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

I'm not a handyman which is why I took me so long to purchase a snowblower due to my inability to fix a likely simple problem

I tried to check the oil prior to using the blower .However , when I started to open the oil  dipstick cap (yellow cap) the entire neck / cylinder that houses the oil dipstick was rotating in the same direction I was turning .I immediately stopped turning and looked for any noticeable oil leaks and none were to found

I went ahead and did a 20 minute snow clearing just the same figiring maybe the cap would jigg itself a little looser from the cylinder/neck that houses the dipstick but when I tried to unscrew dipstick cap the whole thing still turned with the cap

I dont have a heated garage and live in northern ontario so thawing the machine out isnt an option

anyone have an idea what the problem might be or what to look for as a quick fix  ?

I've always checked the oil prior to usage and its always been perfect level which is why I wasnt too hesitant to use it even though this current problem is occuring -however , sooner or later I'm going to need to get into that spot to change the oil

thanks in advance for any advice

That tube on my Ariens (with Tecumseh engine) turns a little bit (maybe a 10th of a turn) before it stops and allows the dip stick to be loosened. It shouldn't spin freely 360 degrees. If your tube keeps turning and turning 360 degrees, I'd use a pair of pliers or a toothed wrench to gently hold the tube while loosening the dip stick. I'd also contact the place where you purchased the blower as this should be a covered repair under the warrantee.