Identifying the problem with your snowblower auger
Snowblowers are essential for clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor areas around your home during winter. They are generally reliable machines that require minimal maintenance. However, from time to time, you may encounter issues with your snowblower auger, which is responsible for scooping the snow and throwing it out of the machine. The following are some of the most common problems you may experience with your snowblower auger and how to identify the issue:
No snow discharge: If your snowblower is not discharging snow, it could be due to an issue with the auger. Inspect the auger for any visible damage or obstruction. Check the shear pins that hold the auger to the drive shaft; if any of them are broken, replace them with new ones. Make sure that the belt that connects the auger to the engine is not damaged, worn, or slipping. If the belt needs to be replaced, remove the old belt and install a new one that matches the manufacturer’s specifications.
Auger not turning: If your auger is not turning, it could be due to several factors. Check the belts that connect the engine to the auger; they may be damaged, worn, or loose. If the belts are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones. If they are loose, adjust the tension to ensure that they are properly tightened. Inspect the auger gear case for any visible damage or wear that could cause the auger to malfunction. If the gear case needs to be replaced, remove it from the machine and install a new one that matches the manufacturer’s specifications.
Auger stops turning in heavy snow: If your snowblower auger stops turning when you encounter heavy snow, it could be due to wet snow that freezes on the auger. Turn off the engine and clear the snow from the auger blades. Use a snow shovel or broom to remove any packed snow or ice. Apply a snow repellent spray or coating to the auger blades to prevent future buildup. Alternatively, install a heated hand grip or auger cover that will help to prevent snow accumulation on the blades.
Excessive vibration: If your snowblower auger is vibrating excessively, it could be due to a bent auger blade. Inspect the auger blade for any visible damage or deformation. If the blade is bent, remove it from the auger and straighten it using a vise or hammer. If the damage is severe, replace the blade with a new one that matches the manufacturer’s specifications. Check the auger shear pins and bolts that hold the auger housing to ensure that they are tight and secure. If any of them are loose, tighten them with a socket wrench.
Strange noises: If your snowblower auger is making strange noises, it could be due to loose or damaged parts. Inspect the auger housing, blades, and chute for any visible damage or wear. Check the bolts and nuts that hold these parts in place to ensure that they are tight and secure. If any of the parts need to be replaced, remove them from the machine and install new ones that match the manufacturer’s specifications.
Regardless of the type of problem you experience with your snowblower auger, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your machine. Identifying the problem early on can help you find a solution quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your snowblower is ready to use whenever the snow starts falling.
Getting the Necessary Tools and Parts for the Job
A snowblower is a great invention that has become essential in most households located in areas that experience heavy snowfalls throughout winter. However, the auger is an essential component that can go wrong due to external factors such as debris clogging or getting entangled in ice chunks, causing it to wear out or break down. When such an issue arises, there are a few steps you can take to fix it yourself. The first step is getting the necessary tools and parts for the job.
The tools needed to fix the snowblower auger are not complicated and are readily available. Before you embark on fixing the auger, ensure you have the following tools:
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips head) – These will be needed to unscrew the access panels that conceal the auger blade and the bolts that hold the auger housing.
- Socket set – This will come in handy when working with bolts that are larger than the ones screws drivers can handle.
- Clean rags – You’ll need them to clean the parts you’ll be working on.
- C-clamp – This will be used to hold the auger assembly in place together with a pair of vice grips to lock it down as you unscrew the bolts that hold the auger in place.
- Safety Equipment – Gloves and goggles are a must-have when handling the auger and machine components to prevent injury.
Now that you have your tools ready, the next thing you need to do is get the parts needed for the job. The parts you need for the snowblower auger repair will depend on the severity of the damage. Some fundamental parts needed according to severity might include:
- A new auger belt – this part may need replacing if your auger is not functioning properly. In most snowblower models, the auger drive belt is right behind the bottom cover. You will have to unscrew the access panel to see it and assess if you need to replace it. Note that if the belt is too loose or too tight, it can cause a problem. A properly adjusted belt should carry its tension when mid-way depressed by a thumb.
