Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Snow Thrower - Intermittent traveling, friction wheel, craftsman snow thrower

Question
QUESTION: I have a Model 536.887995 Craftsman Snow Thrower that I bought 2 years ago and used for only 15 hours.  It throws snow well but travels intermittently.  With the drive lever engaged the machine travels for a few feet, seems to pause for 20-30 seconds, then starts traveling again.  It does this no matter what speed is used.  I'm about to tear into this but wonder if you'd suspect the drive belt or the friction disc.  The drive belt has a spring adjustment which the book says doesn't need adjustments.

ANSWER: Hello Michael:

From the Description, it Sounds like One of the Gears for the Chain Drive (Drives the Wheels) has a Few Broken Teeth. Check the Chain Drive First. This is Usually the Cause for the Problem of the Wheels Stopping for 20-30 Seconds and then Restarting. Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John - Thanks for your help.  Fortunately the problem was very simple.  There are two springs that help pull the swing plate up against the friction wheel when the traction drive lever is depressed.  One of these springs had fallen off and the swing plate was pulled up unevenly against the friction wheel.  I checked for broken teeth and did other PM while I was at it!

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Michael:

Great!! I am Glad you Located the Cause of the Problem. Thank you for the Update too. I will Add this to the List of Possible Causes for the Intermittent Travel on this Equipment. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John