Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snowblower impeller not turning, Murray 624808x4NA, murray snow thrower, spring pins

Question
I have a Murrray 2-stage snow thrower that won't throw the snow – model 624808x4NA.  Engine and drive are OK, and the augers both spin when engaged, but the IMPELLER doesn't.  When it’s not running, I can spin the impeller on its shaft by hand.  I believe I hit a chunk of ice and sheared off the “impeller spring pins.”  I have the owner’s manual including parts schematic, but it’s not clear to me how to replace the spring pins.  How do I get the old ones out to replace them?  I can’t tell how the impeller is supposed to align with the shaft (i.e., how to line up holes/pins in impeller with the holes in the shaft), and there’s very little room to work inside the impeller housing.  If I disconnect the auger assembly from its housing, and disconnect the drive pulley from its shaft, will I be able to pull the whole auger/impeller assembly out of the housing to work on it?  Or will that create havoc with the bearings?  Or do I have to remove the whole auger housing, and if so how do I do that?  Before I start taking things apart…how would you suggest I start?  Looking forward to your answer, as I know there’s more snow on the way.  Thanks in advance for any  help you can give -- best regards, Phil

Answer
Hello Phil:

>>From your Description it Sounds like the Impeller Spring Pins have Sheared.
>>You can View a Breakdown of this Mower At this Site Addy; http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Lookup. Select the Model Tab. Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers 624808x4NA. Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Now Select Sectional View. Now Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View. Select the Gear Case File.
>>The Spring Pins are Shown as #341 in this Breakdown.
>>This is a 2003 Year Model Murray Snow Thrower.
>>I Suggest you Try to Remove the Broken/Sheared Spring Pins without Removing the Augers, Gear Case/Box and Impeller from the Auger Housing. If you are Unable to Remove the Spring Pins this Way, then the Augers, Gear Box and Impeller will have to be Removed from the Auger Housing so the Spring Pins can be Removed and Replaced.
>>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