Craftsman 8hp Snowthrower model 536 traction drive problem
Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > Craftsman 8hp Snowthrower model 536 traction drive problem
Author: spidee601
Date: 31 Dec 2006 1:46 pm
Hi, this question probably has been asked and anwered a thousand time but I can't seem to find it but my traction drive just stopped working on me today. I checked all the belts and the engine runs as good as ever. The auger works but when I push the lever for the traction drive nothing happens. I am told that this is probably the Shear Bolt. I took apart the bottom faceplate and sure enough there was a small bolt that fell out in 2 peices. Question is, is this in fact a shearbolt problem? And where does it go on my blower since my manual is less than helpful. If it's some other thing that might be the problem I would appreciate the help. We got 7inches of snow last night and I only got half my lot done and its a holiday weekend so I am hopeing to get this fixxed myself. I appreciate any help someone can give me.
Author: ramit
Date: 31 Dec 2006 1:53 pm
Welcome to the forum.
What is the year/make/model/model number of the blower?
That info will help those more in the know.
I'm not familiar with there being sheer bolts for the traction drive.
But those knowing for sure I'm sure will chime in.
I would get the blower up so I could see the lower end, with the bottom off. Pull the plug wire for safety.
I would start with rotating the tire and looking for what spins and what doesnt. Looking for a shaft/sleeve with a through hole.. that would be my first WAG at it.
The sheer bolts, the ones I've seen, have a section of their neck cut down so they'll break easy and save the rest of the machine's parts.
Replacing it with a standard bolt is a no-no, since your now missing that "fuse" in the system. Most people just keep a 1/2 dozen in their garage since they do break time to time.
Typically they are found on the augar incase the machine takes in something that jams it. Instead of destroying the gear case and other parts futher down the line, the sheet bolts on the augar will/should break.
Author: ramit
Date: 31 Dec 2006 1:56 pm
Sorry I know see in your title you put some make and model info!
There should be a larger p/n number for the Sears blowers..??
Author: spidee601
Subject: craftsman Model
Date: 31 Dec 2006 1:57 pm
its a CraftsMan 8hp dualstage 2004 model 536.881800.
When I took the bottom plate off there was smaller bolt that fell out in 2 pieces. The thrower was working fine when I left it for a second and came back to it the traction would go, I tried shifting to different gears and still nothing. All the belts are fine. The auger still works but thats it.
Author: ramit
Date: 31 Dec 2006 2:10 pm
Sorry I don't know that particular machine. I'm sure others will be on that know that sort of machine better. But with it being New Years... not sure who will and wont pop in.
From a back yard mechanic's point of view........
With the bottom plate off can you rotate the track drive and follow the drive path back to the platter?
There engine drives a platter via the belt.
A disk with a rubber ring on it is moved along the platter to change the speeds and direction. The disk with the rubber ring is usually on a hex shaft, sliding along it, and the hex shape is how it is engaged to the shaft.
That disk with the rubber ring is brought into contact to the platter, to initiate movement, by the hand lever.
With the hand lever not depressed, the disk with the rubber ring will not be in contact = no power to the drive.
From the disk with the rubber ring, follow the mechanical path back to the shaft that drives the tracks.. probably a chain somewhere?
Any of the chain sprockets missing a bolt?
The shafts to the track drive wheels, are their sleeves that connect it to something else?
Find any holes where it looks like the bolt would go?
Author: buttlint
Date: 31 Dec 2006 2:39 pm
Possibly?
Author: spidee601
Date: 31 Dec 2006 2:43 pm
OK thanks, that diagram looks alot like what might be wrong. I'm going to eat a little pizza then go try and see if I can get it going. Thanks guys
Author: spidee601
Date: 31 Dec 2006 4:44 pm
Thanks for the help guys I got it fixxed and its running like new.
Author: dave___in___ct
Date: 31 Dec 2006 4:50 pm
:lol: :lol: ...good job !
Dave...
Author: ramit
Date: 31 Dec 2006 5:09 pm
Great, happy New Year!
Author: Majorxlr8n
Date: 31 Dec 2006 9:55 pm
spidee601 wrote:
OK thanks, that diagram looks alot like what might be wrong. I'm going to eat a little pizza then go try and see if I can get it going. Thanks guys
Looks like you owe 'Lint a slice... :lol:
Welcome to the forum & glad to hear you got the old Craftsman "buttoned up"!
Marty