Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): ariens snow blower, spark plug wire, snow blower

Question
My snow blower (about 15 years old) was working fine today
when it stopped suddenly.  I could not restart at the time.  After
an hour, I was able to start it easily, but while the self-propelled
feature was fine, the blower made noise, had a burning smell
and the propellers did not move.

Any idea what might be wrong?  Do these machines have belts to
drive the blower?

Answer
It does have belts.  Before you work on it DISCONNECT the spark plug wire.

There should be a cover over the belts.  Remove the cover and check the belts.

Also check to make sure a rock or something is not caught in the auger causing it to bind.  Look for and dents or knicks that could also cause binding.

Let me know what you find.
Eric