Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Well I tried to use my blower to clear the inch of slush this morning(school canceled because of "blizzard" which never arrived, or at least hasnt yet) and it wasn't moving it, it kept clogging up. I guess I should ask if that is normal(?).

Anyway, I looked through the crack next to the throttle handle and noticed that there is a metal pole connected to the carb, and then to a lever which is next to the throttle lever and a series of springs. Anyhow, I noticed when the blower is off that metal lever in there is at WOT, once it starts running, regardless of the throttle lever position, it is almost at closed. At first I thought this might be my problem, so I proceded to push it forward with a screw driver. That is when I realized these things run with there engines at near idle!. This thing got really loud and started to cluck a little, I could also see some flame that accompany the clunk in the muffler, I very quickly stopped not wanting to throw a rod or something. I would estimate that the RPM it hit when pushed open was at least twice what it normally is, probably more.

Anyone else notice this?

P.S, I didnt touch any of the controls(clutch, or auger) when doing this.

What is required for the installation?

BBgarage wrote:

BB - its pretty straightforward. Remove the discharge chute & plastic auger drum extension (if equipped). Pull the spark plug wire for safety! You will have to take one rubber section & metal retainer & eyeball it so that it mounts solidly on the impeller fan blade AND brushes the inside diameter of the impeller cavity. You want the "paddle" to wipe or come in contact with the round impeller cavity. Use a punch or pencil to make your markings for the holes that need to be drilled. The hardest part is drilling the holes in the fan blades thru the discharge chute opening. You will have to spin the impeller so that you have good access for drilling - make sure you are drilling straight. Repeat on the other 2 or 3 fan blades. Secure the assembly with the bolts & lock nuts. I have done 5 conversions this year for my customers & ALL of them were happy with the results...

Marty

bb

common wisdom is that u should wait until the warranty expires before adding the kit.

I will, I will probably end up waiting 20 years as I am out of here in 2, and the warranty is 3.

The main problem I have is the blower throwing the snow too far. I clear a lot of driveways that are separated by as little as 1M ( ~3ft) of grass. I sometimes think it would be nice to change the top of the chute so I can direct the snow down. Right now the best I can do is get it shooting straight out and that is sometimes to far. I end up starting on one side of the driveway and throwing everything the other way.  I prefer to start in the centre and alternate, that way I don't need to change the direction of the chute every time I turn around.

PCPC

Yes!!

It will improve even a high machine!!

                                                       Fred

WOW... I would've normally dismissed this kit as infomercial junk. But being that it was posted here and with all the good things that people are saying, I guess its a no brainer. I'm in! Does anyone know what size I should order for an Ariens ST824 with a 12" fan? 4"  or  5"?  Im just to impatient to wait untill I get home and measure it out. I'll definately post my results here.

70Chev - order the 5" - you can always cut it down if needed...

Marty

So why dont they put stuff like this on stock? It would give them more bragging rights(we can throw snow farther than any other company, and slush too, with our patended humpty impeller extenderizing comb vac system...)