8
SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: NEVER attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running.

Control Cable & Belt Tension

As a result of both the control cable and the drive belt
stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be
necessary.
If the auger seems to hesitate when rotating while the
engine maintains a constant speed, an adjustment is
necessary. Proceed as follows:
The upper hole in the control handle provides for an
adjustment in cable tension. To adjust, disconnect the
end of control cable from the bottom hole in the control
handle and reinsert it in the upper hole. Test the snow
thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference.

Shave Plate

• To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place
the unit on a level surface. The wheels, shave plate
and augers should all contact the level surface.
Note that if the shave plate is adjusted too high,
snow may blow under the housing. If the shave
plate wears out excessively, or the unit will not self-
propel, the shave plate may be adjusted too low.
NOTE: On new units or units with a new shave plate
installed, the augers may be slightly off the ground.
• To adjust, tip the snow thrower back so that it rests
on the handle. Loosen the lock nuts from the
carriage bolts which secure the shave plate to the
housing. See Figure 4.
• Move the shave plate to desired position and
retighten the nuts and bolts. Make certain all four
nuts are securely tightened.
Figure 4
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR SNOW THROWER
WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or
inspecting, disengage the control handle and
stop engine. Wait until all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

Engine

Refer to the Tecumseh engine manual packed with the
snow thrower for detailed instructions regarding all
engine-related maintenance.

Lubrication

• Lubricate pivot points on the control handle and the
extension spring at the end of the clutch cable with
a light oil once every season and before storage of
the snow thrower at the end of the season.

Hardware

Check the engine and snow thrower frequently for
loose or missing hardware, and tighten or replace as
necessary.

Replacing the Drive Belt

The snow thrower’s drive belt is subject to wear and
should be replaced if any signs of cracking, shredding
or rotting is present. To change the drive belt, proceed
as follows:
• Remove the belt cover from the left side of the
snow thrower’s auger housing by unthreading the
five hex screws which secure it in place.
• Gently grasp the idler bracket and pivot it upward to
ease tension on the drive belt. See Figure 5.
• While holding the idler bracket up, carefully slip the
drive belt off the engine pulley. See Figure 5.
Carriage Bolts Shave Plate