIY repair guide shows how to set the gap and replace the snowblower spark plug in 3 quick steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-SNOW-Repair-or-replace-the-snowblower-tire-or-wheel-rim

Repair or replace the snowblower tire or wheel rim

Inspect the tires should be inspected before each use. If a tire is flat, repair or replace it. If the wheel rim is damaged, replace it.

Repair or replace the snowblower tire or wheel rim

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-SNOW-Adjust-the-snowblower-drive-clutch-cable

Adjust the snowblower drive clutch cable

The drive clutch cable moves the drive wheel into contact with the friction disc, which rotates the axle so the snowblower moves. If the cable isn't moving the drive wheel into contacts the friction wheel, adjust the cable.

Adjust the snowblower drive clutch cable

Find the required part specific to your product.

Symptoms for gas snowblowers

Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…

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 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 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 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

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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