BCS 852 - Snowblower Troubles

[PhilG327]

You guys have been such a big help with my other issues, I thought I would try you first before I take it to the local dealer. The right-side (viewed from the rear drivers position) snowblower impeller stops turning intermittently. If I bang on it or push it up in the air and allow it to drop on the pavement, it will sometimes start spinning and working again. I found the shear-pin was gone (broken off I assume) but replacing it did not help. I had assumed the snowblower gear box was a simple direct drive gearbox, but perhaps not ? Is there a clutch of some sort in there ? As always any and all suggestions are very welcome.

 

[farmerboybill]

There is nothing inside the gearbox like a clutch. The only way one side spins while the other does not is the shear pin you just replaced, or the shaft is broken. Check out the parts breakdown courtesy of BCS America -

http://www.bcsamerica.com/uploads/2013/02/Att.SnowThrower.pdf

 

[PhilG327]

That's not what I was hoping to hear ! Though I have to admit I was thinking along those same lines too... local dealer has it now - fingers crossed.

 

[farmerboybill]

Is your local dealer Effinger or Norms?

 

[PhilG327]

I go to Mark at Effinger's in Viroqua. I bought it there and the service has been very good. No word yet though on what he might have found - I'm just praying he gets it fixed before the next big snowfall.

 

[PhilG327]

In case anyone is interested, Mark at Effinger's in Viroqua, WI found both shear pins for both impellers broken ! Even the one I had replaced a few weeks earlier was broken. No idea what I am doing wrong, but I'll have to be more careful in the future. Thanks for all your advise guys.

 

[farmerboybill]

Do you have a lot of gravel in your driveway? The blower is spinning at 1200 RPM and one piece of gravel can shear a pin if it wedges between the impeller and the housing. If you are in gravel, set the skids so the blower runs higher off the ground.

 

[BCSSHOP]

If you are using the BCS supplied shear bolts, replace them with the roll pins used previously. The are part number 342.11102. They sell for $1.25. If you are breaking the roll pins you are likely catching too many rocks. The roll pins were used for over 25 year with the same gears and turbines (BCS name for auger/impeller) with little gear damage. I supply every new snow thrower with 2 of these roll pins in addition to the factory supplies shear pins (bolts).

 

[PhilG327]

Gravel in my driveway ? Fact is that's all I have ! See, I learn something everyday-had no idea gravel could be a problem. Guess I just assumed this bad boy would just power on through it. Live and learn and yes, I will raise the skids a bit to clear the gravel - of course then the driveway won't be as clean..

 

[PhilG327]

No idea which type was used, but I will make a note of this for future repairs.