Frequent malfunctions of the snowblower and repair with their own hands
Those who have decided to repair the snowthrower with their own hands – to begin with, you should become familiar with the principle of its operation and with the peculiarities of the functionality of individual assemblies. Quickly and successfully restore the technique helps to know the most common breakdowns that most often occur during its operation. Only by complying with these requirements, the owner can quickly solve the problem in a situation where, for example, the gasoline snow blower does not start or one of its working nodes is out of order.
The principle of operation of the snow blower
When repairing independently, it is important to understand the principle of operation of the snowthrower (another name of the snowthrower), which consists in the following sequence of actions:
- After starting the device, the built-in internal combustion engine drives the pole with blades, more precisely the auger.
- When the device moves, the auger mechanism “breaks through” the snow and delivers it to the hopper with a powerful impeller, which is placed there.
- With their help, the snow mass is thrown away from the route of travel.
Please note: some snow guards are equipped with additional devices that alert you to the work of the clearing devices.
Before you repair the battery with your own hands, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the most common connections of this simple mechanism.
Common breakdowns and their causes
The most common breakdowns of the snowman are listed in the following list:
- Failure of the soft metal key and the working screw (auger) on the shaft.
- Breakage or damage to the drive belt.
- Damage to the friction mechanism.
- Failure of the gasoline engine due to failure of individual parts.
Most often, owls “break off” due to careless handling of the device (for example, after an accidental collision with a curb or a stone). Therefore, the user should always have a few parts in reserve. It is recommended to renew also in other working situations (for example, before replacement of an auger on a snowmobile).
Important! It is unacceptable to put the shaft on the shaft to fasten the usual bracket of strong steel.
In this case, if you accidentally hit an obstacle instead of the hair dryer part, you can damage expensive parts of the drive mechanism (auger, rotor or motor).
Second place in relation to breakdowns are drive belts. Long before replacing the belt on a snowmobile, its owner should take care to buy a spare set for the selected model.
In addition to all of the above problems, snowmobile malfunctions are often associated with friction injuries. This is due to the fact that the wheels of the machine are driven by a friction disc when it moves.
In doing so, the torque is transmitted by the transmission system. An incorrectly designed load causes the friction disc to slip and then erode/break. The only way out is to repair the snowmobile friction ring (or replace it completely).
Tips for Proper Snowmobile Operation
In most cases, problems with the snowthrower arise from extending the rules of daily operation. Especially dangerous are such operator actions as sudden or premature activation of increased speed. The most common cause of breakdowns and repairs is the need for the snowthrower’s drive. In this case, it is also necessary to exclude the risk of drive belts extinguishing and friction locks collapsing (especially in well-compacted snow).
Another frequent cause of snowplow failure is illiterate organization before the season and violation of the rules of preservation. Experts advise the following mandatory operations at the beginning of spring:
- Completely drain the gasoline from the tank of the canned machine.
- Wipe its entire working mechanism with a clean rag.
- Park the machine in a shed or in a separate roofed room for the summer season.
With the onset of autumn, it is necessary to engage in timely restoration of the snow removal equipment. This procedure includes mandatory processes such as filling with fresh oil, checking the spark plugs and tightening the drive cables.
Additional information: If necessary, some parts are replaced with new ones (e.g., spark plugs).
In order to ensure that only seasonal oils are chosen to fill them during the operation of the unit and the need for snowmobile drivetrain repair. They have a lower viscosity index, which does not change in the winter cold. The use of special in the composition of winter oil guarantees a quick start of the engine without preheating.
Rules of snowmobile operation
Proper operation and care of the snowmobile is a prerequisite for its effective operation and long service life. When buying new devices, you should first read the instruction manual and prepare for the first use, only after that you can get down to work.
How a snow blower works
To properly operate and understand how the equipment is needed, you need to at least understand what a snow blower consists of. The most important and most expensive part is the engine. It comes in electric or gasoline. The first option does not require much attention. In this article, we will talk about the liquid-fueled options.
All snow removal is divided into two ways – self-propelled and non-self-propelled. The first option, as the name suggests, has a system that ensures its movement. The second option is moved directly by pushing the operator.
The second important element is the auger. It is he who collects the snow and throws it aside with a special pipe. The auger can be metal with cutting screws or plastic. The advantage of a metal auger is that if it is damaged, it is simply replaced by a new one. They are usually inexpensive. The second option itself is cheaper, but in the case of destruction, the entire auger is replaced.
The principle of snowmobile operation is very simple: the engine drives the auger, the snow pensioner and throws it aside. In fact, the work of the snow blower is that it lifts the snow from the cleared surface, and the powerful electricity throws it aside, where it does not interfere.
Tip! The snow blower is necessary for the first time and in preparation for preservation in the summer and before the start of the new season.
Preparing the equipment for work
Immediately after purchase, the device must be prepared for work. This occurs in several stages:
- The instruction manual is studied;
- An external inspection of the product is carried out.
- Oil is checked and gasoline is poured;
- Direct start-up is carried out.
