Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snowblower Clutch, briggs and stratton, clutch works

Question
Michael;
I am quite mechanical, except that I have never taken a Snowblower apart. I purchase at a yard sale what appears to be nice Craftsman 10/32 Showblower. I have had a chance, seeing that I live in Canada to put it through its paces and everthing functions, except I believe the clutch if it has one. The machine will go into drive (5 speeds ahead) and move under its own power but if a hold onto it I can stop it with ease. Being more of a Motorcylce guy, I would have thought that there would be almost a direct drive once the clutch is let out, which leads me to belive either the clutch has a problem or I just don't know how a Snowblower should react, or maybe an adjustment. The unit has a Briggs and Stratton motor. As you may guess this is my first Snowblower and it looks like I am going to get another chance to test it tomorrow.

Any ideas on how the clutch works or if it is adjustable in one of these things.?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Jack

Answer
Hi Jack,

Raise the back wheels or hoist the back end up enough to get at the underside.  Don't tip the unit completely on its front or the oil will go places it shouldn't. As you remove the bottom cover, under the drive axle, you will see a rubber wheel that contacts a disk.  To engage or disengage, the wheel or disk moves.  You can adjust the clutch lever to apply more spring tension.  Sometimes the rubber wheel gets hard, glazed and worn out or even broken. It may need to be replaced and is not expensive.

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck,
Michael
(I'm a motorcycle guy too.)