SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR SNOW THROWER

WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or inspecting, disengage all clutch levers 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.

Augers

The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If the snow thrower hits a foreign object or ice jam, hex bolts will shear.

If the augers will not turn, check to see if the bolts have sheared. Two replacement shear bolts and hex lock nuts have been provided with the snow thrower. For future use, order part number 710- 0890A (shear bolt 5/16-18 x 1.5") and 712-0429 (hex lock nut 5/16-18).

Shave Plate and Skid Shoes

The shave plate and skid shoes on the bottom of the snow thrower are subject to wear. They should be checked periodically and replaced when necessary.

To remove skid shoes, remove the four carriage bolts, bell washers and hex nuts which attach them to the snow thrower. Reassemble new skid shoes with the four carriage bolts, bell washers (cupped side goes against skid shoes) and hex nuts. Make certain the skid shoes are adjusted to be level.

To remove shave plate, remove carriage bolts, bell washers and hex nuts which attach it to the snow thrower housing.

Reassemble new shave plate, making sure heads of the carriage bolts are to the inside of the housing. Tighten securely.

Belt Replacement

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground.

Auger Belts

NOTE: It is necessary to remove both belts in order to change either one. If changing just one belt, be certain to check the condition of the other belt.

Remove the plastic belt cover in front of the engine by removing the two self-tapping screws. See Figure 14.

Drain the gasoline from the snow thrower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.

Tip the snow thrower up and forward so that it rests on the housing.

Remove six self-tapping screws from the frame cover underneath the snow thrower. See Figure 14 for the location of the hardware.

Belt

Cover

Self-Tapping Screws

Figure 14

Roll the front and rear auger belts off the engine pulley. See Figure 15.

Rear Auger

Drive

Belt

Belt Engine

 

Pulley

Idler

Front Auger

Belt

Pulley

 

Idler

Engine Pulley

Pulley

Figure 15

Unhook the idler spring from the hex bolt on the auger housing. See Figure 16.

Back out the stop bolt to allow belts to slip between the bolt and the auger pulley. See Figure 17.

NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen the six hex nuts that fasten the frame to the auger housing.

Lift the rear auger belt from the auger pulley, and slip belt between the support bracket and the auger pulley. See Figure 16. Repeat this step for front auger belt (except models 600/610E).

Replace both auger drive belts by following instructions in reverse order.

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MTD 640 manual Servicing Your Snow Thrower, Augers, Shave Plate and Skid Shoes, Belt Replacement, Auger Belts