Craftsman 247888742 gas snow thrower Parts

On a Craftsman gas snow thrower like model 247888742, the model number is printed on the equipment ID label (decal). We most often see that label on the rear of the unit between the wheels, or on the side of the frame near the auger housing. Check the 247888742 operator’s manual for the exact label location and how to record the model and serial number.

Common places to check on the snowblower

• Rear of the snowblower frame between the wheels
• Side of the main frame near the auger housing
• Handle support area or lower handle frame (near where the handles bolt on)
• Near the engine mounting area (on the frame, not on the plastic shrouds)
• Under the belt cover area (some models place the decal on the frame behind covers)

What the label typically includes

The ID label usually lists both the model and serial information you need for parts lookup.

Label item	What it’s used for
Model number	Ensures you get the correct Craftsman snowblower parts for your exact build
Serial number	Helps match production changes within the same model family
Date of purchase (your record)	Useful for maintenance tracking and service history

Tips to find it fast

• Wipe off packed snow, salt residue, and grime; the decal is often hard to read when dirty.
• Use a flashlight and look for a rectangular sticker or metal tag.
• Write the numbers down exactly as shown, including any dots or dashes.

Why it matters

Craftsman snow thrower manuals often cover multiple similar models, and parts can vary by model and serial range. Using the exact model number from the label helps us match the correct cables, shear pins, scraper blade, and drivetrain parts the first time.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Craftsman 247888742 gas snow thrower, the safest way to get rid of old gas is to run the engine until it stops so the fuel tank and carburetor are emptied, then dispose of the drained fuel according to local rules. Follow the storage and fuel-handling steps in the Craftsman 247888742 operator’s manual.

Safe way to drain old fuel (recommended)

1. Move the machine outdoors to a well-ventilated area and let the engine cool.
2. Disengage all control levers.
3. Start the engine and let it run until it stalls from lack of fuel (this helps empty the carburetor bowl).
4. Turn the engine OFF and remove the key.
5. Add fresh gasoline before the next use.

Safety checklist before you start

• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flame, and pilot lights.
• Wipe up spills immediately; change clothes if fuel gets on you.
• Never store the machine or fuel container indoors where ignition sources exist.
• Follow proper disposal laws for gas and oil.

If you need to drain the carburetor bowl

Many snowblower carburetors have a small bowl drain bolt or drain screw at the bottom of the carburetor bowl. With the engine OFF and cool, you can place a catch container under the carburetor and carefully open the drain to empty the bowl, then close it securely.

What to do with the old gas

Use this quick guide to choose a disposal option:

Old fuel condition	Best next step	Why
Smells sour or looks dark	Take to a local hazardous waste facility	Prevents hard starting and carburetor varnish
Mixed with water/debris	Dispose as contaminated fuel	Protects jets and needle/seat
Only slightly old (weeks)	Dilute in a vehicle fuel tank only if allowed locally	Reduces waste (still use caution)

Why it matters

Old gasoline can form varnish that clogs carburetor passages, causing hard starting, surging, or stalling. Draining fuel before storage also reduces leaks and helps protect seals and fuel lines.

Last updated: January 2026

The most common problem we see on the Craftsman 247888742 gas snow thrower is poor performance from a clogged discharge chute or an auger that stops turning after a jam. The manual also calls out sheared shear pins as a frequent cause when the auger will not rotate; both issues are usually fixed with basic maintenance and the correct replacement parts from the 247888742 owner's manual.

Quick checks that fix the most common issues

• Shut the engine off and wait for all moving parts to stop before checking anything.
• If snow is not discharging, clear the chute with a clean-out tool, not your hands.
• If the auger is not turning, inspect the shear pins on the spiral shaft.
• Check for a foreign object lodged in the auger housing (ice chunk, gravel, newspaper).
• Verify the auger control cable adjustment and look for a loose or damaged auger belt.

Most common symptoms and likely causes

Symptom	Most likely cause	Typical fix
Unit fails to discharge snow	Chute clogged	Clear chute with clean-out tool
Auger does not turn	Shear pin(s) sheared	Replace shear pins with correct OEM type
Poor throwing, unit “plows” snow	Wet/slushy snow at low ground speed	Increase ground speed; run at full throttle
Chute hard to rotate	Chute control assembled incorrectly	Reassemble chute control per manual

Parts that commonly solve “auger not turning”

If the auger stops after hitting ice or a hidden object, the shear pin is designed to break to protect the gearbox. For this model, use the correct OEM shear pin style noted in the manual; a common replacement is the shear pin 738-04124A.

Why it matters

A clogged chute and a sheared shear pin can look like a major failure, but they are usually normal, protective events on a 2-stage snow thrower. Clearing the chute safely and using the correct shear pins helps prevent damage to the auger gearbox and keeps the machine throwing snow efficiently.

Last updated: January 2026

On the Craftsman 247888742 gas snow thrower, a bad auger belt usually shows up as an auger that spins slowly or not at all, poor snow discharge, or a belt that looks cracked, glazed, frayed, or loose. Confirm by inspecting the belt under the front belt cover as shown in the 247888742 owner's manual.

Quick signs the auger belt is worn or failing

• Auger does not turn, or turns but stalls easily in snow
• Snow thrower fails to discharge snow even with the auger engaged
• Burning rubber smell or visible belt dust near the pulleys
• Belt looks cracked, frayed, stretched, or shiny (glazed)
• Belt slips under load (auger slows when it hits heavier snow)

Rule out common look-alikes before you replace the belt

A “no auger” complaint is not always the belt. On this model, check these items in this order:

1. Shear pins: If an auger blade hits ice or a foreign object, a shear pin can break so the auger will not turn. The manual calls out OEM shear pins 738-04124A for 2-stage units. If you need replacements, use the correct shear pin such as Craftsman snowblower shear pin 738-04124A.
2. Auger control cable adjustment: The manual notes the cable should have very little slack when released, but it should not be tight. If the auger creeps or does not fully engage, adjust the cable bracket.
3. Jam in chute or auger housing: A lodged object can stop the auger and make the belt slip.

What to inspect (and what it means)

What you see	What it usually means	What to do
Cracks, missing chunks, frayed cords	Belt is worn out	Replace the auger belt
Shiny/glazed belt surface	Belt has been slipping and overheating	Replace belt; check for binding auger
Belt sits low in pulley or feels loose	Belt stretched or tension issue	Replace belt; verify cable/tension setup
Burnt spot after a jam	Localized heat damage	Replace belt; clear jam and check shear pins

Why it matters

A slipping auger belt reduces throwing distance and can overheat, leaving you with little to no snow discharge when you need it most. Catching belt wear early also helps protect pulleys, the auger drive system, and the gearbox from repeated shock loads.

Last updated: January 2026