The necessity and importance of studying the manuals makes no sense. It is an obvious measure that many people like to neglect. In order for the machine to last a long time, it is advisable to study the manufacturer’s manual. Among other things, it gives information about the appropriate oil and gasoline, also tells about safety measures during work.
With an external inspection of the product you can assess the condition of the equipment and recognize obvious damage. First of all it concerns wires and cables: all should be intact and not kinked. In addition, it is not superfluous to check the strength of all screws and nuts. If somewhere something is tightened, it should be repaired.
The next step is to assemble the equipment. In some cases, individual units can be removed, when assembling it is important to act according to the instructions, otherwise serious damage may occur at the first start-up.
Next, it is necessary to fill the gearbox with oil. In some cases this is done at the factory. To check, open the drain hole. If nothing is leaking, you need to make sure it is not clogged and then pour in fresh oil. It must have certain properties and be suitable for this type of machine. It is important that the oil is suitable for low temperatures.
Tip: If there was oil in the gearbox from the system, it must be drained and then new oil must be filled. Using existing oil is not recommended.
After checking the gearbox, you can move on to the screw. Here you need to check all the screws on the side lags and those that repair the propeller shaft. If they are missing splines, they are not threaded. In this case, the screws must be replaced, or else the entire screw will fail if you get hard objects. The screw itself needs to be removed – this is necessary in order to lubricate the shaft and bearings with oil. This will not only reduce friction and extend the life of these elements, but it will also increase the range of the snowplow frame due to the smooth rotation of the auger.
Engine maintenance and starting
At the initial start of the engine, gasoline and oil must be filled. If there is oil from the factory, it is not necessary to drain it, but after five hours of operation it is necessary to pour in new oil. After that you need to check the cable of the manual starter: it should rotate easily and not.
To check the engine power, it is necessary to measure the compression: the normal value – from 9 to 12 atmospheres. The only value is possible at the first start. The reason for this should not be missed. The problem should remain alone after 5 hours of operation. If this does not happen, then there is a defect in the engine, and it is better to return the equipment immediately under warranty. Low compression indicates that the engine is not capable of producing full power.
To start the snowthrower for the first time, it is necessary to perform a number of sequential actions.
- The fuel is pumped by means of a special button.
- The operating mode must be (one) set to VCL.
- The carburetor lever for fuel supply must be moved to the position – open (to the right up to the stop, the lower lever).
- The upper one cuts off the air flow and must also be turned to the stop.
- The throttle lever is set to maximum position.
- With a manual starter, it is necessary to gently and strongly pull the starter rope. If it is electric, it is enough to press the desired button. If the engine does not start, the process should be repeated.
- After starting the engine, it is necessary to open the air supply. The upper lever returns to its original position.
If the engine works, the snow does not need to be removed immediately, it is important to check your company. To do this, the device is left on for 5 hours. At regular intervals, you need to listen to how it works: the speed should be the same.
Tip! You can check the engine by the noise: If it is monotonous, then everything works properly. If there are interruptions or a metallic clatter, there is a defect and the engine should be parked immediately.
If everything is running normally, the engine should be shut off and if it has cooled down (after 2 hours), you can measure the compression. If the reading is normal, the engine should be warmed up and the oil in the engine changed.
Start of the volute
The first start of the volute can be done at the same time as the engine check or after it. For this purpose the volute control switch is set in the operating mode. Keep it in this condition for 5-10 seconds to be sure that the rotation is instantaneous and that the auger is in general motion. If this is not the case, it is necessary to adjust the cable length.
The same procedure is necessary if the snail does not stop completely after stopping, but jerks slightly. The whole process of cable adjustment is described in detail in the manual and can be performed differently by different manufacturers.
The next important step in the operation of the snail is to check the transmission. To do this, lock the snail lever and let the device idle for about 2 hours. After stopping you should try the transmission. It should be barely warm or cold, but if it warms up, it means there is a defect in it and the chance of an early breakdown is very high.
First use in the snow
The first snow removal with the snow blower should be done on a dry deck that is no thicker than the diameter of the snail. Wait 2-3 minutes for the device to warm up. In the next moment, the direction of the gutter will change to the right one. There is an interesting nuance here: the snow is thrown forward twice as far as the sides. Then you can start the snail and get to work. For the first time, it’s best to stop after 20 minutes to check the mechanism again. It should be barely warm or cold. A high temperature is a sign of a defect. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the operation and return the device to the seller.
If the snow blower works properly, you can clean the area completely. After you finish cleaning, you should not immediately disassemble the engine and stop the volute. It is recommended to wait 3-5 minutes to let them dry. Then you can turn off the device.
Tip! You must remove all accumulated snow before resting, otherwise it may freeze and cause problems the next time you start.
Regular Maintenance of the Snowblower
Gasoline snow blowers are fairly reliable and unpretentious devices. To extend service life, it is recommended that you check the condition of all screws and fasteners once a week, measure the oil level and top up if necessary, and check the condition of all cables and lubricate them with frost-resistant oils.
