I have a friction drive problem with my Ariens Model 932037-724 Sno-Thro. I can not roll it when the engine is off and when the engine is running it remains in gear. The Friction Disc is tight against the Drive Plate preventing me from rolling it when shut down and keeping it in gear when running. The tension spring from clutch fork to frame is in place. I removed the Friction Disc/Hex shaft assembly and operated the traction cable to detemine free movement of Clutch Fork and Drive Plate. There is free movement. I disconnected the traction cable to determine if the Drive Plate would retract further toward the frame and it does not. My theory is that the Drive Plate is too far 'outbound' toward the Friction Disc and is not retracting completely. I do not know if the Clutch Fork is bent as I have yet to remove it and nothing to compare mine to. I would think the Clutch Fork rod ends are bound up preventing full retraction before believing I have bent the Fork.
Below is the a link (hope it works) to a photo showing the Drive Plate on top and the Drive Pulley below. Should the gap between the back of the Drive Plate and the bearing be visible? You can see that the tension spring is visible on the left.
The photo did work, allbeit large.
Next is a photo of the drive pulley. Should the Woodruff Key between the bearing and the puley be visible on the right side of the shaft? Again, is the gap excessive on the side as well?
I ask these questions because again, I believe that the Drive Plate is not fully retracting and wonder if these photos my explain the cause of the condition.
Thanks in advance. With all the searching, I like this site the best.
Steve K.
