QuestionQUESTION: I have a Sears Craftsman model 536.885740 snowblower, 5hp 24inch purchased in September of 1994. I have used this machine faithfully for years, but after a recent snow a tried a finish a pass and the auger stopped turning. The drive train works and I can shift into all settings and move the machine. I checked the cables this seems to have the same level of tension. I have not checked the belts yet but I may have to dive into that. I can spin the drive shaft for the auger, but the auger blades themselves aren't spinning freely What do you suggest.
Thank You
ANSWER: Hello Chad:
>>This Unit was Made by Murray for Sears.
>>Check the Belts First.
>>Is the Impeller Turning?
>>Is the Gearbox Turning when you Turn the Input Shaft of the Gearbox; Not the Drive Shaft but the Gearbox Input Shaft. When you Turn the Augers by Hand can you See the Shaft Turning that is Connected to the Gearbox?
>>There are Spring Pins or Roll Pins in the Drive Shaft Just behind the Impeller and these will Shear and Cause the Problem you are having.
>>Check the Model Numbers Again for me, Please. The Numbers you Sent me are Not Showing as Good in the Microfiche or Online. Is it Possible this is a 536.886140 Unit?
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
I did confirm that the original model number is correct. I had a chance to look at the shear pins today (they seem to be completely in tact). I also was working on the auger belt. The belt was loose and had become detached. I replaced it on the large auger wheel and tightened the tension bars and moved the auger impeller wheel closer to create more tension in the belt. The belt still seems rather loose to me, but when I tried it, the auger wheel was moving. I kept the belt cover off while trying this to determine if the belt would slip again. It did not slip, but a small loop of the belt to rise up off the auger wheel about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. I wondered if I should instead replace the belt with a new one that may not be a stretched and may fit better. The current belt did shown any cracks or wear, but I am thinking this may happen again soon. Any suggestions?
AnswerHello Again Chad:
>>LOL. I was Just going to Write you Back. I Located the Unit. The Microfiche Film for this Unit was Stuck to Another Film.
>>I Apologize for the Inconvenience and my Mistake. I will have to Start Watching those Little Devils More Closely from Now On.
>>From your Description, it is the Belt causing the Problem and it Does Require Replacing.
>>To Help the Belts Last Longer and Not Crack and Stretch as Bad as they Normally do; just Spray the Belts Lightly with Belt Dressing After the First Season of Use and at the End of Each Season thereafter. **Remember, Belt Dressing Goes a Long Way and Very Little is Required to Protect the Belt from Drying Out, Stretching and Cracking.**
>>Thanks Again for Using All Experts. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
