April 20, 2023

Gas Snowblower: Why won't my snowblower throw snow far enough?

When your snowblower isn't clearing pavement well, first turn off the snowblower and clear any snow that's built up in the chute. A clogged chute won't throw snow very far. Use the Chute Clean-Out Tool to clear out the chute.

If the chute isn't clogged, one of these problems could be preventing the snowblower from throwing snow properly.

Broken shear pin

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.

Check to see if any auger blades spin freely on the auger shaft because its shear pin is broken. Replace any broken shear pins.

After replacing broken shear pins, the snowblower should throw snow properly.

Damaged augers or impeller

Check augers and the impeller for damage if you found no broken shear pins or the snowblower still won’t throw snow far enough after replacing broken shear pins.

Augers are rotating blades that collect snow and throw it out of the auger housing and up to the impeller. The impeller works like a fan to propel the snow up and out of the chute.

When these components are damaged, the snowblower won’t shoot snow out of the chute very far. Replace any damaged augers or the impeller if necessary.

Worn, stretched or damaged auger drive belt

A stretched or damaged auger drive belt won’t spin the auger fast enough to throw snow off the pavement and out through the chute. Examine the auger drive belt.

If the belt is okay but the cable isn't keeping the belt snug on the pulleys, adjust the auger drive cable.

Replace the auger drive belt if it’s worn. Our DIY YouTube video How to Replace a Snowblower Auger Belt shows you how.

Bad gear case

The gear case is a transmission that controls the spinning of the auger shaft. A bad gear case won’t spin the augers at the right speed to shoot snow out through the chute. You’ll likely need to replace the gear case if the auger shaft doesn’t spin at the right speed even though the auger belt works properly.

Engine needs a tune up

If you didn't tune up the snowblower at the start of the season, the engine might be running rough and lack the power to throw snow. Tune up the engine and check all of the other issues that could be preventing your snowblower from performing as it should as discussed in this Sears Home Services article Get Your Snowblower Ready for Winter.

Chute problems

If the chute doesn't pivot, you could end up blowing snow into the wind-and right back onto the driveway. Repair or replace the chute control assembly so the chute pivots. If your snowblower has a 4-way chute control, repair or replace that control if you're not able to control the chute. Adjust or replace the chute deflector cable if it isn't controlling the chute.

These videos offer DIY troubleshooting tips on fixing chute and auger problems when your snowblower won't throw snow.

Get you snowblower working right with these expert DIY tips from Sears PartsDirect and Sears Home Services.

gas snowblower

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS SNOWBLOWER PROBLEM

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-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.

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-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-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
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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.

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
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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-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.

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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.

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.…

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

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