james_o

No Luck, nothing behind the impeller.

Could there be something jammed in the gear case? Causing the impeller, worm, and auger shaft to all not turn?

What would be your next move?

Back again.

I believe I have all of the terminology down right.  I am looking at the pdf for the Ariens 924 Sno Thro.  It does not list my exact model (924082) but it looks close.  Hopefully, the parts are known by the same name.

As expected, the pulley closest to the engine rotates with a pull of the chord.

As expected, the pulley on the impeller side, does not rotate - either with the clutch down or not.

The impeller does not want to rotate.  I tried the 2x4 with a hammer and was able to muscle her through 90 degrees. Very difficult.

I have looked everywhere and there does not appear to be anything obviously obstructing its rotation.  However, I am unable to see a good portion of what's behind the impeller.

Facing the impeller, from the auger side (opposite that of the operator), there is no way to visibly inspect if there is anything behind the impeller from about the 6:00 - 12:00 position.

I tried reaching down to rotate the large pulley, with and without clutch - nothing.

Worm shaft will not rotate and neither will the auger shaft.

Finally, I did see some debris, likely from a rock.  Also, fresh scratches on the impeller housing. 

Ideas?

Thanks again Gentlemen,

Point of clarification.  During the snow removal a pin broke.  She ran for two more hours and then she sucked up something.  After that, no more rotation.

Also, I believe the culprit was a rock. Whatever it was did not shear the pins.

Earlier on, one of my lovely neighbors left a bag of garbage at the side of their house which blew onto my side walk and was covered in almost 4 feet of snow.  Thankfully, there was really only only paper and cardboard, and I caught the problem fast.  However, some plastic wrapped around the auger shaft on the inside close to the bearing support.

After I inspect more closely, I am going to put a bit more muscle into the impeller.  I have years of experience in cars and motorcycles, but fixing snowblowers is somewhat new to me.

Anyhow, I am going to try and rotate the impeller through the chute.  Which handle, if any, should be engaged?  Does it matter whether I rotate clockwise or counterclockwise - as viewed from the standpoint of the operator - left hand on transmission side, right hand on clutch/blower side?

Shryp wrote:
In hindsight, there was that lovely belt slipping noise.  However, I never smelt anything bad and the belts do not smell burnt right now.  However, there is a good bit of belt "crud" in the area.  Hard to say whether it's from now or the past.  They'll probably get changed anyhow, but first things first - let's check the impeller.  Thanks for the link.

borat wrote:
I am going to try that in a few minutes.  Please see above - does it matter whether the rotation is clockwise or counter?  Should the clutch be engaged?  I don't want to start smacking something that isn't supposed to be rotating anyhow :-)

NotMoneyGuy wrote:
Thanks for the link - should have checked youTube. I did check eBay - it's always nice to see how the parts look when taken apart.

Thanks again, I truly appreciate your help.

Thanks for the reply Shryp and Borat.

Shryp wrote:
Will try that ASAP.  What normally spins in there: (a) before clutch engagement and (b) after clutch engaged?

Shryp wrote:

Most definitely held it down - I guess a belt is the easiest way to go.

Shryp wrote:
Will check - cannot turn the large pulley by hand.  Pull the pulley off and check the key?

Shryp wrote:

Will check again.  Cleaned the machine last night and have it indoors.  Did not see anything.

borat wrote:
Tried that when it was outside and nothing would budge.

Thanks again.

All,
Thanks in advance for your time and any help.

Was out in more than 24" of snow yesterday.  Broke a shear pin, no problem, had most of the job done, thank God, when something got sucked up by the auger.  After that, the auger, shaft, and impeller will not turn.

Never fails.  Before the storm I always clear the sidewalk of junk and potential hazards.  Just too much wind the other day though.

She still runs and drives - forward and reverse is fine. 

Checked the shear pins, removed them, and re-installed, and they were fine.  Still, there is no way to spin the auger or the impeller.

I popped off the cover for the belts - one seems fine but the, larger, with the tensioner, seems loose.  It is still on and around the pulley, however, when the handle is engaged, it is still a bit loose for my liking.

Has anyone a suspicion or place to start?  I would really hate to take it down before determining just belts?

Has anyone a procedure for troubleshooting?

FWIW - it's a Tecumseh.