Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): snowblower, auger gear box, small engine mechanic, craftsman snowblower

Question
Hi. I had to replace the impellor shaft on my craftsman snowblower. This included taking the wormgear off the old shaft and some bushing,washers,etc. and putting them on the new one.There was some wear on the gearbox where the shaft enters and the inside bushing goes.

Anyways, i thought I was doing good at putting it back together.  The gearbox also has the auger shaft which goes right through it at a t to the impellor shaft which was replaced. I cleaned it greased it(too much grease?), and put it together. Now when the impellor shaft is turned, it just spins and the auger shaft doesn't turn. When I turn the auger shaft now (its still off the blower), it doesn't spin.  The whole gearbox turns.  Any ideas on what is going wrong?

Answer
Hi Blair,

I suggest getting the serial no. and model of the engine (likely Tecumseh) and trying to obtain a good shop manual.  Possibly you overlooked lining up some of the timing marks that need alignment.

Without seeing the machinery it is hard to say what might have gone wrong.  It definitely sounds like there is a lack of contact between the impellor shaft and the gears to the auger shaft.

Possibly take a picture of some of the parts and show them to a local small engine mechanic.  They should have some good suggestions.

Hope this helps,

Howard B.