HOW-TO Quickly Diagnose A Snowblower That Won't Blow Snow!

HOW-TO Quickly Diagnose A Snowblower That Won't Blow Snow!
Ever wonder what to look for when your snowblower stops blowing snow? Follow along as I show you how to easily diagnose this problem.
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed wacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
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[@johnbeecher6015]

Very good how-to videos. I was most interested in changing either AUGER or DRIVE BELTS or both at same time. Thanks!

[@mibengal]

I really appreciate your videos. I've learned a lot about small equipment repair. Thanks

[@dalesworld1308]

Also make sure that after you replace the brass gears in the gear box that you put the augers on correctly so the snow doesn't get pushed OUT to the sides of the bucket. I did that and felt like a big dummy.

[@doziermuzic]

I just bought a Toro 1800 used for cheap but it's not blowing. I'll walk through those steps. I hope gear boxes aren't expensive Thx Donyboy

[@fmbighair]

Excellent description but I feel no resistance on the auger engage handle on my cub cadet 26” and the sheer pins are ok from what I see, 4 total?

[@drdap9134]

Fantastic, clear, systematic video. Your videos are the very best! Thanks.

[@gaetagro]

Thank you for this very informative vid. But it is not the cause of mine. Belt is new, gear box checked, impeller running great. In deep snow, it clogs!!! I notice that the governor does not move when more power is needed. With my finger, I can move it and it works well. What can I do the resolve the problem? Thanks!!!

[@kenbird5221]

Put a weaker governor spring on it.

[@StarI3oy]

Exactly what I needed. Thanks Donyboy.

[@steveelford97]

Hey Dony, do the impellers on those Craftsman blowers have a shear pin as well?

[@INTERNA9]

Thanx

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

Nice vid. I've had a JD 1032 for 33 years and I've never had a shear pin break, is this uncommon?

[@bestillandknow3939]

Excellent~!

[@joev3315]

Great video, and Great tips . keep up the great work have a great weekend

[@arthursmith3092]

i have a ariens old one and auger wont turn fast i can stop front augers it has a coupler you in gage and disingage all loks good and belt gear box is ok any ideas would like yr in put thank you

[@aleblanc3547]

Good tutorial. Thanks Dony!

[@danielhodson5489]

I had to rebuild my gear box 3 years after purchasing my snow blower. It doesn't like the crushed rock driveway the first couple snowstorms.

[@mechanicandskills7215]

canadian tire gave me a v-belt A32/4L340 it lasted a hole 4 minutes. is it because its not a kevlar belt ? or car belt.?

[@briankearsey1836]

So much appreciated!

[@samlasater9407]

do you have a video on what happens when a track drive system will not turn???

[@waynebeck7801]

I have an older John Deere single stage the auger turns but the snow just gets blocked up in the chute it might blow out a foot or two.

[@stevencadman3930]

Thanks for the video!

[@ElectoneGuy]

Don, do you need to change the fluid in the transmission? I think I saw a drain plug on it. And what kind of fluid goes in there?

[@berniewarholic1206]

Excellent diagnostic video, one of the best I've seen, short and sweet, direct to the point! thank you!

[@MultiChainsaw123]

great video dony

[@jamesmullins3219]

good video. good tips

[@IPullingTractor]

Many people who own a snowblower don't check & fill the oil level in the gearbox. Heck, a lot of them don't even check & fill the motor oil! They just use the darn thing & wonder why the engine quit or why it won't work after a while.

[@Pyridox]

On my older Snapper 24" 7 HP blower there is no oil in the gearbox, but there is a grease fitting on the the gearbox & also on the auger bearings. At the beginning of each winter season I shoot a 2 or 3 shots of grease in the gearbox and also the auger bearings.

[@koffibanan3099]

Pemaquid?

[@IPullingTractor]

A little lubrication is better than none at all. :)

[@EngineerPEretired]

YO DONNY? YO DONNY? (WHAT?) You know why the snowman had a smile on his face??? He heard the snow blower was coming. haha

[@mattsmallengines196]

hey dony question I have a snowblower that when you engage the auger lever and try to pull over the engine it wont even pull over what can cause that ?

[@DoMorewLess]

dony mine revs nice and high but when i push into the snow the engine slows down to almost a stall until i release the tiller handle..jus replaced carb last week..any ideas

[@99carnot]

Good trouble shooting guide!

[@DaBossk]

How come my little single stage only throws light snow like 5 feet?

[@berardia4]

it looks like the blower was repowered with a b&s engine. if you went through that why use bolts and not cheap shear pins? customer thought he was saving $ i guess.

[@Leggeddude]

Craftman snow blower

[@mehnlo]

My wife no longer blows, how do you fix that?

