Craftsman Snowblower Troubleshooting

If you live in an area that receives significant snowfall during the winter, chances are you own a snow blower. Craftsman snow blowers are large enough to move through large snowfalls at a relatively rapid rate. Turning on your Craftsman snow blower after a snowfall of a few inches and finding out it isn't working properly will make any homeowner frustrated. However, before you break out that shovel, run through a list of possible problems and see if you can find the solution.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Fuel
• Screwdriver
• Wrench

Instructions

Engine Problems

1. Turn on the choke and tighten the spark plug wire if the Craftsman snow blower fails to turn on. This is also a good time to clean the spark plug if it is looking dirty. Rub a wire brush over the tip of it.

2. Open the gas cap and fill the tank so the snow blower has enough fresh fuel. Push the prime button to give the engine a little more gas. Push the safety key all the way into the switch and start the engine.

3. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with clean fuel if the engine starts but runs sporadically. Turn the choke off. If this doesn't help the engine run more smoothly, you will need to call a repair center.

4. Turn on the snow blower and remove the screws securing the carburetor cover in place. The cover is located in front of the spark plug. Locate the adjusting screw on the side of the carburetor. Use a screwdriver to slowly turn this screw until the engine is idling at the proper speed if the engine starts but quickly overheats. Generally don't do this unless you have some basic knowledge of small engines.

5. Push the spark plug wire all the way onto the tip of the spark plug. Clear any snow or ice surrounding the gas cap. Clean the gas cap off so the vent hole is clear.

Moving and Throwing Snow

1. Look over the drive belt if the Craftsman snow blower doesn't move forward. The drive belt is located between the auger and the body of the snow blower. Remove the bolts in both the belt cover and the bottom of the auger housing with a socket wrench. Replace the belt if it looks worn or if it's broken. Adjustments to the drive control cable may also be needed.

2. Turn off the snow blower and disconnect the spark plug wire. Use the supplied clean-out tool to clear the chute of ice and snow if the Craftsman snow blower fails to throw snow. The clean-out tool is designed to reach into the chute of the Craftsman snow blower and pull snow and ice out. Use it to clean off the auger blades as well.

3. Look underneath the front of the Craftsman snow blower with the machine off. Clear anything from blocking the auger.

4. Loosen the bolt closest to the rear wheel on the cable adjustment bracket to adjust the auger belt. Push the bracket back to remove the slack from the belt. Tighten the bolt to secure the bracket in place. If the auger belt looks worn or is broken, replace it with a new one. Also check that the shear pins are in good shape. If they look snapped, replace them with new ones.

Tips & Warnings

• If you follow these steps but are unable to get your Craftsman snow blower working properly, take it to a service center.

References

• Craftsman: Operator's Manual 5.5 Horse Power 24-Inch 4-Cycle 3-Speed Snow Thrower
• Craftsman: Operator's Manual 33-Inch Snow Thrower