Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Snowblower, craftsman model, spiral springs

Question
Hello John,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.  

I have a Craftsman Model 247.88531 Snowblower.  The starter gear is shot, so I disassembled the starter.  The only blowup I have is in the owners manual which shows a Tecumseh electric starter Model No. 33290E, although the Model on the snowblower is a Tecumseh 37000.  First, it appears that the brush assembly only included two spiral springs which is an incidental problem.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't each brush have it's own spring for firm pressure of the brush against the armature?

With regard to the gear, The parts blowup in the Owner's Manual (for the 33290E) only shows the armature with gear attached, and I only need the gear as the armature is fine.

Can you answer my first question about the springs? and my second about the gear.  BTW, the old gear had 16 (broken) teeth.  Lastly, I checked the Sears Parts website you referenced in other posts and my Model No. is not listed - go figure.

Thanks again for your thoughtfulness, and Merry X-mas.

Marty

Answer
Hello Marty:

You are more than Welcome to Pick my Brain. lol. I Love Helping Others. This is the Information I Obtained About this Mower. I Located the MTD Model Numbers at the Outdoor Distributors Site, where I Found a Breakdown Using the Sears Model Numbers You Sent me. If you Go to www.outdoordistributors.com and Select S. Then Select Sears. Then Select 247. Then Select Dont have Part Numbers. Enter the Model Numbers 247.88531 and Click Search/Go. If you Notice the Breakdown has Both the Sears and MTD Model Numbers. This is a MTD Model #31AE558G099 Made for Sears. 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 31AE558G099. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. Bad News; the Breakdown Does Not Show the Engine Model. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) above the Spark Plug or the Muffler. 1- Most of the Small Engine Starters Use the Same Starter Drive Gear. Your Local Small Engine Service Center should have a Few in Stock. Cheaply the Newer Components are Made. Yes a Good Starter has Brushes that have their Own Spring like the Old Style Starters that had the Spring on Each Brush. The Pressure was Constant and True and could Not Shift as is Possible with the Newer Designed Starters. It's All About the Money. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf  .  This Site Addy; http://www.outdoordistributors.com/Tecumseh/tmain.html has a Link to a PDF Trouble-Shooting Guide. Simply Select the Free PDF Download for the Tecumseh Trouble-Shooting Guide. 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. Have 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