Having trouble with your Cub Cadet snowblower? Here’s what to look for when trying to diagnose common problems on these machines.
Wheels Not Engaging
V-Belt is worn or broken: Check the belt for damage and make sure the clutch pulley
Over time, this belt can stretch out, preventing it from transferring power from the engine to the axle.
Friction wheel is slipping: The friction wheel has a rubber outer ring that engages the drive plate. If there is grease or moisture on this surface, it can keep the plate from engaging. Over time, wear can reduce the diameter of this ring, keeping it from engaging. If this happens, it should be replaced,
Traction control cable: This cable should move freely when closing the lever. If it doesn’t, apply a light oil or silicone spray onto the cable to lubricate it. If the cable is stretched, it won’t be able to move enough to engage the drive clutch and should be replaced.
Hydrostatic transmission: Models engine in “H” use a hydrostatic transmission. While this transmission is maintenance-free, years of use may lead to leaks in the seals, reducing power transfer. If this happens, the transmission will need to be rebuilt or replaced.
Auger Doesn’t Turn or Snowblower not Throwing Snow
Shear pins: These pins go through the auger axle sleeve, connecting it to the drive axle. They’re designed to break off if the auger hits a rock or other obstruction to prevent damage to the auger and drive components. If the pins are broken, remove any objects around the impeller and housing that could cause a jam and install new pins.
Belts: Inspect the belt that runs between the engine and auger gearbox. If it is loose, cracked or broken, it needs to be replaced.
Snowblower Won’t Start
Electrical connection: If the on-board electric starter doesn’t work, make sure it’s connected to a live outlet using an extension cord that can support the power drawn by the starter, typically 14 or 15 amps.
Choke: Make sure the choke is closed during cold starts. If the engine was just running and is up to operating temperature, start with the choke open.
Spark Plug: Check the spark plug gap. If the insulator is cracked or the electrode is damaged, the plug should be replaced.
Carburetor: Most carburetor problems are caused by deposits left by stale fuel. Clean the carburetor and replace the old fuel with fresh, stabilized fuel. Perished seals should be replaced to prevent air from entering the carburetor without passing by the jet.
Engine Starts and then Stalls
Choke: Make sure the choke is closed when starting the engine. This creates a richer air/fuel mixture that helps the engine stay running until it’s up to temperature.
Fuel cap: The cap has holes in it that let air enter the tank as gas flows out into the carburetor. If these are clogged, the pressure inside the tank can drop, keeping fuel from leaving the tank. This leans out the air/fuel mixture, shutting off the engine.
Carburetor: If the float bowl is stuck or the jets are clogged, the carburetor may not be delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine. Clean the carburetor and make sure you’re using fresh, stabilized fuel. In severe cases, the carburetor may need to be rebuilt to get it to add enough fuel to the intake air.
The Snowblower is Leaking Gas
Fuel line: The line may have been pulled off its connections to the fuel tank and carburetor, or it has been damaged.
Carburetor: One of the seals inside the carburetor may have perished. Fuel leakage is typically caused by a bad float bowl gasket, but if this happens, all seals should be replaced.
Snowblower Leaving Behind Snow
Speed and collection rate: Try operating the snowblower at a slower speed or overlap passes more to pick up less snow at a time. Snow density can vary widely, so the volume of snow that your machine can handle will vary between snowfalls.
Skid shoes: Make sure the skid shoes are at the right height, and that both the left and right shoe are at equal heights. These shoes will need to be replaced periodically as they wear.
Auger housing and chute: Make sure there aren’t any clogs in the housing or chute that could prevent snow from being picked up and thrown by the augers.
Getting Parts for Your Cub Cadet Snowblower
From sheer pins to major components, if it’s Cub Cadet, you can get it from www.cubparts.com. We’re not just an online parts warehouse, we’re a certified Cub Cadet dealer, letting us ship the full line of OEM parts currently in production to any address in the U.S. and Canada.