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

I recently bought a used Ariens ST520E snowthrower. This is my first snowblower, so I am just getting used to it. I had the opportunity to use it a about a week ago for our first snowfall of the year. As I was using it, I realized that the after letting go of the clutch for the auger/impeller, the impeller is still trying to turn; it will not completely disengage. The impeller turns in pulsing/choppy, herky-jerky manner. I could also smell a little burning rubber odor. I checked the shear pins. They are fine. I checked the attachment clutch cable. There is enough slack in the cable. I took the belt cover off and ran the engine, then engaged the auger/impeller for a few seconds. Then, I disengaged the auger/impeller and I could see the belt grabbing at the pulleys causing the impeller to spin in a choppy manner as the belt would grab and release on the pulleys. I could also see where the belt had been rubbing against the metal belt fingers. There was a lot of black dust in the belt area....looked like belt shavings. So.......what adjustments need to be made so the impeller will completely disengage and stop the belt from grabbing the pulleys? Thanks for the help. I'm desperate....we're supposed to get close to a foot of snow this weekend in CT....I need my snowblower!! mm

Auger clutch adjustment. It's in the owner's manual.