Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Ariens ST724 won't drive
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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nipper
Joined: Jan 22, 2012
Points: 8
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Ariens ST724 won't drive
Original Message Jan 22, 2012 5:40 pm |
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Hi- I have an Ariens ST724 (model 924075), which has stopped powering forward when I press the drive clutch lever. I took off the bottom cover to see if it was something fairly easy to repair/replace, like a belt, and I found a broken spring lying in the cover. I'm guessing this is the root of my problem! I can't really afford to bring it to a shop, so I was hoping to be able to fix it myself. Here are a couple of details: - The auger seems to keep moving now, even when I release the clutch lever.
- For a while after it stopped powering forward, it DID work in reverse, but no longer does.
Here is a picture of the broken spring and the drive plate, etc.: Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, Nipper
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nipper
Joined: Jan 22, 2012
Points: 8
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Re: Ariens ST724 won't drive
Reply #8 Feb 11, 2012 1:40 pm |
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First, let me say that the people on this forum are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful - awesome! I tried some of the suggestions that have been posted. Here's what I've found: First, when I tipped the machine forward, the wheels were able to turn freely when in neutral. When I then put the wheels back on the ground, I got the same result. Turned about a 1/4 revolution, then stopped. It just doesn't have the power to turn the drive wheels. After taking off the belt cover, I noticed that when I engaged the drive clutch the Attachment Drive Idler Pulley wasn't engaging (see pic below - the pulley on the bottom-most left). I believe that pulled is supped to press on the belt to create tension and turn the plate. It seems that some sort of linkage to this pulley is either broken or stuck or something.
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nipper
Joined: Jan 22, 2012
Points: 8
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Re: Ariens ST724 won't drive
Reply #9 Feb 11, 2012 2:03 pm |
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Update:
I went back and looked at the pulley again, a little more closely (it's a little tough to see). It looks like there is an arm attached to the arm that the pulley is attached to, and that arm has a hole in it where it looks like a spring should go. Could this be where my broken spring is from? If so, what does that spring attach to?
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nipper
Joined: Jan 22, 2012
Points: 8
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Re: Ariens ST724 won't drive
Reply #12 Feb 11, 2012 3:55 pm |
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Alright - I think there's a light at the end of the tunnel! I'll give this a go and see what happens. Thanks, guys.
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jrtrebor
Location: Michigan - 3 hours north of Chicago on the lake
Joined: Feb 10, 2010
Points: 539
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Re: Ariens ST724 won't drive
Reply #14 Feb 11, 2012 6:51 pm |
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One end of that spring hooks in a hole in the bottom of the arm for the "drive" idler pulley. The other end of the spring looks in a hole in the side of the housing just above the right wheel axle. It's just a hole or slot. You will be able to see the end of the spring hook on the outside of the housing above the right axle after you install it. It is possible to get the spring put back on without taking the blower housing off but it's a tight fit. There is no linkage to move the idler pulley for the "drive" belt tension. The "drive" belt idler pulley is always in contact with the belt. It is always under tension. Unlike the idler pulley for the "blower" belt. That pulley is only in contact with the belt when you depress the handle. When you release the handle the pulley pulls away from the belt and the blower (impeller and auger) stop spinning. If you try and pull the idler pulley for the "drive" belt away from the belt you should feel a lot of tension. That is, if the spring is in place and working. If you grab the pulley and it moves easily away from the belt. The spring is not in place. And that is why the drive system is not working. The belt is simply slipping around the pulley's.
This message was modified Feb 11, 2012 by jrtrebor
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nipper
Joined: Jan 22, 2012
Points: 8
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Re: Ariens ST724 won't drive
Reply #15 Feb 12, 2012 10:34 pm |
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