- A new auger blade – if the blade is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced. The bolts holding the auger blade need to be unscrewed to remove it. Ensure the blades are new or well-sharpened, so they can cut through the snow and ice.
- A new auger housing – This part may need replacing if it’s severely bent or damaged, and it can’t be straightened. The process of replacing an auger housing involves unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place to remove the old one to fix it.
- A new shear pin – this part is essential for protecting your snowblower’s auger in case it hits any hard materials such as stones or debris which may cause the blade to jam. It’s a safety pin that prevents damage if it falls off as the auger comes to contact with any obstruction. You need to ensure that the new shear pin used has the right diameter and length as the old one, or else it may not function correctly.
It’s always a good practice to have spare parts like shear pins and auger belts at home, so you don’t have to go shopping if something goes wrong. Furthermore, we advise you to get high-quality replacement parts. Cheap parts may seem cost-effective at the time of purchase, but they tend to wear out quicker and may cause frequent breakdowns, leading to more extensive damage to your snowblower.
In conclusion, getting the necessary tools and parts for the job when fixing your snowblower auger is the first step towards successfully conducting a repair. Ensure that you have all the tools mentioned and the parts needed before starting your repair process. You can get the parts you need online or at your local repair stores. Remember to buy high-quality parts to avoid future problems and save on repairs.
Step-by-step disassembly and repair process
Is your snowblower auger not functioning properly? Don’t worry, repairing it is not as difficult as you might think. You can fix it using some basic tools and a little bit of know-how. Many people prefer to take it to a mechanic, but following these simple steps can save you some bucks. Here’s a step-by-step disassembly and repair process that will help you fix your snowblower’s auger.
Step 1: Disconnect Spark Plug
The first step to any repair work, including the snowblower auger repair is to disconnect the spark plug. This will ensure that the engine cannot start while you are working on the auger. Disconnecting the spark plug is a relatively easy task, as it usually involves removing the spark plug cap.
Step 2: Removal of the Auger
The second step is to remove the auger from your snowblower. In most snowblowers, you can remove the auger by detaching it from the housing using bolts. Remove the bolts that hold the auger in place. Make sure to note the location of any washers or spacers that are present. Keep all the parts in an organized manner to avoid confusion while assembling it later. Once the auger is detached, remove it from the snowblower.
Step 3: Inspection of Auger Components
Once you have removed the auger, it’s time to inspect the components to determine the problem. Common issues may include snapped belts, rusted parts, damaged shear pins, worn-out bushings, and bearings. Identifying the issue will help you determine exactly which part needs to be repaired or replaced.
If you find that a belt has snapped, loosen the idler pulley bolt to release the tension on the auger belt. This will allow you to remove the remainder of the old belt. Replace it with a new one by fitting the new belt over the auger drive pulley and snowblower’s engine drive pulley. Tighten the idler pulley bolt back in place to return the tension to the belt.
If the shear pins are broken, they need to be replaced. Use pliers to remove the broken pins. Once removed, replace them with new ones. If you notice any rusted or worn bolts, screws or washers, replace those too. Clean the auger and its components before you start the assembly.
Step 4: Reinstallation of the Auger
After inspecting and repairing the components, reattach the auger to the snowblower. Install all the parts as you had removed them. Make sure that you replace any washers or spacers that you had removed. Once the auger is in place, tighten all the bolts in the same sequence that you had removed them. Make sure that everything is tight so that there’s no movement when the machine is running.
Step 5: Reconnect Spark Plug and Test
The final step is to reconnect the spark plug, and then test the auger. Start your snowblower and engage the auger clutch. If you notice that the auger is functioning correctly, you have successfully repaired your snowblower’s auger. If, for any reason, you still face any issues, double-check the auger assembly to make sure everything is correct and all parts were tightened in place as required.
With a little bit of patience, you can repair your snowblower’s auger. And remember, if you ever feel unsure about any step of the process, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional mechanic.
