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NickM


Joined: Mar 1, 2005
Points: 21

MTD Yard Machine 5.5 hp
Original Message   Sep 24, 2018 11:11 pm
I picked up a MTD 31A-3CAD762 two stage blower about a year ago. I had it as a 2nd machine that I left by my in-law's house. It started and ran without issue. When I tried it last year after a wet snowfall about 6-8 inches it stalled out when I hit the snow. A family member was supposed to take it and service it but it never got done. I decided to take it back today and looked at the belts and the auger belt looks worn. I have both belts coming in a few days and will change them out promptly. My issue is evaluating the machine without putting it under a load condition. It will run fine, move forward, and turn the auger. Any way to predict how it will work without actually waiting for a snowfall. It runs smoothly but I am willing to change out the carb if needed.
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niper99


Location: London Ont
Joined: Dec 2, 2007
Points: 354

Re: MTD Yard Machine 5.5 hp
Reply #1   Oct 10, 2018 6:22 pm
there a high chance that the ur valve clearance is to tight.. valves need to be removed to grind them down to get proper clearance
NickM


Joined: Mar 1, 2005
Points: 21

Re: MTD Yard Machine 5.5 hp
Reply #2   Oct 13, 2018 11:58 am
New belts and new carburetor installed, hoping for the best! Runs smooth!
niper99


Location: London Ont
Joined: Dec 2, 2007
Points: 354

Re: MTD Yard Machine 5.5 hp
Reply #3   Nov 10, 2018 10:20 pm
Did u check valve clearance?
jtclays


Joined: Aug 7, 2011
Points: 16

Re: MTD Yard Machine 5.5 hp
Reply #4   Nov 11, 2018 12:06 pm
Agree with niper99 on both his posts.  Especially considering you noted a loose auger belt.  If the belt was the problem the blower would stop intermittently throwing snow when over loaded, not stall engine.
Those Tecumseh 5-5.5hp flatheads will eventually need valve stems ground to give clearance, especially exhaust side. 
NickM


Joined: Mar 1, 2005
Points: 21

Re: MTD Yard Machine 5.5 hp
Reply #5   Jan 28, 2019 9:55 pm
Easy winter here in NJ so far. I have not run the unit in snow yet since replacing parts. Valve clearance check may happen in the off season.
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