DIY snowblower repair
A gas snowblower is a lot like insurance: You hope you never have to use it, but when you do, you're glad you have it. If your snowblower isn't working as expected—maybe the auger isn't turning, the chute isn't shooting, or it just won't start—Sears PartsDirect has troubleshooting guidance.
Follow the tips in our snowblower engine won't start video to get your gas snowblower going when it's being difficult. Our snowblower chute won't turn video troubleshoots problems with the snowblower's chute control system. Check out our articles and videos page for additional troubleshooting help and advice on other gas snowblower issues.
Learn how to figure out which parts that you need to select from a snowblower diagram to fix common problems. Our DIY snowblower troubleshooting help gives you a clear path to solutions for major failures.
Our DIY repair guides show you how to complete common snowblower repairs with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. To find the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your snowblower, search for your model number.
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…
Things to do: replace the spark plug, change the oil, rebuild the carburetor, adjust valve lash, adjust or replace the b…
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 a snowblower spark plug
You need a spark to fire up the engine of your snowblower, and that spark comes from a spark plug. You can replace one i…
How to replace a snowblower fuel filter
Replace the fuel filter on your snowblower if it's clogged or damaged.…
How to adjust snowblower engine valve lash
Adjust the engine valve lash on your snowblower to keep the engine starting and running smoothly.…
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.…
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 shave plate
Follow the 7 easy steps in this repair guide/video to replace a worn out shave plate on your snowblower.…
How to rebuild a snowblower carburetor
Rebuild the carburetor on your snowblower if the engine isn't getting fuel.…
How to replace a snowblower 4-way chute control assembly
Replace the 4-way chute control assembly on your snowblower if it’s damaged.…
How to replace a snowblower stop switch
Replace the stop switch on your snowblower if your engine won't start.…
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…
How to replace a snowblower fuel line
Replace the fuel line on your snowblower if it's cracked or damaged.…
How to replace a snowblower electric starter
Replace the electric starter on your snowblower if it doesn't work.…
How to replace a snowblower auger belt
Squealing snowblower? Probably a worn auger belt. To keep your snowblower blowing snow, replace it. …
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 chute control gearbox assembly
Replace the chute control gearbox on your snowblower if it's stripped or damaged.…
How to replace a snowblower shear pin
The shear pin breaks if you hit hard-packed snow, to protect the engine from damage. Your snowblower auger won't rotate …
Articles and videos for gas snowblowers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your snowblower.
See how to replace the auger belt and ground drive belt on a snowblower at the same time.…
Find answers to questions many people ask about snowblowers.…
This video shows how to adjust a snowblower's shift cable.…
Learn how to operate the drive control on your snowblower. Engaging the drive allows you to move forward and in reverse.…
This video shows how to how and where to lubricate the auger shaft on a snowblower.…
Learn how to replace a worn skid shoe on a snowblower, before the shave plate can be damaged.…
Learn how to start a snowblower engine, whether it has a pull starter or electric starter.…
This video shows how to adjust a snowblower's auger control.…
Learn how to tighten a snowblower drive control if the drive slips or doesn't engage, and how to loosen it if the snowbl…
This short video shows how to lubricate a snowblower drive hex shaft.…
Find easy DIY tips to fix your snowblower when it won't start…
Learn how to set up and use drift cutters on your snowblower or snow thrower.…
See how to periodically adjust the skid shoes on a snowblower so they are flush with the ground.…
See how to check the spark plug for spark, to make sure it's clean and correctly gapped.…
Learn the steps to take to adjust and maintain your snowblower so it lasts longer.…
Learn about major functional parts of your snowblower and when to replace them.…
Get an overview of the main steps in a snowblower tune-up and click to videos with more details.…
This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.…
This chart can help you find the right carburetor kit for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter. …
Keep these 5 things on hand so you’re ready for the next big snowstorm.…
Get your snowblower ready for winter before winter arrives, so you don't have to mess with it while snow piles up.…
Install this kit to prevent shocks by static electricity that builds up in the snowblower chute.…
Learn how to replace the chute control assembly and gearbox if the chute on your snowblower won't turn.…
Check out these tips for getting your snowblower to start.…
Find out how to clear chute obstructions, replace shear pins and adjust or replace your auger engagement cable if your s…
Learn about the differences between a single-stage snowblower and a dual-stage snowblower.…
Use these tips for making your snowblower operation easier and faster.…
This short video shows how to remove and lubricate the wheels on a snowblower.…
See how to put a snowblower together, from taking it out of the carton to adjusting the tire pressure.…
See how to replace the chute control rod on a snowblower.…
Protect your snowblower's engine and body by preparing it for after-season storage.…
Learn how to replace a snowblower shave plate.…
This video shows how to change the snowblower oil.…
This video shows how to operate a snowblower's basic controls, including the shift lever, choke, throttle, primer and mo…