Reassembling the auger and testing it in action
Now that you’ve taken the auger apart and fixed whatever was wrong with it, it’s time to put everything back together so you can see if your hard work has paid off. This is the moment of truth, so make sure you take your time and don’t rush anything.
The first step in reassembling the auger is to make sure that all of the parts are clean and free of any debris. This is especially important if you had to replace any parts. Once everything is clean, it’s time to start putting things back together.
The first thing you’ll want to do is to attach the auger blades to the auger shaft. Make sure that everything is lined up properly and that the bolts are tightened securely. Once the blades are attached, you can start reassembling the rest of the auger.
Next, you’ll want to attach the impeller to the impeller shaft. Make sure that everything is aligned properly and that the bolts are tightened securely. Once the impeller is attached, you can start reassembling the rest of the auger.
Once everything is attached and tightened, you’ll want to double-check everything to make sure that it’s as it should be. Make sure that the auger blades are spinning freely and that the impeller is aligned correctly. If everything looks good, it’s time to test your snowblower.
Before you start your snowblower, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve added enough fuel and oil. You’ll also want to make sure that the spark plug is clean and that the battery (if applicable) is charged. Once everything is ready, start your snowblower and let it run for a few minutes to make sure that everything is working properly.
If everything is working as it should be, congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed your snowblower auger. If you’re still having issues, it may be time to call in a professional to help you out.
Tips for Maintaining and Preventing Future Issues with Your Snowblower Auger
At first glance, it may seem like your snowblower auger is a low-maintenance tool. However, with constant use during the cold winter months, it’s important to give it an annual check-up to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Routine maintenance and preventative measures will help extend the life of your snowblower and prevent any future issues. Here are five tips for maintaining and preventing problems with your snowblower auger.
Tip #1: Change the Oil Regularly
Just like your car, you need to change the oil regularly in your snowblower. Old oil can cause engine wear and tear and will have negative effects on your snowblower’s performance. Check your owner’s manual to see how often and what type of oil should be used. As a general rule of thumb, the oil should be replaced at least once a year, or after 50 hours of use. Regular oil changes will ensure your snowblower engine runs efficiently and provides the necessary power to clear the snow.
Tip #2: Inspect Your Auger Regularly
One of the most common issues with snowblowers is a broken auger caused by rocks, twigs, and other debris in the snow. Regularly checking the auger will help you spot any damage early on before it leads to bigger issues. Check your owner’s manual to see how to inspect your auger correctly. After each use, remove any foreign objects from the impeller and auger to prevent any potential damage.
Tip #3: Adjust the Skid Plates
Adjusting the skid plates is another essential part of maintaining your snowblower auger. The skid plates are located at the bottom of the snowblower and provide a gap between the impeller and the ground. Keeping the space at the correct height will prevent damage to the auger blades and also make sure the snowblower is effective in clearing snow. Consult your owner’s manual to see how to adjust the skid plates correctly.
Tip #4: Replace the Auger Belt When Necessary
Another common issue with snowblowers is a worn or broken auger belt. The auger belt is what connects the auger to the engine, and if it snaps, your snowblower won’t be able to clear any snow. Regularly inspect the auger belt for signs of wear and tear and replace it as needed. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to replace the auger belt, or take it to a professional if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Tip #5: Store Your Snowblower Properly
After the winter season is over, be sure to store your snowblower properly before storing it in your garage or shed. Storing your snowblower correctly will protect it from the elements that can cause rust and corrosion and make sure it’s ready to use next winter. Empty the gas tank and run the engine dry, remove any debris or snow, and store it in a dry area. Taking these steps will add to the life of your snowblower and prevent future problems.
By following these five tips, you can prolong the life of your snowblower auger and prevent any future issues. Checking your snowblower’s oil, inspecting the auger, adjusting the skid plates, replacing the auger belt, and storing your snowblower properly are all essential parts of maintaining your snowblower. Keep in mind that you can always consult your owner’s manual or take your snowblower to a professional if you’re not comfortable doing any of these tasks yourself.