Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Drive problems on sears snowblower, friction wheel, snow thrower

Question
QUESTION: I have a sears 28" snowthrower model #247.887900(MTD31ae5htg799) that has drive problems some times. When I first start out everything seems to work but after I start blowing the wheels don't pull the the blower ahead. I have checked the friction wheel and there is still good rubber on the wheel. I cleaned off the disk wheel and it seemed to work better for a little while. It seems that after I use the snow thrower and put it in high gear it might work. It seems to be getting worse. I have checked the adjustment on the friction wheel and I have tried just pulling the cable when in gear to see if that would make a difference to get the wheels to move. This snow thrower has the ez steer system. It almost seems that there is some problem with the ez steer system that locks the wheels. Is there a general problem with the drive system on this model? What should I check?

ANSWER: Hello John:

From your Description it Sounds like a Friction Wheel and Friction Plate Problem. How Old is the Drive Engagement Cable? Check the Clearance Between the Plate and Wheel with the Engine Off and Plug Wire Disconnected from the Plug. Place the Drive Selector in the Speed Position that is Giving the Problem. Check the Clearance between the Plate and Wheel. Is it Correct or is the Clearance Greater? If Greater then the Plate is Worn and Requires Replacing. Also, on Some of these Models, you have a Replacement Rubber for the Wheel. Sometimes when the Drive Assy Heats Up this Rubber will Slip on the Wheel and Cause a Slower Speed. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD) and Enter the Model Numbers 31ae5htg799. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. I Hope you Had a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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: The drive engagement cable is two years old like the snow blower. I checked the clearance between the plate and the friction wheel and I think it is correct. I adjusted the where the friction wheel hits the plate for the gear shift. I cleaned off the plate too. I also think that snow or water get in by the friction wheel and plate and the friction wheel slips on the plate. I will try this with next snowfall. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hello Again John:

If you Suspect Water/Snow of Wetting the Wheel, then Purchase Some Hit Tac Belt Dressing and Put some on the Rubber of the Driven Wheel. This Usually Eliminates the Water Problem Causing the Wheel to Slip.  Thanks 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