QuestionQUESTION: I just bought an old Ariens 10962 model snowblower. It is my first snowblower. I bought it, as it appeared well-maintained, and I have heard and read good things about Ariens. I didn't know how old it was until I got home and was able to google the model #. I haven't had an opportunity to use it on a fresh snowfall, but I did use it on a fresh snowplough passing at the end of the driveway. The throwing distance was quite disappointing. Other than the fact that I probably just used poor judgement in buying a blower this old, do you have any advice of things I should check? I would like to bring it a small engine service repair shop, but it will be a bit of a pain to get back in the van and over to the shop. I'm just wondering if I'd be wasting my money. I also forgot to mention that the pullcord started, but came out completely. I haven't tried the electric start yet. Hope it works. I'd appreciate any feedback you can provide.
thanks,
Nick
ANSWER: Hello Nick:
No Worries. It May be that the Engine Full Throttle Speed is Not Correct Due to an Old/Worn Governor Control Spring or Just Normal Wear on the Engine. You can View a Breakdown of the Mower at this Site Addy; http://www.jackssmallengines.net/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. The Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Ariens) and Enter the Model Numbers 10962. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area.Select the Sectional File. Now you can View the Section of the Mower that Pertains to this Repair. Unfortunately Airens does Not Include the Engine Parts Breakdown Due to the Different Engine Power Plants Used on this Unit. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Ususally Due to Engine Wear the RPMs will Decrease Over Time and you May be Required to Increase the Full Throttle RPMs. The Engine Model #s I Requested will Assist me in Instructing you on How to Best Increase the Full Throttle RPMs. Thanks. Have a Happy Holiday Season. Be Safe and Happy.
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 have only been able to find the following information written in marker on top of the engine "91124 ng" I'm not sure if it's referring to the engine model # or not. I will dig into it more tomorrow. It's snowing pretty good tonight. I'll get a chance to try it tomorrow morning (if the electric start works, given that the pull cord came out). In your opinion, how far do you think this snowblower should be able to throw the snow? 30'-40'?
thanks,
Nick
AnswerHello Again Nick:
If this is a Briggs and Stratton Engine, then the Model Numbers should be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. You can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of the Engine. 2- To Repair a Basic Recoil Starter; The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Replacing the Rope in Standard Recoil Starters. Any Input is Appreciated. **If the Rope has Broken and the Spring is Good, then Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover and recoil Starter). Remove the Old Rope from the Recoil Pulley. Now Turn the Pulley in the Same Direction that the Pulley would Turn if the Rope was Turning it. Once the Pulley will Turn No More, then Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Turns and Thread the New Rope Through the Hole in the Center of the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Blower Housing. Pull the Rope Through Until it is Tight Against the Pulley. Now Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley in Place While the Handle is Attached to the Rope. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract Into the Housing. Reassemble the Blower Housing Onto the Engine.** 3- If the Spring has Broken on a Basic Recoil Starter; The Following is a Recoil Starter Repair Instruction File. Any Input/Suggestions are Appreciated. Remove the Starter Housing/Engine Cover. Remove the Old Rope, Pulley and Spring from the Blower Housing. Clean the Housing. Now Take the New Spring and Locate the Housing Lock Hole that is Usually Near the Pull Handle Hole. Slip the New Spring Into this Hole and Lock the End Onto the Pulley. Now Lock the Pulley Into the Blower Housing. Turn the Pulley in the Same Direction that it would Turn During the Starting Process. The Spring will be Pulled Into the Blower Housing as you Turn the Pulley. When the Spring is Almost All the Way Into the Housing; Hold the End with Pliers and Make Sure it Catches in the Blower Housing Lock. Once the Spring is Locked Into the Housing, then Continue Turning the Pulley in the Same Direction that the Pulley would Turn if the Rope was Turning it. Once the Pulley will Turn No More, then Reverse Direction 1 or 2 Turns and Thread the New Rope Through the Hole in the Center of the Pulley and Out the Hole in the Blower Housing. Pull the Rope Through Until it is Tight Against the Pulley. Now Tie a Slip Knot in the Rope to Hold the Pulley in Place While the Handle is Attached to the Rope. Once the Handle is Attached, Release the Slip Knot and the Rope Should Retract Into the Housing. Reassemble the Blower Housing Onto the Engine. On Some Models you May have to Install the Rope Before you Lock the Pulley in Place. If So, there is a U in the Pulley that the Rope is Held in While Turning the Pulley to Tighten the Spring. 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
