{"id":9845,"date":"2016-12-18T17:38:14","date_gmt":"2016-12-18T17:38:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weingartz.com\/?p=9845"},"modified":"2016-12-18T17:38:14","modified_gmt":"2016-12-18T17:38:14","slug":"5-common-snow-blower-problems-and-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wgz.powerweb.app\/expert-advice\/2016\/12\/5-common-snow-blower-problems-and-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Common Snow Blower Problems and Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Snow blower problem? We have the solution. Just as your motor vehicle needs regular maintenance<\/a> and upkeep, so does your snow blower<\/a>. Occasionally your snow blower will have an issue that a pre-snow tune-up or end-of-season repair won\u2019t fix. It\u2019s normal for your machine to have a hiccup every now and again. There may be times where multiple issues prevent your snow blower<\/a> from functioning correctly.<\/p>\n

Snow Blower Problem #1 \u2013 Snow Blower Not Starting<\/h3>\n

Defective spark plug.<\/strong> Check your spark plug<\/a> for any deposits, cracks or other damage. If you have a spark tester, use it to see if the spark plug is working properly. You should see a strong spark if your spark plug is okay. If the spark plug<\/a> is damaged or not getting a sufficient spark, it’s possible you need to replace the spark plug or you may also have a bad ignition coil.<\/p>\n

Old fuel.<\/strong> Make sure there is no old fuel resting in your snow blower. If there is any old fuel drain it by disconnecting the fuel line between the fuel tank and carburetor. The gas from the fuel tank can then be drained into a drain pan and properly disposed. Any residual fuel in the carburetor should be drained by removing the carburetor bowl. Clean the bowl and replace the bowl gasket.<\/p>\n

Clogged carburetor.<\/strong> A clogged carburetor is usually the result of leaving fuel in your snow blower for an extended period of time. Old fuel resting in your snow blower can also result in fuel evaporation, which may leave behind a thick, sticky substance. That sticky fuel can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If your carburetor is clogged, clean it with carburetor cleaner. However if that is ineffective, you’ll need to rebuild or, in some cases, replace the entire carburetor.<\/p>\n

Snow Blower Problem #2 \u2013 Not Blowing Snow<\/h3>\n

Build-up of snow.<\/strong> A build-up of snow in the discharge chute is a common snow blower problem. Snow build-up can prevent snow from blowing, so shut off your snow blower and clear any snow buildup in the chute. If the chute is clear, check the augers and auger drive system for problems.<\/p>\n

Defective impeller.<\/strong> Your snow blower\u2019s impeller propels snow through the chute. If the impeller is broken or jammed the snow blower won\u2019t blow the snow. If your impeller is broken, replace it.<\/p>\n

Worn scraper bar or paddles.<\/strong>\u00a0This issue is common among single stage snow blowers<\/a>. A worn scraper bar<\/a> no longer clears snow as well as it did before. If this is the case with your snow blower it\u2019s time to replace your scraper bar<\/a>. If snow is going in and coming back out of your machine, it\u2019s time to replace the paddles<\/a>. Your snow blower paddles have wear indicator holes on them, making it easy to keep track of their wear. Look at the wear indicator holes, and when\u00a0the rubber paddles <\/a>are worn to the holes it is time to replace the paddles. Check the scraper bar for wear at this time. Paddles and scraper bars<\/a> usually wear at the same rate so get in the habit of replacing both at the same time.<\/p>\n

Snow Blower Problem #3 \u2013 Auger Not Turning<\/h3>\n

Broken shear pin or bolt.<\/strong> The shear pin and bolt fasten the augers to their drive shaft. They\u2019re designed to break if your snow blower\u2019s auger hits a large rock or chunk of ice to protect the engine from damage. If the shear pin or bolt breaks, the auger is unable to turn. Check to see if the pin or bolt is broken. If so, replace it.<\/p>\n

\"Free<\/a><\/strong>Defective cogged or V-belt.<\/strong> The cogged belt<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0V-belt<\/a> make the connection between the engine and gearbox. If either belt is damaged or broken your snow blower\u2019s auger won\u2019t turn. Inspect each belt <\/a>for wear and tear, and if it is broken or worn out it should be replaced.<\/p>\n

Damaged auger cable.<\/strong> If the auger cable <\/a>on your snow blower is broken, the auger won\u2019t turn. Inspect the auger cable<\/a>; if it\u2019s broken replace it.<\/p>\n

Broken auger blades.<\/strong> Check the auger blades <\/a>on your snow blower. If the blades are bent or damaged, replace them. If the auger assembly is worn, replace the entire thing.<\/p>\n

Snow Blower Problem #4 \u2013 Leaking Gas<\/h3>\n

Dried out or missing carburetor gasket.<\/strong>\u00a0If fuel is leaking from the bottom of the carburetor, the carburetor gasket may be dried out or missing. Try replacing the carburetor gasket. Another result of fuel leaking from the bottom of the carburetor is a dried out or missing carburetor bowl gasket. If that’s the case, replace the carburetor bowl gasket.<\/p>\n

Damaged fuel filter.<\/strong> To solve this snow blower problem,\u00a0check the connections to the fuel filter<\/a> and the filter housing. If it is cracked don\u2019t try to fix it. Instead, replace it completely. If any fuel lines are cracked, replace them as well. Additionally, check the fuel pump. Make sure the fuel lines and pulse line are tightly on the fuel pump, and check for cracks in the fuel pump.<\/p>\n

Snow Blower Problem #5 \u2013 Wheels Not Turning<\/h3>\n

Replace wheel.<\/strong> Inspect the wheels <\/a>of your snow blower before each use. If you spot a flat tire, repair or replace it. If the wheel rim is damage, you should replace it as well.<\/p>\n

Defective cogged or V-belt.<\/strong> The cogged belt<\/a> and V-belt<\/a> make the connection between the engine and gearbox. If either belt is damaged or broken your snow blower\u2019s wheels won\u2019t turn. Inspect each belt <\/a>for wear and tear, and if it is broken or worn out it should be replaced.<\/p>\n

Defective drive disk.<\/strong> The drive disk has a rubber outer layer that grips and turns the drive plate. If this drive disk is worn or greasy it will slip and the drive plate won\u2019t turn. As a result, your snow blower wheels won\u2019t turn. Clean the drive disk if it is wet or greasy, but if it\u2019s worn out replace it.<\/p>\n

Broken cable control.<\/strong>\u00a0Make sure that the control cable <\/a>on your snow blower is not broken. Make sure\u00a0the cable <\/a>moves freely; if not apply a small amount of oil to the cable. If lubricating is ineffective, replace the control cable.<\/p>\n

If you are unable to resolve your snow blower<\/a> problems or just aren\u2019t a DIY person, bring your machine to us<\/a> and we\u2019ll take care of the necessary maintenance and repairs. Our experts know that great service and regular maintenance are key to long-lasting equipment. They provide the best service to keep your snow blower<\/a> running like new.<\/p>\n

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Snow Blower Safety: 6 Tips For Homeowners<\/a><\/p>\n

Everyone Needs a Snow Blower: 8 Tips For Michiganders<\/a><\/p>\n