[@TheDemiDestroyer]

Get a new one

[@petew7077]

One item not mentioned in this video is the belt may turn the auger but still be stretched. I've had this issue with my 9hp Noma snowblower. The snowthrowing becomes weak. After inspecting the auger belt, I can see that it has stretched and the small adustment will not take up enough slack. Time to change the belt.

[@mrcyr5685]

Truly Amazing Well Explained Video.. 1st snowfall up here in Maine Early Dec. '23 we got maybe 7 inches and 90% driveway done and boom.. Busted a pin, replaced it.. Auger no turn, I did a better clean under snow and packed snow.. find out a rock wedged.. so I tap that out no problem, tried again, Still no snow throwing.. Its gotta be one of the three.. It's 3yrs old, 3rd winter and I rather figure this out and not pay someone 3X or 5X the amount that I could fix under $50... Hopefully! Thank U, Josh A. Cyr (From Maine)

[@markm8188]

Direct and very clear. I wish more videos were like this one, thanks.

[@ArmchairRamb0]

Thanks. Five years later your video is still solving peoples' problems, with I could say that. I just bought a snow blower a couples years ago. Now I understand how it works, so valuable! Thank you.

[@jaythibodeau6961]

Simple instruction, easy to follow, great pace as well. Thanks

[@koffibanan3099]

Thank you for the video! Will you replace the entire gearbox or do you take it apart? Could you maybe show what broke inside?

[@heather8045]

Thank you!!! 6 years later, and you are still helping folks!

[@nickl1682]

Looks like a 35 cent bolt just caused some one a 200.00 repair. Nice video

[@YIRMASTER]

But you didn't say how to take apart and fix the gear box in front in between the auger blades or even if it can be

[@jamess6734]

Your channel is so useful! Helped me learn snow blowers for the winter rush in Massachusetts. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach.

[@gregreynard1285]

Excellent diagnostic video. Thanks so much. I'm about to head outside and try to put this knowledge to work diagnosing my own snow blower right now! Much appreciated.

[@aelk799]

Fellow Canadian here! I sucked up a rolled newspaper in a bag this morning. From what I remember, the engine stalled. Impeller and augers turn fine…..until they hit snow and are under load. At that point, the auger and impeller stop turning. Impeller shear bolt is original. Auger shear bolts are OEM. Once the blockage of snow (or load) is removed…..the impeller and auger start turning again. What’s wrong? Stretch/glazed belt? Gearbox?

[@Kens1966]

Quick question about my toro 521 about the propellers. Im not sure if I put them on correctly to each side. How can I tell if they are on correctly. I guess see when the snow comes maybe lol

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

My craftman blows the snow but the engine does not rev up to blow the snow far . I checked if i was missing a spring and all seems to be good (have some pics to help if needed) . Thx in advance for your help . 🙏👍🏼🇨🇦

[@jim9214]

Excellent! I used Grade 5 bolts and so now will have to explore the gear box! Thanks to your video I now know what to look for and a good systematic approach to figuring it out! Thanks so much!!

[@Nonplused]

Word to the wise never use a bolt where a shear pin belongs. Penny wise and pound foolish. If you order shear pins online they often come in packs of 10 for not very much money. The hard part is figuring out if they fit your machine, but if they are a little too long that's ok as long as they are the right diameter. Better the wrong shear pin than a bolt. I got a Kubota tractor attachment with the house when I bought it and sure enough there were bolts in it. The chain drive and sprockets were as a result stretched, much money to fix. Somehow the auger gear box survived.

[@jjpjedi]

Everything on my blower seems to be working as it should, but when I push it into the snow I see a little snow throw out and then nothing. I would describe it as if the snow is too heavy for my snowblower - but I can confirm the snow is light, not wet, and my snowblower is a big one with auger blades (not rubber) and has worked with this same snow in the past. Any ideas as to why? Any help from anyone is appreciated.

[@HondaSnowblowerEnthusiasts311]

on a Honda the first thing you check is the impeller shear pin.

[@seansysig]

Have you ever used or seen the blower mods where a rubber flap in added to blower blades to aid in throwing wet snow? If so what is your opinion?

[@b.t.2057]

My impeller only moves slightly when I turn over the engine. I can manually move it about a 1/2 inch. The belt does look worn but should the impeller pulley move freely when the belt is loose?

[@busared06]

Have you ever dealt with a newer Toro one handed operation mechanism? Mine is brand new and doesn't fully engage. Taking it back to the shop but this is bugging the crap outta me

[@brandonsgrocery]

hello i have troy bilt , when i stop and let go my hand , the thrower doesn't stop right away and it makes a grinding sound while spinning for about 10 seconds . any idea ? thanks

[@Ronan53]

Ok Donny its been awhile since i replaced the starter motor on Murray so starting it today pretty easy but getting sparks out exhaust is that normal? I just put Seafoam in tank because its been sitting

[@paulwicklund1052]

My snow blower works just fine. Problem is its not snowing in Chicago this winter. We`ve had summer like thunderstorms this January, no snow. today it was 58 degrees & sunny.

