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

Hi,

We got two huge snowstorms in the past week and 1/2, and the first time the snowblower worked.  Then the second snowstorm, it would only blow out snow for a little bit, then seemed to clog up.  I tried totally drying it out, did the same thing.  I thought maybe it was because of the super wet snow, but two neighbor kids came over, and they said it probably was a belt, that the auger wasn't throwing the snow, which is also what the manual said.  The manual said the drive belt, and the people on the phone at MTD agreed.  The lady at the lawn mower repair place said they are idiots, that it is the auger belt.  Well I bought both and replaced both.  (Even though the 614E model shows TWO auger belts, front and back, and she sold me the set, there was only one auger belt on it, and it was the same size, but didn't have teeth in it like the new one did.  But the new one said it was a replacement for the exact number belt.

Finally got both belts on and the thing back together.  Tried it, now when I use the right traction clutch, it doesn't move.  I was having a hard time getting the belts off, so not sure if I exactly got them back on exactly correctly.  I know it's probably hard to tell the problem on here, but does anyone have any ideas where to look?  For both belts, I have the belt around one wheel, and passing by what I think were the idler pulleys.   There is a tiny bit of slack in both belts; and before I put it back together, I did see the auger belt move (and seemed correct) when I pressed the auger clutch.  I pressed the traction drive clutch, and didn't see the belt move, but heard sort of a klunk.  Just too tired and sore tonight to look at the dumb thing again tonight, but if anyone has any ideas?  Thanks so much!   

Julie

Could be you may have some ice chunks caught in your drive system? Keep it in a warm place overnight if you can. See if it improves after meltdown.
Certain MTD models made in the last couple of years have had a problem with bearings seizing in the drive train from moisture.

Sounds like you have a two stage machine. The front belt is for the auger system and the back belt is for the traction system.

The traction system belt should be tensioned so it is always turning. The clutch mechanism is further along in the transmission.

The auger systems uses a idler wheel on a pivot arm. The belt should be set so it slips when the auger control is disengaged and is solidly engaged when the auger control is engaged. This is done by moving the idler wheel in its mounting slot.

All of the adjustments can be done with the cowling off and the engine turned off and the sprk plug disconnected. Once you think you have it right, reconnect the spark plug and start the engine AFTER all body parts are away from the belt area. Test the controls and watch the belts. If they need further adjustment turn off the engine disconnect the spark plug and then make the adjustment. Repeat, lather, rinse. When I do it, it normally take less than 5 minutes. When all is well put the cowling back on.

If the augers still don't turn check the shear bolts. See the other threads for info.