Gas Snowblower: Won't throw snow far enough
If 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.
If the chute isn't clogged, check the augers and auger drive system. A damaged auger blade can't push snow through the shoot, and broken shear pins keep sections of the auger from spinning. A worn, stretched auger belt won't spin the auger fast enough to throw snow off the pavement, so replace the auger belt if it's worn. If the belt is okay but the cable isn't keeping the belt snug on the pulleys, adjust the auger drive cable. A broken gear case can also prevent the augers from spinning at the right speed, so replace the gear case if the auger shaft doesn't spin at the right speed.
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. And 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 also offer tips on why a snowblower won't throw snow.
These repairs may help solve your gas snowblower problem
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Symptoms for gas snowblowers
Repair guides for gas snowblowers
You need a spark to fire up the engine of your snowblower, and that spark comes from a spark plug. You can replace one in minutes.
Replace the fuel line on your snowblower if it's cracked or damaged.
The shear pin breaks if you hit hard-packed snow, to protect the engine from damage. Your snowblower auger won't rotate until you fix it. You can replace it in about 10 minutes.
Articles and videos for gas snowblowers
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 snowblower creeps when you disengage the drive.
See how to replace the chute control rod on a snowblower.