How to Troubleshoot Snow Throwers
Snow throwers are handy tools to have---especially during and after significant snowfall. Most snow throwers work around the same design principles. An auger feeds snow and ice into an impeller, and the impeller throws the snow and ice through a chute that can be directed in a 240-degree radius. The arc of the thrown snow can be varied, changing the distance that the snow is thrown. Snow throwers are powered by small engines that may require troubleshooting as well. However, each engine brand publishes different troubleshooting procedures in its owner's manuals. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Turn the engine off if the snow thrower does not throw snow properly or at all. The auger is engaged by the use of shear bolts, which are bolts that are designed to break, or shear, into at least two pieces if the auger or impeller jams for some reason. These bolts are located to the left and to the right of the center drive shaft.
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Clear snow and ice away from the auger in these areas and check the condition of the shear bolts. Remove the broken pieces of the old shear bolts by driving new bolts into the bolt holes.
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Secure the new shear bolts with the provided nuts and tighten them securely.
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Remove any obstructions around the auger with a pick, a shovel or other instrument to free the auger and restore motion to it. Start the engine again and engage the auger to check for correct function. If the auger continues to malfunction, the auger may actually be frozen in place. Stop using the snow thrower for a time and place the snow thrower in a warm area to allow the auger to thaw.
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