Slightly OT: Snowblower Help Needed

[Clarkbug]

Hello All.

So a little OT, but figure the good folks here might be able to help me out.

Obtained a snowblower from a coworker moving out of state, and when it works, it works great. Its an Ariens 932037. Little guy, but thats OK.

The issue is that the speed select lever is apparently just for show. Where the actual speed select arm enters the housing, there is a plastic bushing that doesnt do too much. I can push everything together, but the actual speed selection still doesnt happen.

For the snow we have had, I can get it into some forward gear and basically just keep it moving until I'm done. Not ideal.

Not new to tinkering, just to the specifics of snowblowers. Can anyone give me a little insight into how this thing selects speeds before I start wrenching? Supposed to be sorta mild here this weekend, would love to fix it before it snows again.

I know I need a bushing, but would love to hear of any other tips or info that I could use.

Thanks!

 

[DAKSY]

This help?

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ar...-snowblower-parts-c-157125_157126_157750.html

 

[Bret Hart]

Have a look at item # 13 of the friction drive page in the link DAKSY posted. The friction wheels will crack over time and not work well.

 

[Clarkbug]

Thanks for the link. I'll check the friction disk to see what kind of shape its in.

So how does the fork and friction disk adjust the speed?

 

[ErikR]

Clarkbug, When the engine is running and you pull the drive handle, the friction plate, #20, stars turning. The friction wheel, #13, is mounted perpendicular to the friction plate. The fork moves the friction wheel closer to either the outside edge of the friction plate = faster speed, or closer to the middle = slower speed....

I had to see it to understand it. I've replaced to rubber friction wheel on my snow blower. Clean the friction plate with something like brake cleaner or electrical contact cleaner while you're in there. Any oil/grease will make the friction wheel slip.

 

[Clarkbug]

Thanks Erik!

Lightbulb went on, that makes perfect sense to me now. Now to figure out how to get in there, or if it involves tearing the whole thing apart.

Appreciate the insight!

 

[ErikR]

You can gain access from underneath. A few screws and the belly pan comes off. You should be able to get a good look at how things are working. I'm not sure about your Ariens, but I can tip mine all the way forward and it will stand up on the front of the blower housing. There might be a helpful youtube video out there...

Erik

 

[Clarkbug]

Ok, checked it out. Turns out there isnt a lower cover on there anymore, so access was really easy....

Friction disc is worn unevenly, and cracked. Bolts in it werent tight, so it was wobbly on the shaft. The speed selection fork wasnt on the yoke anymore, and the washers that should have been there are long gone. I think the fork was also bent, which is why things got out of hand. So, looking to shop for a new disc and some washers, then re-assembly time. Ill bet it will work a lot better when stuff isnt just flopping around in there....

 

[Beer Belly]

You can gain access from underneath. A few screws and the belly pan comes off. You should be able to get a good look at how things are working. I'm not sure about your Ariens, but I can tip mine all the way forward and it will stand up on the front of the blower housing. There might be a helpful youtube video out there...

Erik

same as my Airens 30.....standing it on end (Blower Housing) is the "Service Position"