Why is my snowblower not turning
John Thompson
Updated on May 12, 2026
A broken shear pin is the most common reason the snowblower auger won’t turn properly so replace any broken shear pins. … Check the auger drive cable and adjust it if loose or replace the cable if it’s broken. Examine and replace the auger if it’s damaged and won’t spin. Replace the gear case if it won’t spin the auger.
Should my snowblower auger spin freely?
It’s designed to snap and protect the rest of the blower from damage. You may have broken a sheer pin. … If your auger is spinning freely, the shear pins have sheared or they have fallen out.
How do I know if my shear pin is broken?
When it’s safe, visually inspect the augers. If you don’t see the shear pin head or nut and you can manually spin the auger along the auger shaft, you broke a shear pin.
How do I know if my snowblower auger belt is bad?
A squealing or slipping snowblower auger belt is a sign that the belt is wearing out.Why is my snowblower not throwing the snow?
If your snowblower stopped throwing snow but the engine is still running, there might be an issue with your belt. Make sure the machine is powered off and any clogs have been cleared with a clearing tool. … If it is loose or broken, this would cause your paddles to stop turning and throwing snow.
Why is my Auger not turning?
A broken shear pin is the most common reason the snowblower auger won’t turn properly so replace any broken shear pins. … Check the auger drive cable and adjust it if loose or replace the cable if it’s broken. Examine and replace the auger if it’s damaged and won’t spin. Replace the gear case if it won’t spin the auger.
How often should snow blower belts be replaced?
Snowblower belts start to wear out after 5 to 7 years, and should be replaced. You can save money by doing the job yourself.
Why does my snowblower dies when auger engaged?
It’s known as fuel starvation. A dirty carburetor is the most common root cause of fuel starvation. Tiny fuel passages inside your carburetor become clogged and restrict gas flow. When the auger is engaged, the engine demands more fuel, when the carburetor can’t supply it, the engine simply stalls.Why do shear pins break?
However, if the workload is too much for the augers to handle, a shear pin can break. A shear pin is a safety mechanism that is designed to break if the torque on the augers becomes too great. This way the auger’s driveshaft won’t break if you run over a curb, newspaper or hidden rock.
Can snow blower freeze?Snow blowers are especially susceptible to freeze-up immediately after use when the machine is stored outside or in an un-heated garage where the tem- perature is below freezing. … 1) Run the auger/impeller for a few min- utes after snow blower use to clear any residual snow.
Article first time published onDo all snowblowers have belts?
All snowblowers have at least one belt, whether you have a gas powered version or electric, and the directions are generally the same for all models with very little variation.
Will a snowblower work on wet snow?
Not suited for heavy and wet snow: Wet and heavy snow can clog the snow thrower and make it stop or even breakdown. If you live in an area prone to heavy and wet snow, you need a heavyweight snowblower such as the 2X 945 SWE Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower.
Why is my Toro snowblower not throwing snow far?
Check the wear on the paddles. Toro snow blowers have a wear mark on the paddles (it is a small pinhole). If it’s worn past that mark, it’s time to replace the paddles. … If the gap is not tight, the snow blower won’t pick up as much snow and throw it as far.
How many years should a snowblower last?
Cheaper single stage snowblowers have an average lifespan of around 10 years however a high quality two or three stage snowblower, when properly maintained, cleaned, and stored, can last 15 to 25 years.
How do you remove a shear bolt?
Placing the tip of the tool on the outer edge of the shear head bolt and depressing it while applying counterclockwise pressure will quickly loosen them. Using a rubber pencil eraser against the top of the bolt and continuing to rotate counterclockwise will remove the bolt.
What is a snow pin?
A shear pin (sometimes called a shear bolt) in a snow blower connects the auger to the shaft. It is designed to break away in case foreign objects come in contact with the moving parts. Some common items you may encounter that can cause a problem: Frozen newspaper in the driveway.
Are all snowblower shear pins the same size?
There are three basic sizes of shear bolts, and it’s important to select the correct one for your snowblower to ensure it fits and works correctly. Brass 1/4″ shear bolts are most commonly used on smaller, entry-level snowblowers. Black 5/16″ shear bolts are for larger mid-grade snowblowers.
What is a shear pin made of?
Material. A shear pin could potentially be made from any material although metal is the most common. When making a metal object for a mechanical application, an alloy and tempering is usually selected to make the construction resistant to damage.
Why would a snowblower stall?
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the snowblower for a long period of time. … If the fuel cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the tank and a vacuum or “vapor lock” will occur. This stops the flow of fuel to the carburetor causing the engine to stall.
How do you start a frozen snow blower?
Electric start snow blowers plug into an extension cord. Once plugged in, push the small button near the plug until it starts, then unplug the cord and you’re good to go. Some models have an automotive-style ignition, which starts like a car or truck. Just turn the key and clear some snow.
Can you use a snowblower on slush?
Clearing all snowfall down to the pavement and removing slush can challenge even the best two-stage snowblower. Yet, with the addition of a snowblower plow, you can scrape heavy slush or light, dusty snow away easily, leaving clean pavement that’s suitable for walking on.
How do I keep my snowblower from freezing?
- Use a Non-Stick Spray. Snowblower non-stick spray coats the chute and auger just like a cooking spray, shielding the metal so snow passes through without sticking, clumping, or clogging. …
- Use a Clean-Out Tool. …
- Go Faster.