[@jeffp2001]

Hi, I have a John deer 828d everything seems to work as it should it just doesn’t throw as far or strong as it once did is it time for new one or is there other thing I could try. Moto seems to idle as strong as ever. Belts seem fine

[@danielpurdon5395]

Love your ability to explain the mechanics to us novices, in my case my snapper auger is turning, but will not blow snow it’s a 14 hp motor so should have the power. I thought for sure you diagnosed my problem cause I had the wrong shear pin, but as stated everything seems to work properly, just no snow flying

[@donyboy73]

make sure impeller is turning

[@miguelfontan]

@danielpurdon5395 did you ever figure out what was wrong?

[@trevorjames5493]

Okay cool so if it is the gearbox that is the problem how do you fix it can it be opened up or does the whole thing have to be replaced?

[@EliBleu]

what if the auger pully didnt spin with this test? the impeller only spins like 3/4 in each direction then its stuck

[@jimbailey1649]

Will you show us the damage inside gearbox? Do you repair or replace?

[@Pyridox]

I wonder if it's worth it to replace the gearbox. My snowblower (A Snapper 7 HP) is about 12 years old, I'm not sure those parts are available any longer.

[@danishnative9555]

He already has. Big job greasy hands.

[@laurengould309]

Jim Bailey P

[@kennethreed8827]

Young man, your channel is fun to watch as well as instructional. I am retired now, however, for the last 55 years, I was a small motor mac. From lawn equipment, snow blowers, and Golf carts to Janitorial equipment. I noticed that you are not using a lift table, spend some money and get a good, big one. This will save you down the line ! I now can hardly move because I didn't listen to the man who taught me everything I know. Arthritis is not fun. Take care !

[@patriciapiper6294]

KENNETH, MAY I PASS ON MY HELP ABOUT JOINTS. JELLO OR COLLEGEN AND BODY BUILDING HAVE REVIVED ME!! I'M 70. MUSCLE LOSS IS A KILLER!! ATROPHY HURT ME BADLY. TRY TO EAT TO PUT CARTILAGE BACK. MUCH LOVE❤🇺🇸 p.s. I LOVE DONYBOY, HE HELPED ME REPLACE BOTH BELTS ON MY 3YR.OLD TROY BUILT AFTER GETTING ICE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE IMPELLER AND BURNING THE BELT!!! I'M BRAVE BECAUSE OF FATHER AND DONYBOY!!😃💪🇺🇸

[@codypelchat5158]

This was exactly what mine was doing. Thank you so much!

[@GmGarlo]

like ,like , like and like like like and like like like and like 10 likes from me donyboy!!

[@donz9393]

Don, I have noticed a lot of the equipment you work on look very clean. Do you pressure spray wash before you work on equipment as in snowblowers or lawn mowers?

[@pauleastend4706]

Now if we could figure out how to get other things to blow......I digress.

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

my belt and pulley is spinning but the impeller is not :(

[@jp89702123]

Before i needed to, I looked up the worm gear for my snowblower .... searspartsdirect shows that the part is replaced by the assembly for 222.xx dollars, So, USE THE SHEAR PINS, it will save a costly repair.

[@mrfixitfirst4659]

Wanted to ask. If I engage the blades it spins until it hits snow. I pulled the cover and the belt is ok but when I get tension in it I can move the belt and the auger pull has a lot of play. What the next step?

[@donyboy73]

try adjusting the cable, auger belt idler pulley or replace the belt

[@jas350]

Hi don.question. would you happen to have a video on why auger makes a quick chirping noise when engaging the auger? I looked but didn't find one. I put a new auger belt on, tension is great but it makes a quick chirp noise when engaged, can't figure it out. Thanks.

[@williamwhitehead8362]

Maybe you can answer the question why the manufactures of snow blowers don't put a shut off valve on them for the fuel it seems a little bit cheap I guess would be the word keep up the good work

[@donyboy73]

it always comes down to cost

[@tedmaj143]

Hey can anyone tell me whats wrong with my snowblowers, I have 3 doing all the same thing they are 2 stage , start right up but when they come into a load of snow they die out. all have new carbs ,cant figure out which adjustment is off tried increasing idle but still dies out , help!

[@binnsh]

Well those little shear pins don't seem so expensive now...

