Gas Snowblower: Why doesn't my snowblower auger turn?
A broken shear pin is the most common reason the snowblower auger won't turn properly so replace any broken shear pins. Worn or loose belts also prevent the snowblower auger from spinning. Check and adjust the belts and replace any broken or worn belts when you see the snowblower auger not turning. Check the auger drive cable and adjust it if loose or replace the cable if it's broken. Examine and replace the auger if it's damaged and won't spin. Replace the gear case if it won't spin the auger.
Our video on how to troubleshoot problems with the auger also can help you determine why your snowblower auger isn't turning.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS SNOWBLOWER PROBLEM
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Adjust the snowblower auger drive cable
If the auger doesn't stop when you release the control lever, the auger drive cable is too tight. If the auger doesn't rotate when you engage the control lever, there's too much slack in the auger drive cable. In both cases, adjust the auger drive cable so it starts and stop the auger correctly.
Adjust the snowblower auger drive cable
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
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
Symptoms for gas snowblowers
Choose a symptom to see related snowblower repairs.
Main causes: broken shear pins, worn or loose auger drive belt, auger drive cable failure, damaged auger, bad gear case…
Main causes: clogged chute, snow build-up in auger housing, broken auger shear pins, auger drive belt needs adjustment, …
Main causes: stale gas, clogged carburetor, clogged or broken fuel line, dirty spark plug, bad rewind starter, incorrect…
Main causes: punctured tire, damaged rim…
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: dirty carburetor, clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plug, incorrect valve lash, leaky engine gaskets…
Main causes: dirty carburetor, stale fuel…
Main causes: loose drive clutch cable, damaged drive clutch cable, worn friction disc, scraper blade scraping the ground…
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