Even a quality snow blowers like Cub Cadet’s 524 WE and SWE are bound to have a problem now and then. Fortunately, common problems on these models are easy to diagnose, and they can often be addressed without having to take the snow blower to a dealer.
Safety Precautions
Turn off the engine and let the snow blower come to a complete start before beginning any repair. The engine and muffler will be very hot and could cause burns, even if the snow blower was only run briefly. For repairs requiring the snow mobile to be tilted, run the engine until the gas tank is empty to prevent spills.
Problem: The engine won’t start.
– Check to make sure there is fuel in the tank.
– Correctly prime the engine. This procedure varies depending on the motor powering your snow blower. A separate engine instruction manual should have been packaged with your model describing the procedure.
– Make sure the extension cord has a good connection at the snow blower and the outlet.
– Is the key fully inserted into the ignition?
– Is the choke lever to the “Choke” position?
– Is the fuel stale? If the tank still has gas from last season, it’s time to put new fuel in. The engine will be hard to start until fresh gas reaches the carburetor.
– Is the spark plug wire connected?
– Inspect the spark plug. Clean any buildup and check the gap. If the insulation is cracked or the electrode is worn down, replace it with a new spark plug.
Problem: Engine won’t keep a steady speed.
– Is the choke lever to the “Run” position?
– Stale fuel doesn’t burn easily. Put some fresh fuel into the tank and let the engine run. If this is the cause, the idle should smooth out once the new fuel has reached the carburetor.
– The fuel system may need to be cleaned to remove dirt or other obstructions.
– The carburetor needs to be adjusted, or the engine governor isn’t working correctly. Either repair should be performed by a professional.
Problem: The engine is overheating.
– The carburetor is out of adjustment and should be inspected by a professional.
Problem: The snow blower is vibrating excessively.
– Stop the engine immediately to prevent damage to the snow blower. Unplug the spark plug wire from the spark plug and press the wire into the engine momentarily to ground it. Check and re-tighten every bolt on the snow blower. If it still continues to shake, it will need to be serviced by a professional.
Problem: The snow blower won’t propel itself.
– Is the drive cable properly adjusted? If it is too loose, the drive belt won’t engage when the control lever is closed.
– Check the friction wheel. If the hex shaft was recently lubricated, the wheel may have gotten some grease on it, causing it to slip. Over time, the friction wheel will wear down from use and won’t make contact with the drive wheel; it will need to be replaced.
– The drive belt needs to be replaced. This is a complicated repair requiring specialty tools and should be performed by a professional.
Problem: The snow blower is not discharging snow.
– Is the chute clogged?
– Is there is an object caught in auger?
– Does the auger control cable need to be adjusted? A loose cable will keep the auger belt from engaging.
– Is the auger belt loose or damaged? Unlike the drive belt, replacing this part is a simple repair requiring only a few common hand tools.
– The shear pins on the auger are broken. The pins will break to prevent damage to the auger if something gets jammed into it: check the area for any obstructions. Only use OEM shear pins to ensure protection of the auger; using aftermarket pins will void the snow blower’s warranty.
Problem: The chute doesn’t rotate a full 180 degrees.
– The chute hasn’t been assembled correctly, or is missing a piece. Take it apart and reassemble it according to the guide in the instruction manual.
Where can I get parts for these repairs?
Any part you may need for your Cub Cadet is available from www.cubparts.com. They have a parts lookup tool that makes it easy to find what you need to get your snow blower back in service.