Snowblower chute won't turn: troubleshooting chute control and gearbox problems video
If the discharge chute on your snowblower won't turn, the problem could be with the chute, the chute control, the gearbox or the chute adapter. This video from Sears PartsDirect walks you through how to troubleshoot the issue and get your snowblower working again.
Check out our snowblower repair help page for other snowblower repair guides and troubleshooting tips.
Hi, this is Wayne from Sears PartsDirect. Today we're going to talk about a snowblower discharge chute that won't change positions. Here are a few things to check.
Make sure chute control works
First, make sure the snowblower is sitting on a level surface, turn off the engine and remove the ignition key. Then, with the trigger depressed, check to see if the chute turns freely by hand. If it doesn't turn by hand, disconnect the bow-tie cotter pin holding the chute rod to the gearbox assembly. Pull the connecting rod back out of the gearbox coupler and let it rest on the top of the gearbox housing cover.
With the trigger depressed, check that the 4-way chute control turns the connecting rod when the joystick is moved side to side. If your joystick won't rotate the connector rod, then your 4-way chute control will have to be replaced. Here's a video that will show you how to replace the chute control.
Check chute and gearbox
If the chute control looks okay, let's separate the gearbox from the chute to see if we can find the problem there. Remove the bolt that attaches the gearbox to the chute bracket. Remove the wing nut from the bottom of the gearbox. Pull the mounting pin out of the chute support bracket. Move the connector rod out of the way. Lift the gearbox off the support bracket and chute. Does the chute move by hand now? If so, check the receiver in the chute bracket for wear. If the gearbox driver rotates freely inside the receiver, then replace the chute. If the gearbox isn't rotating the driver when you spin the shaft receiver, then you'll need to replace it. Here's a video showing you how.
If your discharge chute still won't move, you could have a broken chute or chute adapter. Remove the chute from the chute adapter and clear out any snow, ice or debris. Inspect the chute and chute adapter for any signs of wear and damage, and replace any damaged parts.
Hey, thanks for watching. Check out the other videos we have on the Sears PartsDirect YouTube channel and don't forget to subscribe.
Symptoms for gas snowblowers
Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.
Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim…
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: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, …
Main causes: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets…
Main causes: snow build-up in chute, chute drive mechanism failure, bad chute control assembly…
Main causes: broken shear pins, worn or loose auger drive belt, auger drive cable failure, damaged auger, bad gear case…
Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…
Main causes: clogged chute, damaged auger blades, broken shear pins, worn auger belt, damaged gear case, engine problems…
Repair guides for gas snowblowers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your snowblower.
How to replace snowblower skid shoes
To prevent damage to your snowblower auger, replace the skid shoes when both sides of the shoe are worn. It's an easy re…
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 …
How to replace a snowblower electric starter
Replace the electric starter on your snowblower if it doesn't work.…
Articles and videos for gas snowblowers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your snowblower.
Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.…
This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.…
Learn how to replace the chute control assembly and gearbox if the chute on your snowblower won't turn.…