[@itech7054]

Hey Dony, I installed a new augur belt and when I test it to blow snow and the belt is burning up and white smoke it’s a new belt and it’s aligned correctly

[@donyboy73]

make sure impeller is not frozen

[@ashs8606]

New snow blower yardmax YB6270, the issue i am noticing is the its doesnt throw snow far enough i.e. xs my driveway...what could it be....

[@martina.heglund8470]

can you help me please Toro 828 power shaft I put new seals in the auger box and know I can't get the helical gear to engage, i have put in the 4oz of 00 grease and the auger just spins freely do I need to take it all apart again, and weld the gears together lol, just kidding,, I wish it had the one piece brass gear instead. Thank you for your time

[@frankkatich3750]

My snowblower stopped blowing all of a sudden. The Auger won't turn when i engage the lever. I took the belt cover off and the auger belt is loose but when i engage the lever it tightens and squeals. It doesn't turn and sometimes will just shut off. Any ideas?

[@grewalmusicman]

Thanks for the tips it really helps.

[@b0neme]

Donny, love all your stuff! Thanks for the assistance! What I wonder is why the Noma replacement for my Dynamark 825 shear bolts comes from Briggs & Stratton par number 70971. This is the number on my blower's paper manual, from Sept 1987. When Briggs sends me the 70971MA part, it's a grade 5 "JH" bolt. So clearly, that's not a shear bolt. Unless something about a 1/4" X 1-1/2" bolt with a sleeve and lock washer makes it a shear arrangement. You can get these bolts in kits from Sears and they call them shear bolts. So, maybe it is, I just don't want to take the change I'll goof up my blower!What would be a good replacement for this shear bolt that is really a grade 2 bolt?Regards,-Ambi

[@doughorner4659]

Before I took my troy bilt blower apart to paint it worked fine. After putting it back together it seems like the auger is not pulling the snow into the impeller but rather pushing the snow outward . Is it possible the augers need to be switched from right to left? Thank you

[@thomaswoods1600]

Put an auger belt on my older craftsman shower blower. Now the auger spins even with the lever disengaged. Since then I disconnected the drive cable and tensioner and the symptom remains the same. Any ideas

[@tomdipasquale9633]

Thank you!! Great information!! Hopefully I can fix my brother’s snowblower today!

[@jasminebroomfield7979]

amazing job at teaching diag very short and to the point but also informational thank you!!!

[@h2000l]

Hi Don another nice video.Would it be possible to do video on how to check the oil level on such (aluminum) a gear box? The fill hole is small (especially on Ariens aluminum gearbox) that its very difficult to check the level. Is there a trick to do so?

[@aljack9924]

what if it is the gear box how do you repair it?

[@larrygonz932]

guess what mine all works cept the blower... did not cover that.. no problem i was looking for a husquravara fix easy ...ugg got to open it up lol

[@kevinatkab5219]

My Snapper auger and impeller turn with no load, but when you push it into the snow, both impeller and auger stop. belts continue to turn and pulley continues to rotate. Makes clunking sound. Do you think the pulley guide key could have broken?

[@kylegeo]

i have the same problem and i checked everything as well

[@l337pwnage]

I would not have thought that was possible, but if all else is eliminated, then whatever is left, however improbable, must be the cause.

[@kenattard8509]

Hey maybe you can help out picked up a older 5hp snowking , the snowblower needed a bit of work , but it ran , the problem is under load from snow it bogs right out, and stalls, the last person to own it said he put a new carb on it the previous year, i took it apart and cleaned it but still it bogs out under snow, i adjusted the cables so they are tighter , any idea what else i can try ?

[@lukemartin7029]

Nice quick video Donny. :)

[@pgbrandon]

Great video. That you for explaining all the functions. I have broken the auger cable twice in the last month. Hopefully the new one that I just installed will last longer than the last one. The first one lasted around 5 years. The last one lasted maybe three weeks.

[@270raptor]

hey dony ! I have a Honda GX 630 its only been used for this winter on a snowblower , it runs good but when I speed it up it blows out engine oil and tones of smoke ? any ideas ??

[@ROOKTABULA]

Good idea to pull the plug when you're putting your hands in the blades. If a person turns an impeller manually when the engine stopped at the top of a stroke, it could spink and maim them.

[@deansmith1108]

Yard machine mtd new auger belt and spring cable broke how to engage auger with a diy fix cheap and easy

[@ironhead320]

question in my 6hp jacobsen 626 reverse not working right it creaps then sometimes it don't work

[@wayneschorfheide888]

Hey I have promblem on a craftsman snowblower with a tecumseh motor with the thortal linkage I can't seam to get right

[@bobenright9449]

good explanation.

[@richie4ohio]

Great job explaining this! Will you also put a video out how you finished fixing this snow blower with the gear box not working??Thanks!

[@capitanamerica4562]

my snowblower don't have torque doesn't through snow as used to Can you advise please?