Can someone please help me with Snowblower.

[DTro]

Single stage Craftsman

It seems to have lost its ability to throw snow very far. It will throw small amounts and not very far and if the intake gets full it just bogs down.

Almost seems like the belt could be slipping under load? Does that happen? What else could it be? I basically gave up because at this point I'm basically just pushing the snow around.

Where can I start to diagnose this?

[Macgyver55]

Often the problem is that the belt gets wet and slips. Other thing to look for is the tensioner for the belt or a worn out belt.

Did this come on gradually over time or pretty much all at once?

[DTro]

It seemed to happen after I got an extension cord wrapped up in it. I removed the cord and it seemed to work fine, but I had some squeaking when the clutch was engaged then it got worse and worse.

[Macgyver55]

It may have burned or glazed the belt when it got caught up in there. Does the auger spin freely when disengaged?

[givetoget]

dtro how old is it.If it seams to start and run ok and you think the carb is adj correctly but bogs down under a load, you should take a coppression test. It may need a valve job. good luck there dtro

[DTro]

It's about 10yrs old. Starts and runs fine. What should the compression be? Yes I would like to rule that out. No use buying parts if I have weak compression.

[Macgyver55]

2 stroke or 4 stroke motor?

If it starts and runs fine its likely the compression is fine. Easy enough to check.

I guess I replied thinking that it was bogging down with snow, not that the motor bogged down.

The squealing also leads me to believe its drive related rather than motor.

Does it have an auger or paddles?

[HANS76]

Mine didnt throw as good as normal today also. I just chalked it up to being heavier snow. Most of the snow that we have gotten this year has been lite. Heavier snow is harder on the snow blower.

[DTro]

It's a 2 stroke. Yeah it runs great and even throws a small amount of snow, but when the intake is full, it just quits throwing. I can't tell if the auger is spinning at that point or not though.

It's not getting plugged either, just when it gets a large amount of snow.

It has the auger with the rubber paddles on it.

I've thrown pure slush with it in the past, so it's not the heavy snow.

[highlife4me]

Try a new belt. Extension cords tend to reak havoc on snowblowers. Not that I would know.

[Macgyver55]

Ok, (no valves in a 2 stroke) and ifs running ok but not throwing, its got to be a drive issue. Have someone watch the auger while it hits snow and see if it slows down or watch while someone else does it. If it quits throwing, but the motor still runns fast enough to throw it has to be a belt, the tensioner or maybe a broken key on one of the pulleys allowing it to slip on the shaft.

I'm betting a new belt properly tensioned will have you back in business.

[JimmyJames]

Try a new belt. Extension cords tend to reak havoc on snowblowers. Not that I would know.

+1

[MuleShack]

Its more than likely the belt.

I use 2 of these 5 hp jobbers for my plowing truck and usually replace the belts and have carbs cleaned every other year. They do stretch, and a sudden stop like that could stretch it enough where it doesn't grip.

[Whoaru99]

Get the Kevlar belt though, will-fit standard/rubber belts don't last.

[DTro]

Thanks for the help guys, a new belt I will try. A buddy came to my rescue tonight, so I bought myself some time.

[Jeremy airjer W]

They don't like dog leashes either!

[DTro]

Can anyone suggest a good place to find a belt in stock in the South Metro?

Part #333721 or 333721MA

Looks like a Murray Belt.

[CigarGuy]

Try Fleet Farm or can't think of the name of the small engine repair place on the west frontage road between Gander Mt and cr46. Might be Valley Motor Sport????

I googled the part number and came up with this....Replaces Murray, Craftsman part numbers 333721, 333721P, 37X130MA, 37X130, MT333721MA and 760148.

Try Sears in Burnsville Ctr.

[harvey lee]

I believe Jungclaus in Glencoe may have it as they stock alot of parts.

Only issue is, it is about a 40 mile drive for you Darren. That's one way.

[Macgyver55]

Sears in Eden Prairie and Sears in Burnsville both show as having them on their HSOforum.

Call to make sure.....

[DTro]

Thanks guys. I thought about Sears, but not sure if they carried many parts in stock. I'll give em a call at lunch.

[Dave]

Just unwrapped my neighbor's dog tie down cable out of her snowblower for her

[MuleShack]

Sears usually doesn't carry much in the store. Valley lawn is a too dealer so he would have to order parts as well. Best bet would be FF and cross with a murry.

Or order at Sears online...it usually arrives in a few days.

[bikeoutback]

The hardware store in Apple Valley should also have it in stock more than likely as they have a repair shop there also.

[highlife4me]

Most auto parts stores will be able to match a belt to fit plus it would be cheaper than most small engine shops. Bought one at NAPA for my 2 stage craftsman for around $8.00.

[crazyjmk]

Single stage craftsman have an adjustment plate that can buy you a little time on the belt and you can tighten it a little. Follow the cable out of the housing and you will find it. The other thing that happens as these age is the paddles get worn down and the clearance increases between the housing and the paddles. One other thing to check is that the auger housing is not cracked and increasing the clearance as well. I doubt it is anything with the engine because it would still throw lighter snow fine and would just bog on the heavy stuff.

J