Once a month you should do all of the above to inspect the condition of the electrical oxidation terminals and clean the spark plugs. They reflect the condition of the engine: if it needs, the plugs are light gray, otherwise a more detailed inspection of the carburetor and air filter should be made. Once a month it is recommended to multiply the shaft and the propeller stock.
It is not superfluous to check the equipment also for the presence of a knock in the screw. A counter reaction of more than 1 cm indicates that the equipment is worn, and a knock in the screw is a sign of a worn stock.
Preparation for Receiving and Conclusion
Preparing the Snowpock machine for warm storage involves a number of procedures.
- All screws and nuts should be treated with motor oil. The cables should be primed with WD-40 fluid.
- The engine should be started and run to all fuel ends.
- After that, you should leave the machine for 24 hours with the gasoline tank open. In this case, cover the hole with a clean rag (to prevent debris from getting inside). During this time, keep the snowman in a well-ventilated room. All gasoline evaporates in one day, and you can not fear an explosion or fire from its vapors.
- After performing the above actions, the plugs should be unscrewed, and in the cylinder pour 10 ml of oil, which is suitable for this engine.
Preparation after the summer is not very different from the first time you go to work. In addition to the above actions, it is recommended to replace all friction rings and belts: As practice shows, the service life does not exceed a year and a half. It is also useful to change the oil in the transmission and engine.
Recommendations for snow removal
To ensure a long service life and your own safety when cleaning, you need to know how you can use the device on different surfaces and how the snow is cleaned in different conditions.
For example, flat surfaces are cleaned at the minimum height of the auger. If the surface is uneven – not tamped, crushed stone, you should determine the height by the size of the stone.
Such a possibility exists only with self-loading models, variants with manual drive are adjusted directly by the operator. He should increase the auger over the surface or vice versa.
If you are working on slopes, you should remember that a slope of 5 degrees leads to the fact that the technique slides down a little and can storm sideways when climbing more than 20 degrees. Therefore, surface cleaning is done when there is a slope.
Fresh thin layer of snow.
If the pavement is no thicker than half the auger and the snow has recently fallen, the self-propelled model can be cleaned at maximum speed. In the case of snow drifting, the operator should simply choose the optimum speed, but not more than 5 km/h.
Tip: The best way to turn the chute is 30-40 degrees. This way you can increase the range of snow removal, compared with a right angle of rotation.
Fresh deep snow.
If the snow is deep and has fallen recently, has not had time to cure and heal, then you should choose a low speed. In a self-propelled version it is best to use second and first gear.
Deep, fresh snow is removed in two stages:
- The top layer is removed;
- The remainder is removed.
There is an important point here: it is necessary to remove 20-30 cm of snow (along the length) so as not to trample the underlying layer. Self-propelled devices cope with snow thickness up to 90 cm, manual devices are designed for a maximum diameter of two augers.
Compacted snow
Clearing wet and icy snow doesn’t differ much from clearing deep, fresh snow, the only difference being that they move very slowly and each has to move forward by less than 30 cm. This is necessary to reduce the load on the equipment. If there is a ceiling of ice cream, the machine must be lifted above its surface and thrown on top, so to speak, to crush the ice cream and the final shredding by the snail.
When cleaning, avoid the house where bushes, rocks, curbs, and other surveys may be hiding. Don’t get hung up on the house, because some models throw snow with such force that it can break a window.
Safety precautions.
Operating a snow blower can lead to serious injuries if you don’t follow safety rules. Therefore, it is very important to observe the following rules.
- Operate the device only when you have a good view.
- Approach your work according to the season and wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Wearing scars and loose clothing that could snag the snail is not recommended.
- Eye protection with side protection and hearing protection are necessary.
- Do not use a snow blower after taking drugs, alcohol or medication.
- No bystanders or children should be in the cleaning area.
- The area must be cleared of unnecessary objects before you start work.
- Do not start or stop on a slope.
- It is not recommended to move backwards.
- Make sure that the wheels of the unit always have support, otherwise there is a risk of tipping over.
- Allow the engine to warm up before starting work.
- When working in an area with rocks, make sure that the auger does not come into contact with them.
- While working, pay close attention to the direction of travel so that you can stop or change your path if animals or passers-by appear.
- Do not use the snowthrower at an incline greater than 20 degrees.
- It is forbidden to increase the driving speed for faster cleaning, it can not only put the device out of operation, but also lead to injuries.
How to transport the device
Transporting the snow blower to a new location is usually due to the rather serious dimensions in the trailer. It is quite possible to lift non-self-propelled models and place them on the trailer alone, but devices with an independent motion system are not easy to lift even with two people. In such a situation, it is recommended to use a lifting platform and, if no ladder is available, to roll the snow blower onto the trailer. When transporting, the device must be carefully secured, it must not be transported by holding it with your hands. On bumps or turns, the snow blower can easily tip over and crush the person holding it.
Snow milling is a technique that makes life much easier for dacha owners and owners of their own plots. In order for the device to work for a long time, it is necessary to follow the rules of its operation and observe them in storage and preparation for work. Under these conditions, the snow blower serves for more than one year and does not cause significant costs.
