QuestionQUESTION: Two questions regarding this blower. The first is at one point a stick was accidently lodged into the mulcher while vacuuming. It was in a position that had to have stopped the mulcher altogether while the engine continued running for about 5 seconds before I could react. I am hoping there's some kind of clutch that would have prevented permanent damage to the engine?
Secondly, the pull cord does not always retract all the way. When it does, there still is good tension on it; when it doesn't, if I play with it a little bit (pull on it until the clutch engages, then let it go again) it will retract fully. When it doesn't retract fully, there is only about 6 inches of slack max, usually only 2 inches. Is this something that I can fix myself easily?
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER: Hello Russ:
The Sears Model Number of this Unit is 316.794970 . To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers (316.794970) and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section or 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 (41AS320G799). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. 1- There is No Clutch. I Suggest you Check the Impeller Bolt and Make Sure it is Still Properly Tightened. *This is Shown in the Housing Parts Section.* 2- The Recoil Starter Rope can be Tightened by Slipping the Rope Into the U that is Cut Into the Recoil Pulley and Turning the Recoil Starter the Same Direction it Turns During Pull Starting (Usually Clockwise) for 2 Turns Only. This Tightens the Spring and the Recoil will Return the Rope Fully in and Hold as Designed. You Must Remove the Impeller Blade to Perform this Repair. *The Recoil Pulley is Shown in the Engine Parts Section.* 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for taking the time to reply. I took the blower apart, and had the impeller off. However, I couldn't get the "Starter Housing Assembly" off to gain access to the recoil pulley. The nut on the end of the crankshaft, labeled "Crankshaft Extension" (#43 in the diagram) kept the housing on. Attempting to turn the bolt would turn the whole crankshaft, and I could not see how to prevent the crankshaft from spinning. The starter housing covers the flywheel, which prevents me from holding the flywheel in place while turning the bolt. Any ideas?
AnswerHello Again Russ:
Take the Spark Plug and Go to the Hardware Store or Automotive Parts Supplier and Purchase a Bolt that is of the Same Diameter and Threads as the Spark Plug. Make Sure it is 3 to 4 Inches Long. Thread this Bolt Into the Spark Plug Hole and Carefully Tighten Until the Piston is Blocked and Will Not Move while you are Loosening the Nut. If the Bolt is Turned All the Way Into the Plug Hole and it has Not Touched the Piston, then Slowly Turn the Engine in the Direction you are Turning the Nut to Loosen it Until the Piston Jam Against the Bolt, then Loosen the Nut. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
